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Maldives wins ‘Best Island’ at the Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Travel Awards 2016

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5 Maldives (s)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.

One&Only Reethi Rah

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

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The St. Regis Maldives introduces multi-sensory collaboration with Farina est. 1709

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When two houses shaped by centuries of heritage come together, the result is more than a collaboration: it is a sensorial journey. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Farina est. 1709, the world’s oldest fragrance house, have announced their exclusive partnership, transforming scent into extraordinary travel moments. Blending olfactory tradition with modern hospitality, the collaboration celebrates refinement, craftsmanship and a contemporary vision of luxury – shifting from superficial display to authentic, personal experiences that leave a lasting impression, set within one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

To mark the beginning of the partnership, the island resort located in the Dhaalu Atoll introduces a curated series of offerings around the Easter season, bringing together fragrance, fine dining and meaningful encounters.

On April 1, an exclusive dinner inspired by the signature notes of the original Eau de Cologne translates the brand’s olfactory heritage into a refined gourmet experience. Each course reflects a distinct scent note: bergamot in ceviche with amberjack and black truffle, orange blossom with prawns, a refreshing lime and peach sorbet, lobster ravioli with grapefruit sabayon, as well as mandarin and vanilla in a delicate mille-feuille accented with lavender and jasmine. The menu unites fragrance and cuisine in a multisensory moment, complemented by carefully selected wines that enhance the aromatic profile of each course.

Throughout April, a bespoke signature cocktail inspired by the fresh, citrus-forward character of Eau de Cologne takes centre stage at the iconic Whale Bar, inviting guests to ease into the evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. The programme is further enriched by exclusive fragrance masterclasses for small groups, offering an intimate introduction to the art of perfumery.

In 1709, Johann Maria Farina laid the foundation of modern perfumery with Eau de Cologne, giving name to an entire fragrance category. Guided by Louise Farina, Managing Director and ninth-generation family member, guests discover the raw ingredients that define the original Eau de Cologne, learn how notes interact and explore how personal expression can be translated into scent. Participants refine the original fragrance base with selected essences, creating their own bespoke perfume – a keepsake that carries the spirit of the resort far beyond the stay.

The partnership is deeply rooted in the heritage of both brands. Caroline Astor, the grande dame of New York society and a defining figure behind the original St. Regis, understood fragrance as a powerful expression of identity, refinement and social ritual. In an era when scent was an essential marker of elegance, perfume accompanied every grand ball, salon gathering and moment of arrival. This appreciation for timeless fragrance lives on today through The St. Regis Maldives partnership with Farina est. 1709, whose heritage mirrors the brand’s own devotion to craftsmanship, tradition and modern luxury.

“When two houses with such strong heritage come together, something truly special emerges. The original Eau de Cologne is a cultural icon with over 300 years of history. This partnership allows us to present our heritage in a setting that itself stands for the highest standards, tradition and timeless elegance,” says Louise Farina.

Beyond the Easter season, the collaboration will remain a highlight of the year and continue in autumn as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The programme will showcase new fragrances inspired by destinations across the globe, thoughtfully paired with curated culinary experiences where scent, wine and gastronomy converge. The journey is enhanced by exclusive, limited-edition keepsakes – personal treasures that carry the memory of the stay long beyond departure.

Vincent Pauchon, General Manager of the resort, comments: “We place great value on authentic, thoughtfully crafted experiences. Collaborating with Farina est. 1709 allows us to bring together fragrance and hospitality in a thoughtful way, drawing on shared values of heritage, craft and attention to detail. This partnership reflects our approach to offering our guests something distinctive, rooted in excellence and genuine storytelling.”

With this collaboration, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Farina est. 1709 set a statement for a form of luxury that is quiet yet impactful. Fragrance becomes the invisible signature of every stay – subtly present in every moment.

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Food

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests to break fast island-style this Ramadan

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OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi invites guests, residents, and visitors to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with meaningful Iftar gatherings, just a short 15-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport. Designed for colleagues, friends, and families to come together in a relaxed island setting, the resort offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to share the blessings of the season over a thoughtfully curated Iftar spread.

Hosted daily throughout Ramadan, from 18th February to 19th March at Element X restaurant from 06:00 — 07:15 PM, the Iftar experience features an extensive buffet showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours alongside popular regional favourites. Guests can enjoy juice, dates, mixed dry fruits and nuts, yoghurt, Maldivian short eats, a selection of main courses, and desserts, offering a wholesome and festive dining experience in the spirit of Ramadan.

The experience is well suited for corporate gatherings and family groups, with special packages available for group reservations, and guests are encouraged to confirm their bookings at least 24 hours in advance. Convenient speedboat transfers make the island easily accessible for those joining the evening gathering.

This Ramadan, gather your loved ones and share the joy of togetherness over a memorable island Iftar experience at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.

For details and bookings, please call +960 934 2685 / +960 934 2550, or email fbreservations.ailafushi@coloursofoblu.com. 

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Family

Kuda Villingili to host family-focused Easter celebration with dining, wellness events

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its Easter Celebration 2026 programme, inviting guests to experience a week of festivities inspired by the playful charm of Candy Land, reinterpreted through the resort’s signature approach to calm, space and understated luxury.

Located on a private island in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort features 75 villas and residences designed to offer privacy and connection to the surrounding natural environment. The Easter programme has been structured to combine dining, wellness, family activities and ocean-based experiences.

The Easter calendar includes a series of themed dining events intended to bring families and friends together throughout the week. Guests will be able to explore curated culinary journeys such as Caravan of Flavours, Pan-Asian Voyage and the Easter Grapevine Dinner, each designed to showcase diverse global cuisines in a convivial setting.

A key highlight will be the Kuda Villingili Grand Easter Gala Buffet on Easter Sunday, featuring festive dishes, live cooking stations and live band entertainment. The celebration aims to serve as the focal point of the week’s activities.

For guests seeking a more relaxed island-style experience, the Surfside Sunset BBQ at Raalhu Bar will present flame-grilled specialities and fresh seafood against the backdrop of the Chickens surf break, accompanied by sunset views and live music.

Younger guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the Little Chefs of Kuda: Easter Baking Workshop, a hands-on culinary session designed to introduce children to baking in a playful environment.

Wellbeing remains central to the resort’s Easter offering. A series of wellness experiences will be available throughout the week, including sound healing sessions, Ocean Breeze Yoga conducted over the open sea, and guided yoga flows focused on balance and mindfulness.

These activities are designed to provide space for families, couples and friends to reconnect and mark Easter as a period of renewal and shared experience.

For guests interested in marine activities, MSTS Dive & Water Sports will offer a range of Easter-themed experiences. Young guests can explore introductory diving through the Seal Team for Kids programme, while families can participate in an Easter Kayak Race across the lagoon.

A customised Big Game Fishing experience will also be available for those seeking a more private excursion on the Indian Ocean.

At Kuda Fiyo Kids Club, the Candy Land theme will be brought to life through Easter egg hunts, baking sessions, arts and crafts, themed movie nights and games. The programme has been designed to provide structured activities for children while allowing parents time to relax.

With a combination of festive dining, wellness programming and ocean-based experiences, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives’ Easter Celebration 2026 aims to offer a balanced island escape that blends seasonal celebration with tranquillity.

More information on the Candy Land Easter programme is available via the resort’s official brochure and website.

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