News

Nominees announced for SATA 2016

Published

9 years ago

August 17, 2016

sata 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

Related Topics:South Asian Travel Awards (SATA)

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Elevated wellbeing: seasonal healing journeys at Amilla Maldives

Published

38 mins ago

August 5, 2025

m@ldives

Amilla Maldives has announced the arrival of two esteemed Visiting Practitioners—Shyam from the Himalayas and Kattia Mendoza from Ecuador—who will offer distinctive wellness experiences across consecutive seasons in 2025.

From 8 August to 20 September, Shyam will share his profound lineage of Ayurvedic healing from Nepal, seamlessly integrating ancient Eastern practices with contemporary therapies. His holistic approach encompasses Ayurveda, yoga, sound healing, massage therapy, acupuncture, and energy work, all aimed at cultivating balance, clarity, and inner serenity. Guests may experience tailored treatments such as Massage Alchemy—a bespoke therapeutic blend—Ayurvedic Rebalancing with Sound Healing, Cupping Therapy Massage, Reiki Healing, and Himalayan Sound Healing. Complimentary mindful movement sessions, including Classical Hatha Yoga, meditation, and Aerial Yoga, will further support overall wellbeing. Shyam will also lead bespoke retreats focused on Detox and Rejuvenation, Stress Management, or Longevity, beginning with a personalised Ayurvedic wellness consultation.

Following Shyam’s residency, from 20 September to 7 December, Kattia Mendoza will offer restorative sessions rooted in somatic movement, osteo-Thai therapy, breath coaching, and conscious communication. With over a decade of international experience, her one-to-one sessions will include Osteo-Thai Therapy—a distinctive fusion of Thai massage, osteopathy, and acupressure—and The Nervous System Reset, a breath-led session incorporating acupressure and humming. She will also guide individual somatic movement practices such as Back in Shape and Hips Opening, in addition to Somatic Breath Meditation and Unmasking coaching to support emotional release. Group experiences and complimentary taster sessions will further encourage connection and self-awareness.

These residencies reflect Amilla Maldives’ continued dedication to providing meaningful, restorative wellness journeys designed to promote long-term wellbeing.

Celebration

Where time stands still: The Nautilus Maldives unveils unscripted holiday celebrations

Published

18 hours ago

August 4, 2025

m@ldives

This festive season, The Nautilus Maldives welcomes discerning travellers to leave the ordinary behind and step into a realm where time gently pauses and celebration flows without constraint. From 21 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, guests are invited to embark on Nomadic Journeys—an unhurried, soulful holiday experience set against the idyllic backdrop of the Maldives’ most liberating private island retreat.

Anchored in The Nautilus’s philosophy of boundless freedom and self-expression, Nomadic Journeys is an invitation to dreamers, seekers, and free spirits. The island transforms into a bohemian sanctuary where lanterns flicker in the ocean breeze, artisanal curiosities spark wonder, and barefoot sophistication blends with heartfelt connection.

The festive programme is a vivid mosaic of celebration, shaped by the universal languages of art, music, movement, and culinary discovery. Each element is crafted to awaken the senses and nourish the soul.

Evenings brim with artistic vibrancy, from the Christmas Boho Soirée to the Beachside New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, where international flavours, captivating performances, and evocative music fill the night air. The Art of Bohemia brings together the rhythmic energy of traditional Maldivian Boduberu drumming and expertly mixed artisanal cocktails, complemented by live painting sessions that pay homage to island artistry.

Wellness is deeply woven into the journey, with sunrise yoga practices such as The First Flow and Stillness in Motion harmonising with the ocean’s rhythms. Meditative experiences include sound healing with crystal bowls, bespoke spa journeys like The Radiance of the Dunes, and elemental fire rituals such as Fireside Release, all designed to restore and renew.

Culinary exploration takes centre stage through a nomadic dining series curated by Executive Chef Christopher Terry and his award-winning team. Degustation dinners are paired with fine wines and tailored cocktails, with standout experiences including Chef’s Table by the Sea, Flavours of the Levant, and the Dom Pérignon Seafood Degustation at Zeytoun.

Families are also drawn into the spirit of connection, with activities such as family yoga, shared spa rituals, and the joyful arrival of The Wanderer in Red creating treasured holiday memories. Interactive workshops and live music sessions provide a creative platform for guests to shape their own festive narratives.

Throughout the season, The Nautilus embodies an eclectic spirit, celebrating individuality, culture, and imagination. From Maldivian handicraft sessions to Silk Road-inspired design, the island becomes a tapestry of contrasting yet harmonious expressions.

As General Manager Adan Gomez reflects, “This festive season is not a schedule. It’s a journey—a soulful escape crafted for those who dare to wander.” Guests are encouraged to explore freely, create meaningfully, and simply exist in a space where every moment feels spontaneous, personal, and unforgettable.

In a world that rarely slows down, The Nautilus Maldives offers a chance to pause, connect, and rediscover joy—inviting guests to find their rhythm, sanctuary, and story this festive season.

Celebration

Kandima Maldives unveils ‘Rhythms of the Eras’ festive celebration for 2025/26

Published

19 hours ago

August 4, 2025

m@ldives

This festive season, Kandima Maldives invites guests to embrace a celebration that breaks away from convention with ‘Rhythms of the Eras – A Festive Journey Through Time.’ This island-wide event, running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, offers a vibrant fusion of musical nostalgia and Kandima’s signature lifestyle experience. Spanning the jazz glamour of the 1920s to the pulsing beats of contemporary EDM, the festival reimagines holiday celebrations as an immersive journey through the most iconic periods in music history.

Designed for today’s experience-driven traveller, Rhythms of the Eras presents a bold, nostalgia-fuelled celebration that encourages guests to relive the soundtrack of their lives—decade by decade. According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, the event is “not your average festive programme,” but a “full-sensory journey through sound, style, flavour, and movement.” He adds that the celebration is rooted in music as a powerful expression of culture, memory, and joy—revived with the island’s playfully chic DNA.

Among the standout experiences are themed culinary pop-ups and curated festive dining events. Guests can savour smoky flavours accompanied by live music at Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Grooves, or step into the retro charm of The King’s Diner. Edgy offerings like the Hip-Hop & Grunge Street Food Cart at Breeze Beach further amplify the festival’s nostalgic appeal. A series of indulgent tastings and celebrations—including Chocolate & Whisky Pairings, Caviar & Prosecco Sunsets, a dazzling Christmas Day Brunch, and a lavish New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner—round out the season’s gourmet highlights.

Wellness seekers can journey through time at the EsKape Spa, which has curated an era-themed menu of treatments. From the floral serenity of the Flower Power Bliss Ritual inspired by the 1970s, to the decadent elegance of The Gatsby Glow Journey, complete with gold facials and pearl manicures, the spa offers a sensory escape. Hands-on workshops, such as island soap making and aromatic candle crafting on Boxing Day, add a creative touch to the wellness programme.

Families are well catered for at Kandiland, where little ones can enjoy elf workshops, glow-in-the-dark parties, and even Santa’s arrival by the beach. Meanwhile, adults can join in cocktail mixology classes or belt out tunes at beachfront karaoke sessions.

Entertainment pulses through the island each evening, with themed parties ranging from the smooth rhythms of RnB Nights to the fiery flair of Latin Fire, nostalgic throwbacks at Rock ‘n’ Roll Revivals, and chart-topping hits at the Retro Christmas Party. For thrill-seekers, high-speed action awaits at Fast Track, Kandima’s e-go-kart arena, where guests can join the Time Attack Race or Rudolph’s Rapid Rally. Those in search of a slower pace can explore local creativity at the KULA Art Festival or toast the sunset aboard a luxury lagoon cruise.

The festivities culminate on New Year’s Eve with a beachfront celebration featuring a live band, fireworks display, and a late-night buffet that keeps the party going well into 2026. As the first sunrise of the new year emerges over the Indian Ocean, guests are invited to continue the celebration with a relaxed New Year’s Day brunch—welcoming the next chapter in unmistakable Kandima style.