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
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrates Maldivian heritage with ‘Roots & Tides’
From 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of Coco Collection, invites guests to experience Roots & Tides: Celebrating Maldivian Heritage, a festive celebration centred on island traditions, local flavours, the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, brought to life through cultural, culinary and nature-led experiences.
Roots & Tides draws inspiration from generations of Maldivian island life and an enduring connection to the sea. Its roots honour the people, customs and stories passed down through time, while the tides echo a close relationship with the surrounding waters. Both are intertwined, embodying the resort’s eco-conscious approach and barefoot state of mind.
Set amid lush tropical greenery and pristine beaches within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is surrounded by rich marine life, where barefoot bliss comes effortlessly. Guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a holiday that feels authentically Maldivian.

The programme begins with the annual Festive Tree Lighting and Saifodhu, accompanied by music and a warm sense of togetherness. The colourful Bodu Mas performance captures the creativity and storytelling of Maldivian culture, alongside Lava Baazi, a traditional chain-song that calls for teamwork and quick thinking. The Keyolhu Beach BBQ rounds off these cultural highlights with homegrown favourites served in a relaxed setting by the sea.
There is something for every kind of escape. Couples can find time for two with restorative yoga, sunset drinks or the Maldivian Dream Escape, a signature Coco Spa ritual designed to restore relaxation and connection.

Families and friends can spend quality time together over leisurely brunches, shared meals and live music, or escape to Embudhoo, a secluded uninhabited island surrounded by turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty, for a private picnic and time together away from it all.
Young explorers have plenty to look forward to at the Coco Little Islanders’ Corner. From Little Hoteliers and hidden treasure trails to arts and crafts, cookie decorating, pizza making and Kids’ Ocean Day, each activity brings a playful mix of creativity, discovery and learning.

The sea opens a different world. Ocean Stories offers an introduction to the vibrant marine environment around the resort, while Turtle Tales follows the remarkable journey of sea turtles and the importance of protecting them. Adventure continues along the house reef with Aquatic Raiders, an underwater treasure hunt beneath the waves.
Christmas and New Year bring their own culinary highlights. Christmas Eve features a gala dinner with live music, while New Year’s Eve begins with sunset aperitifs before a gala dinner and countdown to 2027. The first days of January continue at an easy pace, leading to the Island Festive Feast on 6 January, followed by Afterglow, with a bonfire, DJ and special performances.

Through it all, there is room for the simplest pleasures, such as sharing good food with family and friends, spending meaningful time with loved ones and taking in the beauty of the island. Recognised as Maldives’ Leading Green Resort in the World Travel Awards 2023, 2024 and2025, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to champion a more thoughtful way to experience the Maldives.
Download the full festive programme here. To spend the festive season at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, guests can contact reservations@cococollection.com to plan their stay and learn more about the special Coco Festive Celebration.
News
The St. Regis Maldives celebrates 10 years with global chefs, bartenders and artists
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the award-winning private island resort in Dhaalu Atoll, will commemorate its 10th anniversary from November 10–20, 2026, with a 10-day celebration bringing together internationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning bartenders, immersive wellness experiences, family-friendly activities, artistic collaborations, and marine conservation initiatives. Marking a decade since welcoming its first guests in November 2016, the milestone celebrates the resort’s legacy of exceptional service, distinctive design, world-class dining, and bespoke island experiences in one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary destinations.
Since its debut, the resort has become renowned for its striking architecture inspired by the surrounding natural landscape, hallmark St. Regis service, expansive villas, vibrant house reef, and commitment to sustainability. The resort continues to attract discerning travelers, couples, and families seeking meaningful experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
The anniversary celebration begins on November 10 with a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the Indian Ocean, welcoming guests, associates, and partners to mark the occasion. Throughout the evening, guests will revisit a collection of the resort’s most memorable cocktails, including creations that have become part of The St. Regis Maldives’ story.
During the reception, guests will also be invited to participate in a special coral restoration initiative in partnership with Reefscapers. Together, they will create a coral frame in the shape of the number 10, which will be installed on the resort’s thriving house reef as a living tribute to its first decade and ongoing efforts to support marine conservation in the Maldives. The evening concludes with a celebratory beach dinner under the stars, featuring a specially curated menu of dishes that have defined the resort’s quintessential dining experiences over the past decade.
At the heart of the anniversary programme is a series of collaborations with internationally recognized tastemakers whose work embodies craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural exchange.
In collaboration with Fann Art Therapie, guests of all ages can participate in Mandala String Art workshops from November 11-12. Inspired by mindfulness and art therapy, the workshops will invite guests to express their own island stories through art, creating a personal reminder of their time on Vommuli Island.

Felice Capasso, recipient of the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025 title, will take over The Whale Bar for a special guest bartending appearance on November 11. As part of the celebration, he has created the Bright Mary—his contemporary interpretation of the iconic St. Regis Bloody Mary, paying tribute to one of the brand’s most enduring traditions.

Adding another sensory dimension to the celebration, Louise Farina, ninth-generation descendant of the historic Farina est. 1709 fragrance house, will present perfume masterclasses on November 14 and 16, alongside an immersive dining experience on November 15 inspired by the signature notes of the Original Eau de Cologne. Guests can also enjoy a limited-edition Farina-inspired cocktail, available at The Whale Bar from November 14–20.

The culinary programme culminates with Alexander Herrmann, the acclaimed German chef, restaurateur, television personality, and bestselling author behind the two-Michelin-starred AURA by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz. During an exclusive evening at Decanter, the resort’s intimate underground wine cellar, Herrmann will present a bespoke wine-pairing dinner on November 19, followed by a masterclass on November 20, offering guests a rare insight into his contemporary approach to gastronomy.

The anniversary celebration concludes on November 20 with a sunset cocktail reception overlooking the Indian Ocean, bringing together guests, associates, and partners to mark the resort’s first decade.
“Over the past ten years, we have had the privilege of sharing in some of life’s most treasured moments with our guests,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “From the beginning of lifelong journeys and once-in-a-lifetime romantic escapes to cherished family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and memorable personal achievements, each stay has contributed to the rich story of our resort. These shared experiences with guests from around the world have shaped the spirit and legacy of The St. Regis Maldives. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor not only our guests, whose trust and loyalty have inspired us throughout the years, but also the dedicated associates whose passion, commitment, and pursuit of excellence have made The St. Regis Maldives the iconic destination it is today.”
As The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort enters its second decade, the resort remains dedicated to delivery extraordinary guest experiences while championing sustainable tourism, marine conservation and the timeless spirit of bespoke island hospitality.
Discover more about The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort at stregismaldives.com.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort celebrates culinary team’s success at Hotel Asia and FHAM
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
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