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
The coral-ringed islands of the Maldives have long been associated with celebration. As Anantara Hotels & Resorts marks 25 years of locally rooted experiences, Dr Oriana Migliaccio, Resident Marine Biologist at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives, is also marking a milestone of her own by overseeing the planting of the 10,000th baby coral.
With a PhD in Life and Biomolecular Sciences and a lifelong dedication to the sea, Oriana has found herself in the setting she had long hoped her studies would lead to: immersed in nature from sunrise to sunset, and often long after, when she guides guests through the otherworldly beauty of night-time dives. For travellers who arrive in the Maldives seeking luxury, time with Oriana often shifts the focus. Her enthusiasm and sense of purpose draw in guests of all ages, from families to spa devotees, inviting them to discover the living soul of the reef.
Oriana’s journey began in Naples, where beachcombing with her mother and grandmother first sparked her fascination with the ocean. As she listened to stories of a Mediterranean once rich with seahorses and sponges, she became determined to understand the reasons behind their disappearance. Years later, during her Open Water certification in the Red Sea, that early curiosity developed into a clear sense of purpose. Taking her first breath underwater, she descended into a world of coral polyps, weightless among creatures she had previously only read about. When a Napoleon wrasse drifted past, calmly observing her, she knew she had found her calling.
“Pursuing a PhD was never just about academia. It was about gaining the tools to become a voice for the ocean and dedicating my life to protecting what first inspired me as a child.”
For Oriana, becoming a voice for a force as powerful, little understood, and vulnerable to human impact as the ocean begins with education. One of her proudest achievements is the creation of the ‘Reef Hero’ PADI speciality, a course that teaches divers the fundamentals of coral conservation. Under her mentorship, guests often experience a change in perspective, moving from passive observers to active protectors.
“You can literally see the moment when curiosity turns into care. When a guest realises that their actions — how they dive, what they touch — can protect an ecosystem, they stop being just visitors and become guardians.”
Life on pristine islands can shield travellers from the realities of pollution, a contrast that is not always shared by local communities. In her workshops, Oriana helps bridge that gap by showing guests how abandoned ghost nets, among the most recognisable symbols of environmental harm, can be transformed into bracelets. By turning these marine threats into keepsakes, she creates opportunities for conversations about responsibility, renewal, and the impact of individual choices.
Her work is part of a wider network of Anantara sustainability champions whose efforts span the globe. Together, they contribute to Anantara’s HARP initiative, or Holistic Approach to Reef Protection. Since 2017, Oriana has personally overseen the growth of more than 10,000 corals. Guests often check in on their adopted corals through underwater camera streams, but it is the return visits years later that resonate most, when they see their once-small coral saplings transformed into thriving clusters.
Children find this work especially meaningful, as they begin to see themselves as future custodians of the sea. Through Oriana’s ‘Marine Biology for Kids’ sessions, young guests learn to view the water as mother ocean, a living presence that shapes their world and deserves their care. Their questions often stay with her. One child once asked, “If the ocean is alive, can it feel when we hurt it?” For Oriana, such questions show how naturally children combine science with empathy, offering a perspective from which adults can also learn.
“Their curiosity gives me hope, because they see the ocean not as a resource, but as a living entity worth protecting simply because it exists and is alive. That mindset is exactly what the future needs.”
In a nation where rising seas and warming waters remain constant concerns, preserving biodiversity offers a sense of agency. For visitors and local communities alike, taking part in restoration work becomes a way to respond to environmental changes that can otherwise feel overwhelming in scale and speed, grounding their efforts in something hopeful and tangible.
“In the Maldives, sustainability is not optional; it is survival. My vision is to leave behind a lagoon that is healthier, more resilient, and more alive than the one we found.”
Amilla Maldives has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives, introducing the island’s very first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space. This innovative studio will invite guests to embark on a grounding, tactile journey, deeply rooted in local artistry and mindfulness.
Set to provide an unhurried sensory experience, the upcoming studio aligns seamlessly with Amilla’s signature gentle rhythms and commitment to holistic well-being. Designed as a meditative retreat, this space will encourage guests to slow down, connect with the earth, and tap into the creative flow of working with clay.
Through this collaboration, the resort will further enrich its vibrant tapestry of cultural and artistic programming. The studio will offer a welcoming haven for all generations, featuring thoughtfully crafted workshops in wheel throwing, hand building, and pottery painting. Guided by skilled artisans, adults, couples, and inquisitive young minds from the Sultan’s Village kids club will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the quiet satisfaction of creation.
Each session will empower guests to transform raw clay into personal narratives, crafting authentic, locally fired keepsakes. These unique creations will serve as meaningful mementos of their time on the island, tangible souvenirs that are truly “Made in Maldives.”
This partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives beautifully reflects our commitment to celebrating local creativity. By bringing this contemporary ceramic tradition to our shores, we look forward to honoring homegrown talent and offering our guests an intimate, immersive way to engage with Maldivian creative culture.
The forthcoming clay studio will add a tactile dimension to Amilla’s carefully curated blend of wellness, nature-led experiences, and the serene ease of island life.
For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
With International Yoga Day fast approaching, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to reconnect the mind, body and spirit through a curated programme of new wellness focused experiences at its award-winning AVI Spa. Celebrating the global day of mindfulness and movement, the resort will introduce a series of restorative spa activities designed to inspire balance and relaxation, and allowing guests to find their inner calm amidst the serenity of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can begin their days with Aqua Yoga at The Retreat, available from 6am–11am. This gentle, water-based yoga practice combines mindful movement with the soothing support of water, helping to improve flexibility and enhance balance. Guests are encouraged to welcome deep relaxation in the tranquil overwater setting. As evening falls, the 60-minute Floating Sound Therapy session begins at AVI Spa, running from 6pm–8pm. Floating effortlessly on water, participants are immersed in a deeply calming sensory journey as the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and delicate chimes create a calming atmosphere of relaxation and renewal.
Wellness and mindfulness are at the heart of the InterContinental Maldives experience. Inspired by the turquoise waters that surround the island, the overwater AVI Spa serves as a sanctuary for restoration and rejuvenation. The award-winning spa features six tranquil overwater treatment villas, each designed to harness natural light, ocean sounds and the calming rhythm of the sea. From holistic therapies to immersive wellness rituals, expert therapists guide guests through transformative experiences that nurture both physical wellbeing and emotional balance, making InterContinental Maldives an idyllic destination for wellness-focused escapes.
AVI Spa is hosting a full-day wellness experience dedicated to mindful movement and wellness. The day will begin at sunrise with an energising yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Guests will then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to support their wellness journey. Throughout the day, guests can firstly immerse themselves in Floating Yoga, balancing across calm waters. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their strength, balance, and flexibility through Aerial Yoga, using suspension techniques to deepen movement and core engagement. As the day unfolds, guests will reconnect through guided breathwork, and meditation practices focused on clarity and mindfulness. The day will conclude with a restorative Yoga Flow and Sound Healing session, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and end the day in a state of balance and renewal.
Aqua Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Sound Therapy (60 minutes) from $170++ per person and Aerial Yoga (60 minutes) from $50 ++ per person. Breathwork & Meditation (60 minutes) from $45++ per person.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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