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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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Joy Island Maldives marks third anniversary with week of island celebrations

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Joy Island has announced its third year anniversary celebration.

The week-long celebration will start from 28 September to 4 October 2026, bringing together a vibrant programme of wellness, entertainment and island experiences designed to create memorable moments for all guests.

The celebrations will begin on 28 September with Sunrise Energy Flow Yoga, setting the tone for a week of joyful experiences. The opening evening will feature spectacular fire shows and a tropical welcome, inviting guests to come together and celebrate the beginning of this special milestone.

The main anniversary celebrations on 1 October will feature a series of signature experiences, beginning with Golden Sunset Cocktails, where guests can unwind and enjoy refreshing drinks as the sun sets over the island. This will be followed by the Anniversary Gala Dinner, hosted by Chef Koyi Tanabe offering a unique culinary experience.

The highlight of the evening will be the much-anticipated Anniversary Party, featuring live music, entertainment and an energetic atmosphere as guests come together to celebrate three years of Joy Island.

Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a vibrant programme of activities, includingJoy Beach Olympics, Stand-Up Paddle Relay Fun, Sunset DJ Sessions, Family Fashion Show, Mixology Competition and White Party. Younger guests can take part in bracelet-making, kite flying, pizza tossing, beach games and a Farewell Tree Planting Ceremony. Together, these experiences will create a vibrant celebration filled with fun, creativity, connection and unforgettable island memories.

The celebrations will also welcome distinguished guest personalities, adding an extra touch of culinary and wellness excellence to this special milestone at Joy Island Maldives. Among the featured guests will be Chef Koyi Tanabe, Executive Chef of Salvaje Dubai and Arrogante Dubai joining as the visiting chef, and Imran Zulfikar, a Wellness and Lifestyle Coach specialising in deep-tension release therapy joining as the visiting practitioner.

“Joy Island’s third year anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the memories we have created together with our guests, partners and team members,” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager at Joy Island. “This milestone reflects our continued commitment to delivering genuine hospitality, meaningful experiences and moments of joy that stay with our guests long after their holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone to a celebration filled with happiness, connection and the vibrant spirit of Joy Island.”

As Joy Island celebrates 3 years of creating memorable experiences in the Maldives, the resort looks forward to welcoming guests to an anniversary week filled with laughter, discovery, relaxation and celebration. At Joy Island, the spirit remains simple: “Keep Calm and JOY Your Life.”

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OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI celebrates retention of MICHELIN Key

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In the rarefied realm of the MICHELIN Key, with nearly 500 bestowed worldwide across a multitude of extraordinary properties, true distinction is found not in abundance, but in scarcity. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is counted among just 15 resorts in the Maldives to receive this coveted honour, a distinction that speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to excellence.

While international hospitality superpowers have long staked their claim on the Maldives, there remains room for something more intimate, a vision both all-encompassing and uncompromising. THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exclusive luxury brand within the island nation, has nurtured a flagship that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most recognisable names in the region. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commands its own private island and lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, where a curated collection of suites, villas, pavilions, and RESERVES redefines the art of refined Maldivian living.

The MICHELIN Key serves as a powerful endorsement of the brand’s philosophy of refined elegance, one where every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously curated, from the moment of arrival to the final farewell. At its heart lies the signature RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive paradigm of all-encompassing indulgence that ensures a seamless continuum of bespoke experiences: unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a curated selection of premium international beverages, and the dedicated service of a private Hiyani butler who anticipates every desire with discreet precision.

Beyond the table and the villa, the resort offers dedicated sanctuaries for wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa invites guests into transformative wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the exclusive CUVEÉ wine library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings, where rare vintages and expert guidance converge.

Speaking on the recognition, Abnash Kumar, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, remarked: “To retain the MICHELIN Key is a profound honour. It is not simply an award, it reflects the passion and dedication that our team brings to every guest, daily. It speaks to our commitment to creating experiences that go beyond expectation, where every detail matters, every moment is meaningful, and every guest feels genuinely seen. This recognition belongs to them, and to the guests who inspire us to keep raising the bar.”

Each element of the island converges to create something rare: a holiday that feels both boundless and intimately yours. As OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI looks ahead, it does so with quiet confidence, continuing to redefine what it means to experience the Maldives at its most extraordinary.

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Hideaway Beach Resort combines running and wellness for World Wellness Weekend

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa successfully concluded the second edition of the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 on Friday September the 18th as part of World Wellness Weekend, bringing together running, wellness and the spectacular natural surroundings of the beautiful all-natural Island of Dhonakulhi.

The event welcomed 68 runners, with esteemed athletes Sunny Schippers leading the 10K race and Clara Abbona leading the 5K race, inspiring participants through three scenic island runs (including a relaxing shake out run) surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush tropical landscape of Hideaway.

Held in line with World Wellness Weekend, the programme extended beyond running to embrace a more holistic approach to wellbeing. Participants enjoyed a series of wellness experiences, including sound healing with Naga Healing, Yoga with in-house instructor Shubham, alongside fitness sessions led by Shaffa – Fitness Expert from TfG, and Ask a PT and Physio sessions with Yoosuf as the Personal Trainer Consultant.

The second edition celebrated movement in all its forms, combining physical activity with recovery, mindfulness, and connection with nature. From the energy of the starting line to restorative wellness experiences, the event brought guests and participants together through a shared appreciation for healthier living.

Following another successful edition, the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run continues to build its identity as a unique resort island running and wellness experience, bringing together sport, community and the beauty of the Maldives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

The initiative is endorsed by Visit Maldives and delivered in partnership with TFG as race partner, with race consultation, registration, timing, and bib services powered by TFG Races. Maldivian joins as transport partner, Coral Glass as content partner, and Sporting Vacanze as agent partner. This partnership reflects continued collaboration between tourism, aviation, media, sports, and lifestyle stakeholders in supporting wellness tourism in the Maldives.

Participants received a race timing bib powered by TfG Races, a partner goodie bag compiled of little treats by the partners, and the official Flora & Fauna Greenery Run T-shirt. Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K categories. And the esteemed 1st place winners all received a scaled Maldivian Flight model kit by Maldivian Airways.

“Following the success of the historic inaugural edition in 2025, we are delighted to run the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run in 2026,” said Mohamed Muzaffar Ahmed, Business Development Manager of Lily Hotels. “With the continued endorsement of Visit Maldives and the support of our partners, this event reflects the growing opportunity to position the Maldives as a destination for luxury wellness, sports, and active travel. Our ambition is to develop the Maldives Hideaway Resort Run into one of the country’s and inevitably the world’s leading luxury destination running events, offering participants an experience that is truly unique to the Maldives. I am proud of the fact that we are the first luxury running event focused on the sporting tourism niche which has trophies, timing, and medals making Lily Hotels yet another pioneer in experiences in the tourism sector.”

Maldives Hideaway Resort Run – The 2nd Edition might be over, but its revelry carries on with celebrating the runners on social media. In addition to that the resort is looking to clear the remaining stock of the runner’s kit which consists of a goodie bag, t-shirt, and medal via any resort guest running at least a 5k in the official mhrr2026 route at the resort during this year. More details will be available on their social media.

As an intended annual event after celebrating sunrise in the original run in 2025 and flora and fauna in this year, the resort aims to launch its theme for Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2027 – Visit Maldives Year Edition in February next year so stay tuned for any teasers about what they have got in store for the next edition of this spectacular destination running event with amazing views to be experienced by being there and experiencing running in a destination like no other.

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