News
Think Advertising to organize MATATO Maldives Travel Awards

Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) has awarded Think Advertising the rights to organize and host MATATO Maldives Travel Awards. The agreement was signed between MATATO and Think Advertising on 18th April 2016. Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz, President of MATATO signed on behalf of MATATO and Mr. Adheel Ismail, CEO of Think Advertising signed on behalf of Think Advertising.
MATATO, established in 2006, is one of the leading organization in the Travel Industry comprising of Travel Agents and Tour Operators. MATATO also represents Resorts, Hotels and Airlines in the Maldives. In addition to the advocating efforts of the organization, MATATO takes part in major international travel exhibitions, publish the annual Travel Guide and also hosts the Maldives Travel Awards. “We are very excited about this new partnership and what Think Advertising will contribute to the awards with their years of experience and expertise. Together we will bring yet another successful edition of the Travel Awards, and the Industry can expect a better show with changes that will retain and elevate the significance of the Awards” – Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz, President of MATATO.
Formed in 2005, Think Advertising is the leading advertising and events management company in the Maldives. For the past 11 years, Think Advertising has served a major clientele and hosted the largest events in various industries. “We thank MATATO for entrusting us to organize and host the Award. We also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts from MATATO and the previous organizer to have organized the Award for the past 4 years. We, at Think Advertising ensures MATATO and the industry that we are committed to take the Award to the next level” – Mr. Adheel Ismail, CEO, Think Advertising.
MATATO Maldives Travel Awards was launched in 2012 and the year 2016 marks the 5th Anniversary. The Travel Awards is the most prestigious and highly recognised label in the tourism sector of the Maldives. Coinciding with the Visit Maldives Year 2016, the event will be one of the premium events of the year in the country.
Think Advertising will be organizing and hosting the next Maldives Travel Awards for MATATO in 2016. In the coming weeks, Think Advertising will be communicating the date of the event and notice for nominations and sponsorships.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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