Connect with us

News

Emirates named world’s best airline in Skytrax awards

Published

on

 

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

 

News

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef opens new beach club and Italian restaurant

Published

on

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues its evolution with the introduction of YAYA Beach Club and Tuscany, two distinctive additions to the resort’s dining and lifestyle experiences. Following the unveiling of its reimagined villas earlier this year, the latest developments bring a fresh dimension to island life, combining relaxed beachside gatherings, music, creative cocktails and the warmth of Italian hospitality.

The launch coincided with the resort’s 28th anniversary celebrations, held from 28 to 30 October under the theme A New Rhythm of the Reef. The three-day programme brought together international DJs, live entertainment, wellness experiences and a special culinary residency by Chef Fatjon Goga, marking another milestone for the first resort in the Sun Siyam portfolio, which opened in 1998.

YAYA Beach Club: A New Signature Experience

At the heart of this new chapter is YAYA Beach Club, the first introduction of this new Sun Siyam Signature Experience across the resort collection.

Designed as a relaxed social space where food, drinks, music and playful moments come together, YAYA brings fresh energy to the island while remaining true to the intimate character of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the group’s Privé Collection.

The experience unfolds naturally throughout the day, beginning with Club Café, where speciality coffee and music set a relaxed atmosphere. As the day progresses, Smoothies & Spritzes offers refreshing drinks and cocktails, complemented by casual beachside dining, sharing plates, island-inspired games and informal tasting experiences.

What sets YAYA apart is its attention to the smaller moments of hospitality. From chilled towels and fresh coconuts to spontaneous drinks and thoughtful surprises from the team, the concept is designed to create memorable experiences that feel natural and personal rather than programmed.

As the afternoon moves towards sunset, music and cocktails introduce a new rhythm through YAYA’s signature sunset ritual. The concept also includes special monthly Full Moon Soirées, bringing together candlelight, music, sharing plates and drinks beneath the Maldivian night sky.

Open daily from 10:30 to 19:00, YAYA Beach Club welcomes guests of all ages until 17:00, offering a relaxed beachfront setting for lunch, speciality coffee and refreshing drinks. From 17:00 to 19:00, the atmosphere transitions to an adults-only experience for drinks, music and sunset moments. Food service is for lunch only.

As the first YAYA Beach Club in the Sun Siyam portfolio, the concept marks the beginning of a new Signature Experience designed to become a recognisable part of the group’s hospitality offering.

Tuscany: The Warmth of Italian Dining by the Ocean

Complementing the relaxed energy of YAYA Beach Club, Tuscany introduces a different dining experience to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, inspired by the warmth, generosity and simplicity of Italian cuisine.

Tuscany will welcome guests for dinner daily from 18:30 to 21:30, offering an inviting destination for leisurely evenings where quality ingredients, familiar Italian flavours and a welcoming atmosphere take centre stage.

Rather than focusing on formal dining, Tuscany celebrates the pleasure of sharing good food and conversation. From freshly prepared pasta and Italian favourites to carefully selected ingredients and comforting Mediterranean flavours, the restaurant brings the spirit of Italian hospitality to the shores of the Maldives.

The concept is centred on relaxed, unhurried dining, offering guests an opportunity to enjoy an intimate evening by the ocean. Guests staying at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef may enjoy one dining experience at Tuscany during their stay, while those wishing to return receive a 50% discount on food for subsequent visits.

The introduction of Tuscany was celebrated during the resort’s 28th anniversary programme with a special culinary residency by Chef Fatjon Goga, whose approach to contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine reflects the restaurant’s inspiration. Born in Albania and shaped by his culinary career in Italy, Chef Goga has worked in acclaimed kitchens including Don Alfonso and Arnolfo. Since 2022, he has led Osteria Grande in Arezzo’s historic Piazza Grande, where Tuscan traditions, seasonal ingredients and refined techniques come together.

During the anniversary celebrations, guests were introduced to his culinary philosophy through a special dining programme, including a signature dinner, a hands-on pasta masterclass and an intimate culinary experience highlighting the stories and inspirations behind his cooking.

A New Chapter for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Together, YAYA Beach Club and Tuscany introduce two complementary experiences to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. While YAYA brings a playful, social atmosphere to the island’s daytime offering, Tuscany invites guests to slow down and enjoy the pleasures of Italian dining in the evening.

The new venues follow the resort’s recent villa enhancements and form part of its continued evolution, bringing fresh experiences to the island while preserving the personalised service, natural surroundings and intimate atmosphere that have defined Vilu Reef since its opening in 1998.

As the first resort in the Sun Siyam portfolio, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to build on its heritage, combining the warmth of Maldivian hospitality with new experiences that invite guests to discover a different rhythm of island life.

For more information, visit the Sun Siyam Vilu Reef website.

Continue Reading

News

Cinnamon Maldives offers up to 80% off stays in 11.11 booking promotion

Published

on

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced its 11.11 offer, available only to guests who book direct. Guests who book by 14th November 2026 receive up to 80% off the rate and choose three of four book direct benefits at their chosen resort, with stays valid until 30th November 2027. Stays of three nights or more also come with resort credits.

The offer spans all four of its Maldives resorts, each with its own character and its own set of book direct benefits. Whether guests are planning a holiday with children, a quiet escape for two, or a week spent mostly underwater, there is an island and a combination of experiences to match. From beach dinners to dolphin watching, guests pick the three benefits that suit their holiday best, so no two stays need look the same.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Just 20 minutes from Malé in the North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a lively tropical island where days move easily between the beach, the lagoon, and the reef. It is an easy choice for holidays with little ones, with short transfers and plenty to keep every age busy. Book direct guests can choose any three of a dinner set up on the sand under the stars, a spa treatment to unwind after a day in the sun, a visit to a nearby local island to see everyday Maldivian life up close, and a swim and snorkel session to meet the reef and its residents.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

In the Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is made for slowing down. Warm white sand, clear water, and the steady sound of the waves set the pace, making it a natural fit for couples and travellers looking for a quieter stay. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner for two by the water, a spa treatment designed to help them switch off completely, a day of island hopping across the atoll, and a dolphin watching trip on the open sea.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

An adults only island in the Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is where romance moves to the rhythm of the waves. With water villas set over the lagoon and long, unhurried days, it is a favourite for honeymoons, anniversaries, and couples who simply want time together. Book direct guests can choose any three of a sunset fishing trip as the sky turns gold, a day of island hopping, a bottle of bubbly to toast the occasion, and a kayaking experience across the calm lagoon.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

In the North Ari Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens up a new world underwater. Its house reef sits just steps from the shore, so divers and snorkellers can slip into the water from the beach and be among the reef life within minutes, any time of day. Book direct guests can choose any three of a beach dinner after a day in the ocean, a Balinese massage to ease tired muscles, a sunset fishing trip, and a dolphin safari to spot pods in the wild.

For bookings and enquiries, visit cinnamonhotels.com and the offer is available only on direct bookings made by 14th November 2026.

Continue Reading

News

Bandos Maldives strengthens food safety and sustainability standards with dual recognition

Published

on

Bandos Maldives continues to strengthen its commitment to responsible hospitality, quality and excellence with Food Safety Management System complaint with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, and the achievement of its Green Globe Certification.

These accomplishments reflect the resort’s ongoing dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences while upholding high standards of food safety, environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.

The HACCP recognition reflects the resort’s dedication to maintaining high food safety and quality standards across its food and beverage operations, ensuring guests enjoy safe and quality dining experiences. It also recognises the collective efforts of the culinary, food and beverage, and stewarding teams in upholding these standards.

Complementing this commitment to quality, the resort’s Green Globe recertification marks another important milestone in its sustainability journey. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives, Bandos Maldives recognises its responsibility to protect its island environment and the marine ecosystem that makes the destination so unique. With 1,330 solar panels generating 744.8 kWp of electricity and meeting approximately 30% of daily energy requirements, Bandos Maldives continues to invest in more sustainable operations. Through its desalination plants and refillable glass bottle initiative, the resort has also eliminated more than 250,000 single-use plastic water bottles annually. Marine conservation also remains another important focus.

Commenting on these achievements, General Manager Ismail Rasheed said: “We are delighted to achieve these important milestones, which reflect our team’s dedication to quality, guest wellbeing and environmental sustainability. While we are proud of our progress, we recognise that responsible hospitality is an ongoing journey. We remain committed to continuously improving our practices and protecting our island environment for future generations.”

Guided by its Island of Hospitality brand promise, Bandos Maldives believes that exceptional guest experiences go beyond warm service and comfortable accommodation. They also mean ensuring guest safety, maintaining quality and protecting the natural beauty of the island and its surrounding marine environment.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.