News
Nominees announced for SATA 2016
Maldives.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
As part of its evolving lifestyle collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils a captivating new way to experience the Maldives after sunset with the launch of Night Snorkeling with Mantas, an immersive encounter that brings guests face to face with one of the ocean’s most graceful wonders in their natural rhythm.
Set against the stillness of the island’s house reef, this guided experience reveals the quiet drama of the underwater world at night. As darkness falls, powerful underwater lights draw in phytoplankton, creating a glowing stage that attracts manta rays as they arrive to feed. Guests float comfortably at the surface, watching as these gentle giants glide, loop, and turn beneath them in an effortless underwater ballet.
Led by the professional team at Sun Diving Dive Center, this experience is thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and confidence in the water. Guests are guided through each step, and snorkelling vests provide ease and stability, allowing even first-time night snorkelers to relax. The result is a serene yet exhilarating encounter where time seems to slow and nature takes centre stage.
“Night snorkelling with mantas is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you leave the water,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “There is a quiet magic in seeing these incredible creatures up close, moving so effortlessly through the light. Our team is there every step of the way to make guests feel safe, relaxed, and fully present for what is truly a remarkable encounter.”
What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the proximity and clarity it offers. As manta rays perform their signature feeding loops, often turning belly-up just below the surface, guests are given a rare and unobstructed view of their unique spot patterns, markings so distinct they are used by researchers to identify individual mantas. It is both a visual spectacle and a quiet lesson in marine life.
Understanding Manta Ray Behaviour and Anatomy
Manta rays are among the ocean’s most intelligent and graceful creatures, known for their wide wingspan and gentle nature. Unlike many marine species, they feed on microscopic plankton, using coordinated movements to funnel food into their mouths. Their looping and barrel-rolling behavior during feeding is both efficient and mesmerising to witness. Each manta carries a unique pattern on its underside, much like a fingerprint, offering insight into ongoing conservation and research efforts across the Maldives.
Experience Highlights:
- Night snorkeling with manta rays in one of the most consistent viewing locations within the house reef
- Guidance and support from professional instructors at Sun Diving Dive Center
- Snorkeling Vest provided for ease and comfort in the water
- Full snorkel gear included, with prescription masks available for guests requiring vision support
Taking place between 19:00 and 20:00, this one-hour guest activity invites a discovery of a different side of island life, one that feels quieter, deeper, and profoundly moving. This new guest activity is available for experience at a special rate. Bookings can be made at the Dive Centre or through each guest’s Island Host.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to craft meaningful, story-rich experiences, such as Night Snorkelling with Mantas, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives in unexpected and unforgettable ways. The resort remains dedicated to curating immersive island moments that feel both effortless and extraordinary.
To explore the various programmes offered by Sun Diving at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit their website.
Constance Hotels & Resorts has announced the return of Escapade Gourmande in the Maldives from 17 to 21 August 2026, an exclusive gastronomic series designed to enhance the guest experience across its two Maldivian properties, Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.
This year’s edition brings together an outstanding trio of talents: three-Michelin-starred French chef Jérôme Banctel, South African winemaker Donovan Rall of Rall Wines, and Italian pastry chef Cesare Murzilli, who also took part in the 19th edition of Constance Festival Culinaire in Mauritius. Together, they will deliver a curated programme of culinary moments, reinforcing Constance Hotels & Resorts’positioning in luxury and gastronomic excellence.
The programme will unfold across both resorts, offering a series of immersive and high-value guest experiences. Constance Moofushi, known for its all-inclusive wine offering and recognised for Best All Inclusive Wine List, will bring a relaxed island spirit to the programme, while Constance Halaveli, recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading gastronomic addresses, will provide the backdrop for a programme shaped by haute cuisine and the exceptional range of its wine cellar, featuring over 22,500 bottles across more than 1,600 references.
Programme details are shared for information purposes and may be adjusted closer to the event.
Constance Moofushi:
- 17/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 17/08: Sand bank tasting / aperitif cocktail with Wines from Donovan Rall
- 18/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli, paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
Constance Halaveli:
- 20/08: Sand bank tasting
- 21/08: Breakfast by Cesare Murzilli
- 21/08: Sommelier Masterclass hosted by Donovan Rall
- 21/08: Wine Dinner orchestrated by Jerome Banctel & Cesare Murzilli paired with Wines from Donovan Rall
By bringing together internationally acclaimed culinary and wine talents in the unique setting of the Maldives, Constance Hotels & Resorts continues to curate distinctive experiences for discerning travellers, while also strengthening internal expertise through dedicated masterclasses led by Donovan Rall for Constance Hotels & Resorts’ sommeliers.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, a family-focused package designed to encourage guests to spend time together through dining, leisure and recreational activities in a private island setting.
Located 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is offering the package as a year-round experience, despite its summer branding. The programme is intended for families seeking a stay that combines accommodation, meals and activities in a single offering.
The experience includes daily breakfast at Feast, where guests can access buffet selections for adults and children. Lunch is served as a three-course beachside meal, while evenings include buffet dinners, à la carte options and access to the resort’s speciality restaurants.
As part of the package, adult guests receive a USD 45 dining credit per night, which can be used at selected outlets including Baan Thai and Sea Salt. The offer is designed to expand dining options within the resort’s full board arrangement.
The package also includes activities aimed at different age groups. Children have access to the Sheraton Adventure Club, while families can take part in pool activities, water sports, sunset dolphin cruises and guided snorkelling excursions.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Shine Spa for Sheraton offers a range of treatments, with the package including 15 per cent savings on selected services. The resort has also introduced a spa experience designed for parent and child. Additional recreational options include sunrise beach yoga, as well as access to tennis and football facilities.
Other inclusions within the offer include a complimentary family photoshoot and dining benefits for children when eating with their parents.
Family Fun Summer is available for booking until 15 June 2026, for stays through to 20 December 2026. Through the package, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is presenting a family-oriented resort experience centred on dining, recreation and shared time together.
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