News
South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) receives overwhelming support
																								
												
												
											
Maldives.net.mv – SATA 2016 scheduled for this October in Colombo , Sri Lanka has received a tremendous support from major international hotel brands present in Maldives , Sri Lanka and India.
The South Asian Travel Awards is the first ever regional Travel Awards endorsed by Multi-National organizations providing the Tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards within the regions of the Tourism industry.
The endorsement of organizations include Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Tourism Trade Organizations India (ATTOI), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).
The brand has its affiliations from regional associations ensuring the process within a smooth and transparent procedure. The judging panel will consist of 02 senior representatives from each destination (total of 06) with vast knowledge and background of the industry to assure an accurate and fair process. SATA is a Highrise concept in Collaboration with India and Sri Lanka.
SATA was open for nominations from 30th June until 15th August. The nominations were open with an initial press briefing at the Sri Lanka Tourism premises amidst the presence of the press and heads of regional associations.
SATA is as promising as its nominated brands. While everyone gets ready for the upcoming online voting from 20th Aug till 5th October 2016. SATA will be having its programme as a South Asian Travel Retreat during a weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
SATA Opportunity : with an Investment Opportunity evening.
SATA Gala & Awards ; an event full of colors , entertainment and the grand award function.
SATA Celebrate : celebration of winners with a special gathering at the after event party.
Deadline to Nominate is (Monday) 15th August 2016 while SATA waits to receive nominations from more brands.
“We already have received many queries from major brands which has committed to come in as nominees., as of now we have over 160 nominations. So I believe, we are celebrating the best of South Asian Hospitality” with the best tourism brands – Tuan Saabir Vaffoor , Vice President , SATA.
Major Tourism Industry Medias including Asian Traveller, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver, Floating Asia and Maldives.net.mv has been appointed as media partners of SATA 2016.
Photo courtesy Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
News
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives transitions to five-star adults-only resort
														Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been reimagined as a five star, adults only sanctuary, setting a new standard for refined relaxation amidst the Maldives’ pristine surroundings. This repositioning ushers in a fresh chapter for the resort, unveiling thoughtfully designed spaces, curated dining experiences, and enhanced leisure facilities, all reflecting its promise – For Those Who’ve Outgrown Ordinary.

Dining
The resort’s culinary landscape has been completely reimagined with the introduction of two signature restaurants.
Summer, the resort’s open-air, beachfront restaurant, is set to open in late November. Capturing the vibrant energy of southern coastal cuisine, it brings to life a lively grill concept inspired by the laid-back charm of Louisiana. The menu celebrates flame-grilled specialities, gourmet burgers, and hearty comfort dishes, served in a beach-style setting that transitions effortlessly from the warmth of the afternoon to the relaxed rhythm of the evening.

Corals, opening in mid-December, introduces a semi-fine dining experience within an elegantly enclosed, air-conditioned space inspired by the island’s underwater world. Its menu highlights refined global and French influences, complemented by a carefully curated wine selection and live jazz performances that enhance the restaurant’s sophisticated ambience.

Wellness & Recreation
Further enriching the guest experience, the newly expanded Sports and Recreation Centre, set to open in mid-November, features a badminton court, newly introduced pickleball and tennis courts, and a dedicated table tennis hub, catering to the growing demand for social and wellness-focused experiences. These enhancements bring a renewed sense of energy and connection to the resort, ensuring every guest can find the perfect balance between activity and leisure during their stay.

Guest Experience Enhancements
Recognising the importance of comfort and connection throughout the guest journey, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has unveiled a thoughtfully designed Guest Waiting Lounge for travellers arriving early or departing late. The lounge features plush seating, soft lighting, signature teas and coffees, Wi-Fi access, and a curated reading corner, complemented by washroom and shower facilities, providing a tranquil space to unwind before the next leg of the journey.

Speaking on the reopening, Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, shared, “Our vision was to create a sanctuary where adults can reconnect, relax, and rediscover the magic of island life in an elevated yet effortless setting. Every space, from our new dining venues to our wellness and recreation facilities, has been designed to celebrate experiences that feel personal and inspiring.”
With these enhancements, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives invites guests to experience an island escape where contemporary elegance meets Maldivian charm which is perfectly crafted for those who’ve outgrown the ordinary.
For more details and bookings, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamon-hakuraa-huraa-maldives.
News
Czech actress Simona Krainová enjoys island retreat at Brennia Kottefaru Maldives
														Brennia Kottefaru Maldives recently had the pleasure of welcoming renowned Czech actress and model Simona Krainová and her family for a relaxing island getaway, in collaboration with Colours of Maldives, a leading travel brand with over 28 years of experience promoting the Maldives.
Born on 19 February 1973 in Havířov, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Simona is best known for her roles in There Once Was a Cop (1995), Dodgeball (2015), and Kapitán Exner (2017). During their stay, Simona and her family enjoyed diving and snorkeling adventures, exploring the Maldives’ stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters.
Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
To learn more, visit www.brennia.com and for reservations, please email info@brennia.com.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
														Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
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