Angsana Velavaru has announced that it has been honoured with two prestigious titles in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Award Asia Pacific 2026, a distinction reflecting the resort’s continued commitment to exceptional service, leadership, and guest experience.

General Manager Ahmed Zahir was named the Maldives’ 4th Best Hotel General Manager, a recognition of his leadership in driving the resort’s operational excellence and guest satisfaction standards. Angsana Velavaru was further celebrated as the Maldives’ 9th Best Resort Pool, highlighting the resort’s stunning overwater and beachfront pool experiences that have become a hallmark of its guest offering.

The Travel + Leisure Awards Asia Pacific recognise the region’s most outstanding hotels, resorts, and hospitality professionals, a voted by discerning travellers and industry experts across the Asia Pacific region. Being named among this year’s honorees places Angsana Velavaru alongside some of the most celebrated properties and leaders in Maldivian hospitality.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal has always been to create meaningful, memorable experiences for every guest who visits us, and this award reflects the passion and hard work that goes into achieving that every single day.”

Set on a private island in the South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru has built its reputation on an experience that feels both intimate and effortlessly luxurious. The resort’s overwater and beachfront pool villas open directly onto the turquoise lagoon, while its house reef, just steps from the shore, offers guest some of the most accessible snorkelling in the Maldives without the need for a boat excursion.

Beyond its pool and reef, the resort’s appeal lies in a collection of signature experiences designed to set it apart from other island destinations. The award-winning Angsana Spa offers treatments inspired by regional wellness traditions in secluded overwater pavillions. A range of dining venues, from beachfront grills to overwater fine dining. Showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views at every meal.

For families and couples alike, the resort balances adventure with relaxation, offering everything from dolphin cruises and sunset fishing trips to quiet, private moments on its powder-white beachfront villas.

Sustainability remains central to the Angsana Velavaru experience as well. As part of Banyan Group’s broader commitment to responsible tourism, the resort integrates eco-conscious practices into its operations, from marine conservation initiatives protecting its house reef to community engagement programs that support the local Maldivian population. This combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality has helped the resort build a loyal following among discerning travellers seeking a luxury escape rooted in authenticity.

The resort’s recognition in this year’s Luxury Awards underscores a broader trend across the Maldives, where properties are increasingly distinguished not only by their physical amenities but by strength of the leaership team behind them. Ahmed Zahir’s individual honour reflects this shift, highlighting the growing importance placed on operational leadership as a defining factor in the guest experience, alongside the more traditional hallmarks of luxury such as design and location.

To discover more about Angsana Velavaru’s award-winning experiences, please visit the resort’s website.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has announced an exclusive culinary collaboration with MICHELIN-Starred Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso of IDAM by Alain Ducasse, Doha, presenting two exceptional dining experiences on 17 and 20 July 2026. Set amidst the pristine beauty of one of the Maldives’ most untouched island sanctuaries, the events promise an immersive gastronomic journey celebrating contemporary French cuisine, Mediterranean influences, and world-class wine pairings.

A signature initiative of the Park Hyatt brand, Masters of Food & Wine is a global series of sophisticated culinary and beverage experiences that brings together award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and masters of their craft. Since its inception in Carmel in 2003, the program has celebrated Park Hyatt’s passion for exceptional food and beverage through immersive experiences that connect guests with culinary artistry, wine culture, and meaningful destination-driven storytelling. Each event is designed to showcase both world-class expertise and the unique character of its host destination.

Renowned for its pristine natural beauty and understated luxury, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa provides the perfect backdrop for two immersive gastronomic experiences that celebrate the connection between destination and cuisine. Through menus inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera, Chef Rosso will present dishes that reflect his contemporary culinary philosophy while embracing the exceptional ingredients found in and around the Maldives.

Chef Rosso, Executive Chef of IDAM by Alain Ducasse in Doha, has built an impressive career spanning more than fifteen years, working alongside some of the world’s most respected culinary figures, including Joël Robuchon, Yannick Alléno, Jacob Jan Boerma, and Ronan Kervarrec. Under his leadership, IDAM by Alain Ducasse was awarded a MICHELIN Star for two consecutive years since the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Qatar 2025 ceremony. Celebrated for his ingredient-driven approach and refined creativity, Chef Rosso brings a distinctive blend of technique, innovation, and respect for seasonality to every dining experience.

The culinary journey begins on 17 July 2026 with “A Taste of the Mediterranean from the French Riviera,” an exclusive MICHELIN-Starred Wine Pairing Dinner at The Island Grill. The six-course menu will showcase contemporary cuisine infused with Mediterranean influences, featuring dishes inspired by the bounty of the island and surrounding waters, complemented by premium wines from France and Italy.

On 20 July 2026, guests will experience the resort’s first-ever MICHELIN-Starred Four Hands Wine Dinner, a collaborative culinary showcase between Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso and Executive Chef Davide Allievi of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Bringing together French and Italian culinary traditions, the six-course menu celebrates Mediterranean heritage while highlighting seasonal ingredients and authentic flavors that reflect the natural rhythms of the island.

Executive Chef Davide Allievi brings more than fifteen years of international culinary experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Maldives. Inspired by authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for ingredients, his culinary style reflects both his Italian roots and the unique character of Hadahaa.

A curated wine pairing will elevate both evenings, guiding guests through an exceptional journey of distinguished wines from France and Italy. Enhancing the 20 July event is Harsh P. S. Chauhan, a WSET-certified sommelier and wine educator from Grape Expectations whose expertise spans wineries, luxury hospitality, wine importation, and retail. His handpicked selections and engaging storytelling will offer an exclusive, deeply immersive experience for the night.

“At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, we are committed to creating experiences that are deeply connected to our destination,” said Anshul Sharma, General Manager of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “We are delighted to welcome MICHELIN-starred Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso for this exclusive culinary collaboration, bringing his world-class expertise to the extraordinary natural setting and rich culinary bounty of Hadahaa. As part of the Masters of Food & Wine program, these dining experiences bring together exceptional talent, remarkable ingredients, and the unique spirit of our island, offering guests a truly memorable culinary journey.”

“Whenever I cook in a new destination, I seek inspiration from the ingredients and environment that make it unique,” said Fabrice Rosso, Executive Chef of IDAM by Alain Ducasse, Doha. “For these dinners at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, I wanted to bring the spirit of the Mediterranean while embracing the remarkable seafood, herbs, and flavors found in the Maldives. The result is a menu that reflects both my culinary roots and the character of this extraordinary island.”

“It is a privilege to welcome Executive Chef Fabrice Rosso to Hadahaa for this unique culinary collaboration,” said Davide Allievi, Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. “Our shared passion for authenticity, craftsmanship, and respect for ingredients has inspired a menu that reflects both our individual backgrounds and the spirit of the island. Together, we have created a dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors while highlighting the purity and beauty of the Maldives.”

EVENT DETAILS

A Taste of the Mediterranean from the French Riviera | Michelin-Starred Wine Pairing Dinner

• Date: 17 July 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM onwards
• Venue: Island Grill
• Price: USD 249++ per person

The Harmony of French & Italian Delights | Michelin-Starred Four Hands Wine Dinner

• Date: 20 July 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM onwards
• Venue: Island Grill
• Price: USD 249++ per person

Reservations are now open, with limited seating available for both events. For reservations and further information, please visit the resort’s website or contact +960 682 1234, maldives.parkhadahaa@hyatt.com. 

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, in collaboration with Bespoke Events Maldives, has hosted the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase 2026, bringing together engaged couples, wedding professionals, and leading lifestyle brands for an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating love, creativity, and unforgettable occasions.

Held at the resort’s elegant Feydhoo Hall, the showcase marked an exciting milestone for both the resort and the Maldives’ wedding industry. Guests explored beautifully curated vendor displays, connected with industry experts, and discovered the endless possibilities for creating bespoke celebrations in one of the Maldives’ newest lifestyle destinations.

The event featured an impressive collection of carefully selected local partners, including wedding planners, bridal fashion specialists, photographers, videographers, florists, jewellery designers, entertainers, beauty professionals, decorators, stationery providers, and luxury service experts. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live entertainment, culinary tastings prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team, interactive experiences, and exclusive offers available only to Wedding Showcase attendees.

Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is redefining destination celebrations by combining contemporary island living with stylish accommodation, exceptional dining experiences, and one of the Maldives’ most versatile event venues, Feydhoo Hall.

“The success of our first Maldives Wedding Showcase marks an exciting milestone for dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives,” said Yogeswaran Veerasamy, General Manager of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. “Seeing so many couples, families, and industry partners come together to celebrate love and creativity was truly rewarding. Together with Bespoke Events Maldives, we wanted to create more than just an exhibition—we wanted to inspire future celebrations and demonstrate what is possible when exceptional venues, talented local partners, and genuine hospitality come together. The overwhelming response has been incredibly encouraging, and we look forward to making the Maldives Wedding Showcase a signature annual event while creating unforgettable celebrations for years to come.”

As the Maldives continues to evolve as a destination for more than just beach weddings, the event highlighted the growing demand for stylish, purpose-built venues capable of hosting intimate ceremonies, grand receptions, multicultural weddings, corporate gatherings, exhibitions, gala dinners, and private celebrations.

With its contemporary design, flexible event spaces, and convenient location close to Malé, Feydhoo Hall offers one of the Maldives’ largest purpose-built function venues, providing an ideal setting for celebrations of every scale.

The success of the inaugural Maldives Wedding Showcase reflects dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ commitment to supporting the local events industry while creating a platform that connects couples with trusted suppliers, innovative ideas, and exceptional experiences. Following the overwhelmingly positive response from guests and exhibitors alike, the resort looks forward to building on this success and establishing the Maldives Wedding Showcase as an annual celebration of love, collaboration, and creativity.

For more information about weddings and events at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, please visit the resort’s website.