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Emirates named world’s best airline in Skytrax awards

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Emirates

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

  1. Emirates
  2. Qatar Airways
  3. Singapore Airlines
  4. Cathay Pacific
  5. ANA All Nippon Airways
  6. Etihad Airways
  7. Turkish Airlines
  8. EVA Air
  9. Qantas Airways
  10. 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

 

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The Standard Maldives curates sustainability-focused Earth Hour programme

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The Standard, Maldives invites guests to switch off, slow down and come together for an evening that celebrates sustainability through atmosphere, flavour and connection. On 28 March 2026, the resort will dim non-essential lighting across the island, transforming the night into a thoughtfully curated experience where low light sets the mood and meaningful moments take centre stage. From 6.00 PM to 8.30 PM, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner earlier in the evening at any of the resort’s restaurants as the island begins to power down. As darkness falls, The Standard, Maldives offers a series of experiences designed to show that saving energy can feel effortless—and still be vibrant.

The evening’s culinary highlight is a Japanese Affair Set Dinner, served beachside at Kula Beach from 6.30 PM to 9.30 PM, priced at USD 85 per person. Refined flavours, open skies and the natural ambience of the shore come together for a dining experience that proves everything tastes better under the stars.

As the lights go out, the energy shifts to Todis Beach, where guests are invited to go off the grid with glow-in-the-dark cocktails and mocktails, available àla carte from 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM. A ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer encourages guests to sip, glow and keep the night going, proof that low power does not mean low spirit. The atmosphere is elevated further with a bonfire and live, unplugged acoustic guitar performance, creating an intimate setting for conversation, storytelling, stargazing or quiet reflection. With rhythms guided by nature rather than electricity, the evening embodies the essence of Earth Hour in a way that feels relaxed and social.

By blending conscious choices with carefully crafted experiences, The Standard, Maldives reinforces its commitment to sustainability while staying true to its ethos of elevated yet unpretentious hospitality.

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives expands villa offering with multi-bedroom residences

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At a time when travel is increasingly shaped by shared moments, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces a new collection of multi-bedroom villas that go beyond space—offering thoughtfully designed amenities that transform how families and friends experience the Maldives together.

More than just larger accommodations, the new Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas and Boduge Residence are designed as fully immersive living spaces, where every detail — from outdoor dining areas to intuitive service — enhances connection, comfort, and ease.

Where the Villa Becomes the Experience

In these new villas, the experience begins the moment guests arrive — not just across the island, but within their own private space.

Designed for effortless group living, each villa integrates social spaces, private retreats, and experiential amenities that allow guests to shape their stay around how they want to spend time together.

Thoughtful Features Designed for Families & Groups

At the heart of each villa is a generous private pool and sundeck, creating a natural gathering point — whether for morning swims with children, relaxed afternoons, or sunset moments with friends.

The villas introduce a stronger emphasis on outdoor lifestyle living, with expansive decks and, in the Boduge Residence, a dedicated BBQ area — ideal for:

  • Family-style dinners under the stars
  • Celebratory gatherings
  • Casual, shared meals without leaving the villa

Perfect for multi-generational families or groups, each stay is supported by a dedicated villa host, ensuring:

  • Seamless coordination of activities and dining
  • Personalised touches for celebrations
  • Effortless day-to-day comfort

This level of service allows guests to focus on time together, rather than logistics.

Understanding the needs of group travellers, the villas feature king and twin bedroom combinations, making them ideal for:

  • Families with children
  • Friends travelling together
  • Mixed-age groups

The Boduge Residence’s ability to connect to a neighbouring villa further enhances flexibility, creating a rare three-bedroom private island setup.

Spacious indoor lounges and dining areas allow groups to come together comfortably — whether for:

  • Movie nights
  • Shared meals
  • Quiet downtime away from the sun

The addition of features such as a kitchenette and maid’s room in the Boduge Residence makes it especially suited for longer stays and extended family travel.

Designed to Bring Everyone Together — Naturally

Architecturally, the villas reflect Alila’s eco-minimalist philosophy, where open-plan layouts, natural materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions create a calming, intuitive flow.

Spaces are intentionally designed to feel neither overly formal nor overly structured — allowing guests to move freely between connection and privacy throughout the day.

A Seasonal Invitation to Travel Together

Complementing its expanded villa offering, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives introduces a Maldives Summer Escape offer, encouraging families and groups to plan ahead and experience these new villas with added value and exclusive privileges.

The offer is particularly suited for longer stays, school holidays, and milestone celebrations, making it easier to bring everyone together in one place.

“These new villas are not just about offering more space — they’re about rethinking how people can enjoy time together while still having complete privacy,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “From secluded outdoor dining areas to dedicated hosts and flexible, thoughtfully designed layouts, every detail prioritizes discretion and personal space — making it easier for families and friends to connect, celebrate, and truly relax in their own private sanctuary on the island.”

A Private Island, Made for Shared Moments

With its house reef, proximity to Hanifaru Bay, and serene natural surroundings, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to offer a deeply immersive destination experience.

The addition of these new multi-bedroom villas enhances that offering — creating a setting where the most meaningful moments happen not just around the island, but within the villa itself.

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Halcyon Private Isles Maldives curates immersive Easter programme

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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection invites guests to step into an imaginative island escape this Easter with Halcyon Days in Wonderland—a thoughtfully curated celebration unfolding from 29 March to 7 April 2026. Inspired by the poetic spirit of halcyon days and a whimsical reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, the experience transforms the resort’s two private islands into a world of curiosity, creativity, and quiet enchantment.

More than a traditional festive programme, Easter at The Halcyon is designed as an immersive passage—where time softens, discovery takes centre stage, and each moment is gently layered with storytelling, flavour, and sensory experiences.

At the heart of this year’s celebration is Alchemy of Flavours, a culinary residency by Chef Dmitry Eremeev of Mason Dallos. Throughout the Easter week, Chef Dmitry presents a series of refined dining experiences, from intimate sunset cocktail sessions and curated wine tastings to a signature Four-Hands Dinner alongside the resort’s culinary team at the Fire Pit. His approach blends artistry and technique, transforming each dish into a narrative that reflects both imagination and place. The residency culminates in exclusive dining moments, including a wine dinner and curated gastronomic journeys that highlight the resort’s evolving culinary identity.

The Easter programme unfolds day by day with a rich tapestry of experiences designed for both families and discerning travellers. Mornings begin with gentle rituals such as Island Morning Walks and guided snorkeling through vibrant house reefs—of which the resort is home to two—offering encounters with turtles, coral gardens, and the living rhythms of the Indian Ocean. Marine biology sessions and conservation-led explorations further deepen this connection, revealing the delicate ecosystems that surround the islands.

Creative expression flows throughout the week with hands-on workshops inspired by the Wonderland theme. Guests can take part in bunny origami, egg painting, coconut art, and mini canvas sessions, while younger travellers are invited into a playful world of discovery through treasure hunts, craft ateliers, and interactive games. Signature moments such as the White Rabbit Time Race, Easter Egg Piñata, and themed storytelling sessions bring a sense of whimsy and lighthearted adventure to the island.

Cultural immersion is woven seamlessly into the experience through Tales Painted in Sunlight, where local artists and storytellers share Maldivian folklore, crafts, and traditions. Guests can also learn Boduberu rhythms, explore the origins of Thaana script,
or visit nearby islands for an authentic glimpse into local life—reinforcing the resort’s philosophy of meaningful, place-driven experiences.

Wellness remains an integral part of the Easter journey with The Healer’s Hidden Garden, led by Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Jubil P. Anil. Guests are invited to reconnect through bespoke therapies and complimentary consultations, designed to restore balance and harmony in tune with the island’s natural rhythms.

As the celebration builds, evenings transition into atmospheric gatherings—from sunset fishing rituals and dolphin encounters to beachfront cinema nights and starlit family feasts. The highlight arrives on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a festive Easter Breakfast Buffet at Thari, followed by a day of curated island experiences that blend indulgence, relaxation, and celebration in equal measure.

The festivities conclude with a series of elegant finales, including an Easter Gala Dinner under lantern-lit skies, High Tea in Wonderland, and a Lobster Dinner by the sea at Yuzu—each moment crafted to leave a lasting impression of the season’s magic.

Set across two private islands and defined by its spirit of discovery and refined simplicity, The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives offers a distinctive Easter escape where storytelling, gastronomy, culture, and nature come together effortlessly.

For families, couples, and curious travellers alike, Halcyon Days in Wonderland is an invitation to wander, to wonder, and to experience Easter not as an occasion—but as a journey.

For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800. 

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