News
Emirates named world’s best airline in Skytrax awards

In a gala ceremony held at Farnborough Airshow, Skytrax presented the 2016 World Airline Awards. The leaders and top management from over 40 airlines from across the globe attended the event, where Emirates was voted the World’s Best Airline by air travellers.
At the awards event, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax commented: “we are honoured to have so many airlines travel here today and receive their accolades after being voted as Best Airlines in many different categories. For many years we have been dedicated to providing a survey and awards process that remains independent, and delivering an event that is aptly known as the Passenger’s Choice Awards. We have seen many familiar names here today appearing as repeat winners, which I guess reflects that in many cases ‘once a winner, always a winner’ in many customers eyes.
Emirates was named the to the prestigious title of best airline in the world, trumping last year’s winner Qatar Airways, which came second. Emirates also scooped up the awards for World’s Best Inflight Entertainment for a record 12th consecutive year, and Best Airline in the Middle East.
Singapore Airlines took third spot, followed by Cathay Pacific, both in last year’s top five, while ANA All Nippon Airways rose two places to come fifth.
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2016
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- EVA Air
- Qantas Airways
- Lufthansa
In other awards, Qatar Airways took gongs for the world’s best business class, best business class lounge and best airline staff in the Middle East, while Singapore was awarded the best airline in Asia and ANA All Nippon Airways was recognised for offering the world’s best airport services and having the best airline staff in Asia for the second year in a row.
Other accolades included the world’s best low-cost airline handed to Norwegian and the world’s most improved airline won by Thai Airways.
Skytrax World Airline Awards: A-Z of winners
- Aegean Airlines Best Regional Airline in Europe
- Aeroflot Russian Airlines Best Airline in Eastern Europe
- Air Astana Best Airline in Central Asia / India, Best Airline Staff Service in Central Asia / India
- Air France Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining, Best First Class Comfort Amenities
- Air New Zealand World’s Best Premium Economy Class Cabin, World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat
- AirAsia World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia
- AirAsia X World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Cabin, World’s Best Low Cost Airline Premium Seat
- ANA All Nippon Airways World’s Best Airport Services, Best Airline Staff Service in Asia
- Asiana Airlines World’s Best Economy Class, Best Economy Seat, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering
- Austrian Best Airline Staff Service in Europe Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras, Best Low-Cost Airline in South America, Best Airline Staff in South America
- Bangkok Airways World’s Best Regional Airline, Best Regional Airline in Asia
- Cathay Pacific Airways World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness, Best First Class Airline Lounge
- Copa Airlines Best Airline in Central America / Caribbean, Best Regional Airline in Central America / Caribbean, Best Airline Staff Service in Central America / Caribbean
- Emirates World’s Best Airline (Airline of the Year), World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment
- Ethiopian Airlines Best Airline Staff Service in Africa
- Etihad Airways World’s Best First Class, Best First Class Seat, Best First Class Onboard Catering
- EVA Air Best Airline Transpacific, Best Business Class Comfort Amenities
- Finnair Best Airline in Northern Europe
- flyDubai Best Low Cost Airline in the Middle East
- Garuda Indonesia World’s Best Cabin Crew
- Hainan Airlines Best Airline in China, Best Airline Staff Service in China
- Hawaiian Airlines Best Airline Staff Service in North America
- Indigo Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia / India
- Jetstar Airways Best Low-Cost Airline in Australia / Pacific
- Juneyao Airlines Best Regional Airline in China
- Kulula Best Low Cost Airline in Africa
- LAN Airlines Best Airline in South America
- Lufthansa Best Airline in Western Europe, Best Airline Transatlantic
- NorwegianWorld’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline, Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe
- Plaza Premium World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge
- Porter Airlines Best Regional Airline in North America
- Qantas Best Airline Australia in Pacific, Best Airline Staff in Australia / Pacific Best Premium Economy Onboard Catering
- Qatar Airways World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Airline Lounge, Best Airline Staff in the Middle East
- Royal Air Maroc Best Regional Airline in Africa
- Singapore Airlines Best Airline in Asia, Best Business Class Airline Seat
- Sky Airline Best Regional Airline South America
- South African Airways Best Airline in Africa
- Spring Airlines Best Low-Cost Airline in China
- Star AllianceWorld’s Best Airline Alliance, World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge
- Thai Airways World’s Most Improved Airline, Best Airline Lounge Spa Facility
- Thomson Airways World’s Best Leisure Airline
- Turkish Airlines Best Airline in Europe, Best Airline in Southern Europe, Best Business Class Airline Catering, Best Business Class Lounge Dining
- Virgin America Best Airline in North America, Best Low-Cost Airline in North America
Often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”, the World Airline Awards this year welcomed entries from more airlines than ever before. The winners are then chosen based on what is said to be “the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey”.
While the figures for this year’s awards are yet to be released, last year’s survey of 18.9 million passengers saw more than 245 airlines measured on 41 key performance standards, from the quality of check-in service and boarding procedures to cabin cleanliness and other indicators.
Source: The Telegraph, London
Awards
Tripadvisor recognises three Atmosphere resorts among global top 10%
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has announced that three of its standout properties—Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and VARU by Atmosphere—have been recognised by Tripadvisor as part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional guest reviews and ratings over the past year. This builds on a strong legacy of Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives consistently recognised over the years, RAAYA by Atmosphere marking its second consecutive win, and VARU by Atmosphere extending its streak of consecutive awards since 2021.
This prestigious recognition highlights the brand’s continued commitment to delivering elevated, guest-centric experiences rooted in authentic Maldivian hospitality, thoughtful design, and curated holiday plans and offerings.
The accolade reflects consistent positive feedback from travellers across the globe, celebrating everything from personalised service and culinary excellence to immersive island experiences. Each of the three awarded resorts offers a distinct identity while maintaining the brand’s positioning, “A New Experience Awaits.”
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a vibrant island escape defined by spacious villas, lush natural surroundings, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Known for its seamless Kanifushi Plan™, the resort delivers exceptional dining, engaging experiences, and warm, intuitive service that consistently resonates with guests seeking both comfort and adventure in the Maldives.

RAAYA by Atmosphere invites you into a luxurious world shaped by nature and imagination in Raa Atoll. Drift across crystal lagoons and indulge in a premium all-inclusive island escape where every detail is effortlessly taken care of. Relax in nature’s embrace surrounded by our architectural grace and embark on a journey of immersive experiences for couples, families, and friends alike.

VARU by Atmosphere is celebrated for its refined elegance and effortless experience, located just a short transfer from the airport. Combining modern architecture with authentic Maldivian warmth, the resort delivers personalised service, diverse dining options, and a tranquil yet sophisticated setting that continues to earn high praise from guests worldwide.
Building on this achievement, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its portfolio across the Maldives and beyond, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and authentic guest engagement.
Awards
Villa Nautica named among Maldives’ best resort pools by Travel + Leisure
Villa Nautica has once again been recognised by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, with its signature infinity pool named among the best resort pools in the Maldives. The recognition marks four consecutive years of Travel + Leisure honours for the resort’s pool experience, following its top spot win as Best Resort Pool in the Maldives in 2025.
Set along the edge of the island in North Malé Atoll, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-metre infinity pool has become one of the resort’s defining spaces. Designed not simply as a place to swim, but as a social and restorative heart of the island, the pool brings together open ocean views, relaxed lounging, shaded corners and a seamless connection to the sea beyond.
The space was curated with a sense of easy island living in mind. Mornings begin with slow swims and coffee from nearby Press & Pot, afternoons unfold between sun loungers and poolside refreshments, and by sunset, the water mirrors the changing sky. It is a setting made for both quiet pause and shared holiday moments.
What makes the pool stand out is its balance of scale and atmosphere. Expansive without feeling overwhelming, elegant without feeling formal, it captures Villa Nautica’s approach to contemporary Maldivian hospitality: stylish, effortless and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Villa Nautica continues to appeal to travellers looking for a resort experience that feels both accessible and elevated. The latest recognition from Travel + Leisure further cements the resort’s infinity pool as one of the Maldives’ most memorable places to swim, gather and linger by the water.
Cooking
A culinary journey across the globe at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Set within the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, just a short luxury speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives presents a refined expression of contemporary Maldivian living. Elegant overwater and beachfront villas and residences are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, offering privacy, comfort, and a seamless connection to the island’s breathtaking natural surroundings.

At the heart of the resort lies a curated culinary world defined by six distinctive restaurants and four chic bars, each elevating dining into an immersive journey of flavour, atmosphere, and discovery. From interactive live cooking stations and theatrical Teppanyaki and tandoor experiences at The Gallery, to the refined Mediterranean character of Bluefin, every venue offers a distinct interpretation of global and island-inspired cuisine. Suan Bua reimagines authentic Thai flavours through a contemporary lens, while Acqua brings the warmth of Italian coastal dining to the Maldives. The Sailhouse offers relaxed beachfront dining in an open-air setting, and The Club provides a refined space for breakfast, sundowners, and canapés, defined by curated culinary moments and elevated service.

Complementing these are four distinctive bars: Coco Drift, a swim-up bar with views of the horizon; Sunset Social, featuring catamaran-style seating where golden-hour views meet signature cocktails; Rum Bar, a relaxed tropical escape with infused spirits and island-inspired cocktails; and Dolphin Bar, a laid-back swim-up venue for light refreshments and all-day leisure.

Beyond dining, the resort offers a holistic lifestyle experience anchored by three distinctive wellness concepts: SPA Cenvaree Retreat and SPA Cenvaree, delivering restorative wellbeing journeys through signature Thai-inspired therapies rooted in traditional healing philosophies; and Candy Spa, a vibrant concept designed for younger guests. Multiple kids’ clubs and E-Zones create engaging environments for children and teens, while fully equipped fitness centres support active wellbeing throughout the stay. A curated selection of water sports and marine adventures further enriches the experience, inviting guests to explore the lagoon through movement, discovery, and connection with nature.
Together, these elements define a seamless and elevated island experience where refined living, culinary artistry, wellness, and recreation come together in harmony, positioning Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives as a distinctive expression of modern Maldivian hospitality.
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