News
Maldives wins ‘Best Island’ at the Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Travel Awards 2016
Maldives.net.mv – Maldives wins three awards at the 2016 Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Travel Awards in London reaffirming its position as one the world’s preferred destinations.
Maldives was selected as the winner of the “Best Island” category at the Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Travel Awards, seeing off stiff competition from the Greek Islands, the Balearic Islands and the Seychelles.
The ceremony was held at the Ham Yard Hotel in central London on August 30, 2016. The prestigious award was accepted by the Maldives High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shiaan. After accepting the award, Mr. Shiaan said, “We are honored that the readers of the Condé Nast have chosen the Maldives as their favorite Island Destination. As a small Island Nation with only 350,000 inhabitants, these awards prove that the Maldives continues to provide the world with the best beaches, best hotels and the clearest waters in the Indian Ocean. We feel extremely proud of this recognition.”
The One & Only Hotel in Reethi Rah in the Maldives also won the “Best Hotel SPA and the Runner Up in the preferred overseas holiday hotel in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. The Condé Nast Traveller is one of the UK’s leading luxury travel magazines and its Reader’s Travel Awards, which are voted for by Condé Nast Traveller readers who are some of the most widely respected in the travel industry. The UK travel market remains buoyant for the Maldives. So far nearly 60,000 British people travelled to Maldives in 2016 which represents an increase of 10% compared to the same period of last year.

Upon hearing about the awards, the Maldives Minister for Tourism Hon. Moosa Zameer remarked: “The United Kingdom remains one of our most important markets and it is gratifying for the Maldives to receive such a prestigious prize in the UK. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, with the full support of the Maldives High Commission in London, have done lots of work to promote Maldives in the UK, and this award is a fitting recognition of this hard work. We are elated to retain our position as one the world’s safest and preferred destination.”
Photos courtesy MMPRC and One&Only Reethi Rah
News
Bandos Maldives marks 53 years of hospitality with guest celebration
Bandos Maldives marked its 53rd anniversary on 10 December 2025 with a heartfelt celebration alongside in-house guests. The celebration honoured more than five decades of service since the resort first opened on 10 December 1972, becoming one of the earliest pioneers of Maldivian tourism.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager Ismail Rasheed thanked everyone who has been part of Bandos’ journey, including long-time guests, partners, and the dedicated team that has carried the resort forward. He noted that reaching 53 years is a remarkable achievement built on consistency, care, and the spirit of hospitality that Bandos is known for. He also shared that the resort is preparing for an exciting phase of improvements in the years ahead.
Bandos has continued to grow its reputation recently, earning multiple international awards over the past years for its exceptional service, family experiences and diving. The resort is also proud to be a Green Globe certified property, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism
Bandos has plans for upgrades with focus on fresh designs, improved comfort, and modern amenities to elevate the overall guest experience while maintaining the classic charm that many loyal visitors love.
With its long heritage, strong values, and continued focus on innovation, Bandos Maldives remains committed to offering memorable island experiences for travellers from around the world.
Entertainment
Hulhule Island Hotel names 2ofus as New Year’s Eve 2026 headline act
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has announced 2ofus as the main entertainment for its New Year’s Eve 2026 festive events. The highly sought-after musical band has partnered with HIH to bring an unforgettable night of performance, energy, and celebration to guests.
Known for their exceptional talent and stage presence, 2ofus has reached remarkable heights in the music scene, participating in and performing at international competitions and concerts. Their collaboration with HIH marks an exciting addition to the hotel’s festive lineup.
Renowned as the most popular festive destination in the Greater Malé Area, HIH continues its tradition of delivering vibrant, world-class celebrations. This year, the hotel once again promises a festive season filled with elegance, entertainment, and the signature warmth HIH is known for.
Commenting on the partnership, Group General Manager, Ali Shakir said: “Signing with 2ofus for New Year’s Eve is truly special for us. They are one of the most in-demand acts during the festive season, and we are delighted to have them onboard. Their energy and talent are unmatched, and we are confident that HIH will once again be the place to be this New Year’s Eve. Our team is committed to creating a celebration that brings our guests joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.”
For 2026, HIH unveils exclusive celebrations, granting guests access to multi-venue experiences, curated staycation packages, diverse multi-cuisine dining, and a range of thoughtfully designed festive highlights.
With limited slots available, guests are encouraged to secure their bookings early for the best experience.
For more information or reservations, please contact +960 762 2667 or email events@hih.com.mv
News
The Standard, Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification after rigorous audit
The Standard, Maldives has announced that it has successfully achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, recognizing the resort’s comprehensive and continuous dedication to sustainable operations and management. This monumental achievement underscores the property’s commitment to protecting the pristine Maldivian environment, supporting local communities, and maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility across all aspects of its unique island experience.
The certification follows a rigorous auditing process that evaluated The Standard, Maldives’ performance in energy and water conservation, waste management, social responsibility, and sustainable procurement. A key highlight of the resort’s innovative sustainability initiatives is the introduction of the Zero Capsule Machine System for Coffee. By replacing traditional single-use capsules with eco-friendly coffee balls, the resort has achieved an estimated reduction of over 25,000 pieces of non-biodegradable coffee capsules annually, substantially minimizing plastic and aluminium waste and setting a new, greener standard for in-room and dining beverage service.
Furthermore, as part of our commitment to local support and Green Globe sustainability standards, The Standard, Maldives has actively strengthened its local supply chain. For the past three months, the resort has been consistently sourcing fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and lettuce from a local farm, Maldivian Mermaid, on a nearby island. This initiative not only strengthens our relationship with the local community but also:
- Reduces carbon footprint by minimizing long-distance transportation.
- Supports regional agriculture and local island economies.
- Optimizes logistical efficiency by easing storage demands on regular supply boat from Malé, ensuring imported items are kept at the correct temperature. The redefining agriculture farm delivers directly to the resort using their own boat, streamlining the process.
“Achieving Green Globe Certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who embody our commitment to sustainability every day,” says Justin Swart, General Manager The Standard, Maldives. “Our goal is to demonstrate that lifestyle, luxury and responsible travel can, and must, go hand in hand. Initiatives like the Zero Capsule Machine System and our growing partnership with local farmers like Maldivian Mermaid, show our proactive approach to finding practical, impactful solutions that preserve the incredible natural beauty surrounding us for generations to come.”
Moving forward, The Standard, Maldives will continue to implement and expand its sustainability programs, focusing on marine conservation, further reducing its carbon footprint, and enhancing local community engagement, all while ensuring guests enjoy the playful, yet mindful, hospitality the brand is known for. The resort looks forward to contributing to a more sustainable future for the Maldives and the broader travel industry.
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