Connect with us

News

Nominees announced for SATA 2016

Published

on

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

News

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary

Published

on

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.

Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.

In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.

The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.

Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.

Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.

“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation

From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.

Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package

For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.

Continue Reading

Awards

Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon

Published

on

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.

The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.

For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.

“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.

From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.

Continue Reading

Action

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa adds six Leopard Sharks to Maldives identification database

Published

on

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.

The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.

By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.

For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.

The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.

As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.

Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.

Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.

Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.

At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.