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Nominees announced for SATA 2016

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sataMaldives.net.mv – South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) opened up for nominations on 30th June 2016 have received overwhelming  support from major hospitality brands present in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

While announcing the final nominees of SATA 2016, Mr. Tuan Saabir Vaffoor, Vice President mentioned that: SATA is the first Hospitality Award brand recognized by regional organizations including Federations of Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (CATO, India), Association of Tourism Trade Organizations of India (ATTOI), Association of Travel Agents (ATA, Maldives) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).

Mr. Tuan added, undoubtedly SATA will be a great event and an amazing brand. We have already started communicating with 2017 hosting destination as we have got a tremendous number of international and National brands together with us to celebrate the best of South Asian Hospitality.

SATA has also appointed major regional tourism medias including Asian Traveler as premium media partner and Asian Diver, Asian Geographic, Floating Asia and Maldives.net.mv as media partners of the event scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka during late October.

SATA Nominees 2016 : 

Visitors Choice Categories :

(nominated by organizer : based on types of participation from respective destinations)

Leading International Airport:

  • Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka
  • Ibrahim Nasir International Airport , Maldives
  • Trivandrum International Airport, India

Leading Honeymoon Destination :

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Diving Destination:

  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Surfing Destination

  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Heritage Destination

  • India
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Beach Destination

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Leading Cruising Destination

  • India
  • Maldives

Leading MICE Destination

  • India
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka

Self Nominated Categories :

(Brands and Services nominated by the brand / property)

Leading International Airline :

  • Singapore Airlines
  • Mega Maldives

Leading City Hotel :

  • Casa Colombo Collections , Sri Lanka
  • Ceylon City Hotel, Sri Lanka

Leading Airport Hotel :

  • Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives

Leading Transport Provider :

  • Flyme , Maldives

Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn

  • Shamar Guest House and Dive, Maldives
  • Surf View Raalhugandu, Maldives
  • Canopus Retreat, Maldives
  • Yonder Retreat, Maldives
  • Velana Beach , Maldives
  • Aqua Inn, Sri Lanka
  • Kaani Village & Spa, Maldives
  • Kaani Beach Hotel, Maldives

Leading Liveaboard Brand :

  • Emperor Divers, Maldives
  • Scuba Spa, Maldives
  • Voyages Maldives
  • Blue K Safari , Maldives

Leading Liveaboard  :

  • Emperor Voyager,Maldives
  • Scuba Spa Ying, Maldives
  • Scuba Spa Yang , Maldives
  • Gurahali , Maldives
  • Soleil2 , Maldives

Leading House Boat :

  • Marvel Cruise, India
  • Spice Routes Luxury Cruise , India

Leading House Boat Brand :

  • Marvel Cruise, India
  • Pepper , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Cinnamon , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Ginger , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Clove , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India
  • Cardamom , Spice Routes Luxury Cruise, India

Leading Beach Hotel / Resort:

  • Finolhu , Maldives
  • Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Adaaran Club Rannaalhi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Handahaa , Maldives
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Cocoa Island , Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Amari Havodda Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Tangerine Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes,Sri Lanka
  • Uga Bay by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Amaya Beach Passikudah, Sri Lanka
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading Meetings & Conference Resort / Hotel :

  • Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Leading Business Hotel :
  • Best Western Elyon Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Taj Samudra, Sri Lanka
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka

Most Romantic Resort:

  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru, Maldives
  • Royal island Resort& Spa, Maldives
  • Coco Boduhithi , Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Adaaran Prestige Vaadoo, Maldives
  • Jumeirah Dhevenafushi, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Hunas Falls by Amaya, Sri Lanka
  • Langdale by Amaya, Sri Lanka
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives
  • Serene Pavilions , Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Maldives
  • Heritance Tea Factory , Sri Lanka

Leading All Inclusive Resort / Hotel:

  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Select Meedhupparu , Maldives
  • Constance Moofushi, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Turyaa Kalutara , Sri Lanka

Leading Designer Hotel / Resort :

  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives
  • Amari Havodda Maldives
  • Casa Colombo Collection, Sri Lanka
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading F&B Hotel/Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Cinammon Bey Beruwala, Sri Lanka
  • Centara Rasfushi , Maldives
  • Centara Grand IslandResort & Spa , Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives
  • Sun Aqua Pasikudah , Maldives
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
  • Heritance Ahungalla , Sri Lanka

Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Coco Boduhithi, Maldives
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Prestige The Water Villas, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes,Sri Lanka
  • Residence by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Chena Huts by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Uga Bay by Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka
  • Casa Colombo Collection , Sri Lanka
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Pasikudah , Sri Lanka
  • Heritance Negambo, Sri Lanka

Leading Family Hotel/Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Angsana Velavaru , Maldives
  • Royal Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
  • Sun Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Cocoa Island, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
  • Turyaa Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Leading Wellness & spa Hotel / Resort:

  • Dusit Thani Maldives
  • Amilla Fushi, Maldives
  • Centara Rasfushi, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels Maalifushi, Maldives
  • Amaya Lake, Dhambulla , Sri Lanka
  • The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi , Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, India
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives

Leading Wellness & Spa Brand :

  • Araamu Spa, Maldives
  • Como Shambala , Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Chi, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
  • Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Maldives
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa , Maldives

Leading Dive Hotel / Resort:

  • Holiday Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Vivanta By Taj -Coral Reef, Maldives
  • Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
  • Angsana Ihuru , Maldives
  • Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Constance Moofushi, Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives

Leading Eco Resort / Hotel :

  • Cocopalm Dhunikolhu, Maldives
  • Leopard Trials, Sri Lanka
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • Sun Island Resort and Spa , Maldives
  • Sonevafushi, Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka
  • Leading CSR Programme
  • CocoPalm Dhunikolhu Maldives
  • Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
  • Uday Samudra Beach Hotel & Spa, India
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka

Leading Surf Hotel / Resort :

  • Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
  • Como Hotels & Resorts , Maldives
  • Cinnamon Dhonveli , Maldives

Leading Dive School / Center :

  • Sea Splash , Dusit Thani Maldives Dive School
  • Dive Oceanus , Maldives
  • Dive Point, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
  • Blue Journeys, Park Hyatt Maldives
  • Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
  • Down Under, W Retreat & Spa, Maldives
  • Meridis Dive & Relax , Maldives
  • Sun Diving School, Maldives

Leading Activity / Water Sports Center :

  • Meridis Dive & Relax , Maldives
  • Outrigger Maldives
  • Q-Adventure , Maldives
  • Watersports Point, Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives
  • Park Hyatt Maldives Handahaa
  • WAVE., W Maldives Retreat & Spa, Maldives

Leading Convention Center .

  • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conventions Halls (BMICH), Sri Lanka

Leading PSA / GSA Partner , Handling Agent :

  • Avia Maldives
  • Marvel Tours, India
  • Go Maldives
  • Cyprea Private Limited

Leading Travel Agent :

  • OV Holidays, Maldives
  • Classic Travel, Sri Lanka
  • Capital Travel, Maldives
  • Flyinstyle , Sri Lanka
  • Splendid Asia , Maldives
  • Maldives Holiday Collections, Maldives
  • Travel Connections Maldives
  • Resort Life Maldives
  • Let’s Go Maldives
  • Gateway Malabar Holidays , India
  • Moodhu Holidays, Maldives
  • Sun Travel & Tours , Maldives

Leading Tour Operator :

  • Viluxur Holidays, Sri Lanka
  • Classic Travel , Sri Lanka
  • Cyprea Hotels & Travel, Maldives
  • Flyinstyle, Sri Lanka
  • Maldives Holiday Collections, Maldives
  • Splendid Asia , Maldives
  • Travel Connections , Maldives
  • Capital Travel , Maldives
  • Moodhu Holidays, Maldives
  • Marvel Tours , India

Family

Easter goes playful at The Standard, Maldives with week-long Angry Birds celebration

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This April, The Standard, Maldives is redefining the traditional Easter holiday with a bold, high-energy island takeover inspired by the playful world of Angry Birds. Taking place from 1 to 7 April, the week-long celebration transforms the resort into a vibrant playground, blending pop culture, family-friendly activities and island indulgence against the turquoise backdrop of the Raa Atoll.

The programme places families at the heart of the festivities, with a variety of interactive experiences designed for guests of all ages. Children and parents alike can take part in “Birds vs. Pigs” puzzle challenges, test their skills at Slingshot Splash, and enjoy creative sessions such as Angry Birds-themed egg painting and chocolate truffle making. Highlights for younger guests include a Bunny Meet and Greet, an island-wide Easter Egg Hunt, and a lively pool party that brings a playful twist to the holiday celebrations.

For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the resort’s spa offers a curated wellness programme throughout the week. Experiences include Aerial Sound Healing, Chakra Balancing and Therapeutic Yoga, alongside a Family Hammam designed to provide restorative downtime after a day of island activities.

As evening falls, the resort’s social energy comes to life with a dynamic line-up of entertainment. Guests can enjoy LED and fire shows, Full Moon beach parties and sunset cruises, while those with a competitive streak are invited to join Easter-themed music quizzes and bingo nights.

Dining is a central part of the Easter experience, with a diverse culinary programme curated for the occasion. In addition to the signature Easter Brunch, the resort hosts beachside barbecues, healthy food masterclasses and the “Happy Bunnies” Golden Hour, featuring crafted cocktails by the sea. For more intimate moments, private movie nights under the stars and exclusive beachfront dinners are also available.

To ensure a seamless holiday experience, guests may opt for the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive Package, offering access to the full range of activities, dining and beverages throughout the week. With its energetic programming and playful spirit, The Standard, Maldives delivers an Easter celebration that combines sun, sand and entertainment into a distinctive island escape.

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News

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced a thoughtfully curated series of experiences in honour of World Wildlife Day (March 3), Earth Hour (March 28), and Earth Day (April 22). Designed by the resort’s Naturalists and Ladies and Gentlemen, the programme reflects a deep commitment to conservation, environmental education, and mindful well-being—inviting guests of all ages, including younger explorers, to engage meaningfully with the island’s extraordinary nature.

Surrounded by endless ocean, expansive horizons, and graceful coconut palms, these global environmental observances hold profound significance. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, sustainability is seamlessly part of each guest’s journey, through conscious culinary practices, sustainable energy practices, organic Bamford amenities, and a commitment to zero single-use plastic. These dedicated days further illuminate the resort’s enduring responsibility to protect what frames each sunrise and sunset.

World Wildlife Day–A Celebration of Biodiversity

On March 3, guests are invited to discover the remarkable ecosystems thriving both above and below the surface. Guided by in-house Naturalists, guests may explore the diversity of fish species drawn to the resort’s coral gardens and participate in hands-on coral regeneration experiences that support reef restoration. As the day unfolds, a traditional Maldivian Dhoni sailing at sunset offers the opportunity to observe dolphins along the horizon—an elegant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and luxury that defines the island experience.

Earth Hour–From Sky to Sea

Earth Hour on March 28 honors the serenity of island life and the shared responsibility to protect it. The day begins at The Ritz-Carlton Spa with Echoes of the Earth, a grounding sound bath experience inspired by the rhythms of nature and aligned with the resort’s signature wellness philosophy, Deep Blue Prescription—aholistic approach rooted in balance, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. Inspired by the transformative power of the Blue Mind state, this exclusive philosophy encourages deep connection with the ocean and the natural environment.

Guests may further explore the island from the sky through participation in the resort’s drone conservation project, which utilises aerial technology to detect and collect marine debris. Beneath the surface, guided snorkelling sessions provide insight into sea turtles and vibrant marine habitats that support coral regeneration. As dusk falls and lights are dimmed at 8:30 pm, guests gather beneath the Maldivian sky for a candlelit Earth Hour dinner at EAU Bar. A serene stargazing session led by Naturalists prior to that will offer a peaceful moment of reflection beneath a sky made even clearer by darkness; celebrating the planet while conserving energy to protect this extraordinary home.

Earth Day–Regeneration and Renewal

On April 22, Earth Day unfolds with sunrise ground yoga, embraced by the ocean’s endless blue and the soothing sound of waves, honouring the island’s natural rhythms and inviting guests to experience again the healing power of blue. The afternoon is dedicated to coral and tree planting initiatives, reinforcing the resort’s active role in ecological restoration and long-term sustainability.

Inspiring the Next Generation–Ritz Kids Environmental Programming

Through the Ritz Kids programme, younger guests are invited to explore the Maldives in a playful, creative, and age-appropriate way. Designed for children aged four to twelve and complemented by dedicated activities for teenagers, the programme is built upon four pillars: Nature, Exploration, Responsibility and Culture.

World Wildlife Day, Earth Hour, and Earth Day place environmental protection and species conservation at the forefront of children’s experiences. In Coral Crafters workshops, children create coral-inspired artworks while learning about reef ecosystems. Eco Craft–Save Our Ocean transforms recycled materials into ocean-themed art, encouraging awareness of waste reduction. Activities such as Butterfly Symmetry, Little Explorers Art Lab, and Starstorm Sketch Wall Paint blend artistic expression with environmental education. Teenagers may engage in the Fish Identification Quest, learn about marine megafauna; including manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles; or participate in Coral Regeneration Experiences. On land, the Bat Scavenger Hunt introduces ecological awareness through exploration and storytelling, while creative workshops and dolphin cruises foster a deeper understanding of the connection between art, wildlife, and the ocean.

Sustainable Luxury with Purpose

Through this comprehensive programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands demonstrates how refined hospitality and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously. By integrating conservation initiatives, immersive education, and restorative wellness, the resort continues to inspire guests; especially its youngest explorers—to respect, protect, and celebrate the natural world that defines the Maldives.

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Drink

SO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day

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On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.

A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna

Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.

Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.

The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit

As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.

Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.

The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.

At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.

Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.

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