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
Joy Island plans festive season celebrations inspired by Maldivian island life
Joy Island has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. Titled Joyful Horizons the festive season runs from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, offering a vibrant programme of celebrations and experiences inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.

Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with the lighting of the island’s Christmas tree on Rainbow Beach, with cocktails, and Captain Santa’s Ocean Escape, a family dhoni cruise. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy cocktails at Rainbow Bar, a candlelit Gala Dinner at The Market and a Christmas Eve Party with a midnight snack spread. Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival on Rainbow Beach, followed by a festive brunch at The Market, a Christmas BBQ Dinner at Palm Beach and live music at Rainbow Bar.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can start with a pre-dinner cocktail at Rainbow Bar, then sit down to a multi-course Gala Dinner on Rainbow Beach. Fireworks light up the beach at midnight for the countdown to 2027, and a midnight snack spread keeps the celebration going. New Year’s Day begins with breakfast, a Recovery Brunch at Market Restaurant, a Celebrate Maldivian Culture evening and Cinema Under the Stars at Palm Beach.

Dining Experiences
Explore signature culinary experiences such as Tales of the Maldivian Sea on 26 December, A Food Journey Through the Wines with Master Sommelier on 28 December, Endless Romance, a private candlelit dinner for two on 30 December, and the Italian Wine Journey on 4 January. Guests can also savour a diverse range of flavours across the resort’s restaurants, from international cuisine at The Market to authentic Italian dishes at Il Basilico and Asian specialities, including teppanyaki-inspired creations, at the Japanese Corner.

Family, wellness and discovery
Beach Family Olympics, a Family Kayak Race, a Family Amazing Race and family pool fiestas run through the season. Guests can also join a local island discovery tour, sunset fishing, coral planting with a marine biologist, and mixology and chocolate-making classes. The daily Kiddie Cove programme includes coconut shell painting, gingerbread crafts, treasure hunts and a kids’ talent show. Oasis Spa offers couples’ massages, facials and a Maldivian herbal poultice, and daily yoga runs at the Spa Yoga Pavilion.
As night falls, Rainbow Bar comes alive with vibrant themed evenings, including Hawaiian Night with a fire show, the Blanc & Beats White Party, Mystic Mask Night, Masquerade Party and Glow After Dark, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, entertainment and unforgettable island moments.

“This festive season, we invite our guests to embrace the joy of togetherness and create unforgettable holiday memories. From exquisite gala dinners and vibrant themed evenings to exciting island adventures and fun-filled celebrations for all ages, we have curated a festive programme that captures the lively spirit of Joy Island, ” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager of Joy Island.
News
You & Me Maldives to celebrate festive season with exclusive dining and island experiences
You & Me Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. From 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the adults-only romantic retreat will offer sixteen days of vibrant celebrations, exclusive dining experiences and unforgettable island adventures.
Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with a sunset cocktail party and “A Spark of Love” tree-lighting ceremony at Cheers Bar Beach. On Christmas Eve, guests are joined by carolers for a cocktail party, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner on The Sand Beach and a late-night Christmas Party. Christmas Day brings carols, Santa’s arrival on the beach, a Christmas Brunch, an X-Mas Day Cruise and an Indian Chef Movement dinner.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
On 31 December, guests can enjoy a cocktail party at Cheers Bar Beach and a gala dinner on The Sand Beach. The night closes with the Disco Around the World Party, featuring dazzling performances, live music and DJ sets, before a midnight fireworks display over the Maldivian sky. New Year’s Day starts slowly with a “Love at First Light” breakfast and a New Year’s Brunch, then continues with the First Wave and First Catch of the Year excursions.

Romantic Dining Experiences
Romantic dining is the heart of the programme, featuring exclusive culinary experiences such as Krug Beneath the Waves on 28 December, a five-course dinner paired with Krug Champagne at H2O, the resort’s underwater restaurant six metres below the ocean’s surface, curated by Chef Andrea Berton. Other highlights include Journey Through the Night, a five-course dinner aboard the Love Boat; Beneath the Canopy of Love, an intimate beachside dinner paired with Ruinart Brut; Sand & Romance, featuring a unique sunken table set into the sand; and An Affair with Lobster, a beachfront lobster barbecue accompanied by Champagne, alongside many other exquisite culinary offerings.

Experiences and entertainment
Guests can head out on a Love Drift castaway sandbank picnic lunch, sunset fishing, dolphin cruises, stargazing and local island excursions. Evenings feature a Maldivian Boduberu show, a fashion show, karaoke, belly dance performances, a Glow Party and an Orthodox Christmas Party on 6 January. By day, the resort offers morning flow yoga, aqua aerobics, Tabata and a pool party.

Wellness Packages include the Moonlight Spa Ritual under the stars and a Private Sandbank Massage. Highlights include the Asian Heritage Signature Massage, Chakra Therapy and Lava Stone Therapy at our beautiful You & Me Spa.
“This festive season, we celebrate the special moments and connections that make the holidays truly memorable. From sumptuous gala feasts to extraordinary dining experiences six metres beneath the ocean at H2O, we have curated an exclusive programme that reflects the essence of our adults-only premium all-inclusive resort, inviting guests to celebrate romance in its most enchanting form here on the Island of Love,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
News
Cocoon Maldives to mark 10th anniversary with beachfront gala and festive celebrations
Cocoon Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027, featuring 16 days of celebrations from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. This festive season is particularly special as the resort celebrates its 10th anniversary marking a decade of exceptional hospitality, distinctive design and unforgettable island experiences.

Christmas on the Island
The season opens on 22 December with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and carols at Loabi Loabi Bar, followed by a Family Feast BBQ. Celebrations build through Christmas Eve with a Christmas Cocktail Party, a Christmas Gala Dinner at Octopus Restaurant and a late-night Christmas Party.
On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a festive breakfast, Santa’s arrival with carols on the beach, a Christmas lunch and a Lucky Dolphin Cruise. The day ends with Wine & Dine at Manta Restaurant, an Indian Night and a Christmas movie show with a live band.

Celebrating a Decade of Cocoon
On 26 December, Cocoon Maldives celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special cocktail party, followed by an Anniversary Dinner and cake-cutting ceremony on the beach. The celebrations also feature the Cocoon Run and a Lobster Beach BBQ at Kurumbar Beach, bringing guests together to commemorate this important milestone.

Welcoming the New Year 2027
New Year’s Eve begins with a pre-dinner cocktail on the beach, followed by a New Year Gala Dinner with special performances and a New Year’s Eve Party. At midnight, guests can join the countdown and watch the fireworks over the water. New Year’s Day continues with the First Breakfast of 2027, a New Year’s Brunch and Wine & Dine at Manta. The programme closes on 6 January with a Festive Grill and Goodbye Gala Dinner with lobster at Kurumbar Beach.

Dining and Entertainment
In between the main events, guests can enjoy a vibrant dining experiences at Octopus Restaurant, featuring Moroccan, Indian, Italian, Maldivian, Mediterranean, and International Buffet evenings, alongside the popular Fish Market night. . The evening entertainment continues with a captivating Maldivian Cultural Show, live music, and lively Hawaiian, Glow, and White parties, creating memorable moments throughout the stay.

Wellness and Discovery
Enjoy a selection of daily wellness activities, including yoga, Pilates, stretching, meditation, Zumba, and aqua fitness, designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Embark on exciting boat excursions for the chance to encounter magnificent marine life, from sea turtles and playful dolphins to graceful manta rays and sharks.

For Younger Guests
The Kids Village runs a full daily programme of crafts, games and activities. Highlights include 3D Christmas cards, gingerbread house making, a Christmas piñata, a Kids Fashion Show, a Mini Olympics and a New Year Wishing Wand.
“This festive season, our team is dedicated to surrounding you with thoughtful service and genuine hospitality. As we celebrate ten years at Cocoon, we are honoured to welcome our guests to a season of peace, joy and the effortless serenity of the Maldives,” said Anish Abdulla, Resort Manager of Cocoon Maldives
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