Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.

The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.

The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.

“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.

“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”

Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.

The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.

Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.

“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.

“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”

The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.

The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection has announced a residency by British pianist Richard Sully from 4 to 9 November 2026, featuring a series of live performances alongside dining experiences, sunset cruises and evening gatherings across the resort.

Sully, a former resident pianist at London’s Savoy Hotel, has performed at venues across Britain and internationally. His repertoire includes popular music, light jazz, classic standards and compositions from film and theatre, which he performs entirely from memory.

The residency will begin on 4 November with sundowner cocktails and a Lobster Extravaganza on the beach, accompanied by a live piano performance. The opening evening will combine music with beachfront dining.

On 5 November, Sully will perform at AKOYA Sea Lounge, offering guests an evening of live music in the resort’s oceanfront setting.

The programme will continue on 7 November with a sunset cruise aboard the Mirihi Thari Sailing Yacht, bringing the musical experience onto the Indian Ocean.

On 8 November, Sully will present a sundowner performance at Muraka, before concluding his residency with a final evening performance at AKOYA Sea Lounge on 9 November.

The five scheduled experiences form part of the resort’s efforts to incorporate live entertainment into its dining and leisure offerings, allowing guests to enjoy music in different settings across the island.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, part of the MGallery Collection, offers beach and overwater accommodation, oceanfront dining and marine experiences. The November residency will add a series of music-focused activities to the resort’s guest experience programme.

Six spa destinations operated by Mandara Spa in the Maldives have been recognised in the TOP 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, marking a significant milestone for the international spa and wellness brand and its hospitality partners.

The recognition spans six properties across four hospitality groups: Mandara Spa at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi; Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives; Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi; and Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura.

From secluded island retreats to contemporary urban hospitality, the six destinations reflect the diversity of wellness experiences across the Maldives. Each is shaped by its unique setting and character, while sharing a commitment to attentive service, therapeutic expertise, and genuine guest care. Beyond the awards themselves, this collective achievement celebrates the dedication of the spa teams and the enduring hospitality partnerships that have helped shape Mandara Spa’s presence in the Maldives.

Wellness in the Maldives is shaped as much by the character of a destination as by the treatments it offers. Mandara Spa’s long-standing collaboration with Adaaran Resorts reflects this diversity across three distinctive properties. At Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, the spa complements an intimate luxury island experience, while Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers a restorative balance to the resort’s activities and experiences. Meanwhile, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, known for its surfing and vibrant island atmosphere, provides guests with an opportunity to unwind after days spent exploring the surrounding waters.

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Mandara Spa draws on traditional healing practices to offer moments of relaxation within the resort’s tropical surroundings. Th.ari Spa by Mandara at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi brings a contemporary perspective to wellness, combining therapeutic traditions with tailored care that reflects the resort’s relaxed and modern character. In contrast, Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura brings the brand’s approach to the heart of Malé, offering hotel guests and visitors a place to recharge amid the energy of the capital.

Across all six properties, Mandara Spa’s approach extends beyond a single spa concept. Each experience is shaped by its surroundings, the identity of its hospitality partner, and the expectations of its guests. By combining its therapeutic heritage with an understanding of individual destinations, the brand creates wellness experiences that feel connected to their settings while maintaining a shared commitment to attentive service.

While the six spas differ in location and experience, their success is shaped by the people who bring each wellness journey to life and the guests who place their trust in Mandara Spa. Across the Maldives, therapists, spa managers, and operational teams work together to create experiences that feel welcoming, thoughtful, and attentive to individual needs. Equally important are the guests who continue to choose Mandara Spa as part of their travels, whose confidence and appreciation inspire the teams to uphold the standards of care that define the brand.

This commitment extends throughout the guest experience, from maintaining service standards to working closely with resort teams to ensure thoughtful and consistent care. The recognition offers an opportunity to acknowledge these collective efforts while expressing sincere gratitude to the guests and hospitality partners whose continued trust has supported Mandara Spa’s journey in the Maldives.

“Having six of our spas recognised in the same year is a proud moment for everyone at Mandara Spa. This achievement reflects the dedication of our therapists and spa teams, who bring genuine care and professionalism to every guest experience. We are especially grateful to our guests for the trust they place in us and for allowing us to be part of their wellness journeys. Our sincere appreciation also goes to our hospitality partners at Adaaran Resorts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, NOOE Maldives, and Barceló Hotel Group for their continued support and collaboration. It is a privilege to share this recognition with everyone who has contributed to our journey in the Maldives,” said Trent Munday, Mandara Spa.

Through each of these partnerships, Mandara Spa has brought its spa management expertise to properties with distinct identities and guest expectations. While every collaboration has its own history and character, they share a common understanding of the importance of wellness within the wider hospitality experience. By working closely with hotel and resort teams, Mandara Spa develops offerings that reflect the individuality of each destination while drawing on its experience in spa operations and service delivery.

Beyond the treatments themselves, successful spa operations depend on thoughtful planning, skilled teams, and a close understanding of each property’s hospitality environment. This includes developing wellness concepts, supporting therapist development, and maintaining the standards that allow each spa to operate consistently within its resort or hotel environment. Across the six recognised destinations, these efforts demonstrate how thoughtfully integrated wellness can enrich the guest experience and contribute to the distinctive character of each property.

As Mandara Spa celebrates this milestone, the recognition also highlights the brand’s enduring commitment to wellness, rooted in the rich healing traditions of Asia. Across six distinct destinations, each spa brings together time-honoured therapies, skilled practitioners, and thoughtful service to create meaningful moments of relaxation and renewal. This shared achievement reflects Mandara Spa’s dedication to honouring its heritage while continuing to evolve its wellness experiences, supported by the people and hospitality partnerships that have shaped its journey in the Maldives.