News
The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards return to Marbella
Maldives.net.mv – After the resounding success of the 2015 Gala Ceremony which took place at the Trans Resort Bali the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards are returning to Marbella for their 4th annual event on October 15th at the magnificent Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.
The event will play host to Royalties, Ambassadors, celebrities, CEO’s, Presidents and Managing Directors as well GM’s of the finest and most luxurious Hotels & Resorts from around the world who will all be in attendance to be presented with the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence, the highest most exclusive award for the luxury hospitality and lifestyle industry.
October 15th will also see the launch of the world’s first International Hospitality Hall of Fame, headed by President & Founder Mr Frank M Pfaller. This ultra-exclusive event is designed to acknowledge, reward and immortalize the extraordinary achievements and careers of the most exceptional leaders of the Hospitality industry both past and present, which were elected by an esteemed board of fellow professionals. “The International Hospitality Hall of Fame has been conceived to celebrate brilliance in our industry. It is dedicated to recognizing the people who are making outstanding contributions to the global luxury Lebensart, and thus inspiring and educating a new generation of hoteliers and hospitality service providers.” Said Mr Pfaller.
The owner of Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts, Don Ricardo Arranz de Miguel, Honorary Chairman and 1st. Custodian of IHHOF has graciously offered the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel to become the permanent home of The International Hospitality Hall of Fame so that tourists, guests as well as industry professionals will be able to visit and learn about the amazing achievements of the individuals that helped shape and form the Luxury Hospitality Industry.
The SSLHLA Gala Ceremony will once again be hosted by the beautiful and talented Turkish Celebrity & Luxury Panel Member Ms Ece Vahapoglu.
Notable Panel Members such as His Serene Highness Prince Massimiliano della Torre e Tasso, Her Serene Highness Princess Costanza della Torre e Tasso, Princess Bhargavi Kumari Mewar, Countess Alicia de Villapadierna-Klein, Hollywood star Antonio Banderas, the three mayors of ‘The Golden Triangle’, Marbella, Estepona and Behnahavis, Chairman-President/Founder Khalil El-Mouelhy, CEO of the SSLHLA Mrs Nicola El-Mouelhy, Hon.Chairman Frank M Pfaller, Karine Lackner, Thanos Liontos, Kenelm Jenour, SPA industry expert Berni Hawkins as well as Jean Christophe Rousseau will also be in attendance.

SSLHLA is delighted to announce Ligne St Barth, the premiere lifestyle Spa Sun & Beauty brand as an official partner of 2016 as well as WorldWide Kids, Gold Emotion, Sphere Travel Media Exhibitions & Events, Adria Exclusive, The Luxury Choice, Bestof-theworld, Nichole de Carle,
SSLHLA would also like to thank the 2016 Media Partners: Essential Marbella Magazine, i-Marbella, Home & Lifestyle, Marbella Rocks, Ogee Design Magazine, The Top Tier, Horizon & Beyond, Eye of Riyadh, Eye of Dubai, Voyagers World, e-Global Travel Media, MV Hotels, On TV Channel, Carmen’s Luxury Travel, Highend-Traveller, FTN News, ELUXE Magazine, Maldives.net.mv, Caprice Café de Femme, Signature Media, Thesout.
Chairman, President/Founder Khalil El-Mouelhy said: “Villa Padierna Palace Hotel was the location of our first ceremony, it is where it all started for the SSLHLA . We are big fans of Spain and Marbella and we are delighted to return to this exceptional venue. The organization as well as the event have grown tremendously and continuously attract the leading lights of this exciting industry. This is not an award that everybody has nor is it an award that everybody can have. This will be a very memorable and exclusive night and we are looking forward to welcoming our winners on the 15th of October and celebrating their extraordinary achievements together with them”
Family
Why doing nothing is optional at Siyam World this summer
Think summer in the Maldives is all about sipping cocktails and doing absolutely nothing? You could. But at Siyam World Maldives, you could also swim with sharks, race electric go-karts, become a certified mermaid, train with football legends and explore one of the Maldives’ newest shipwrecks, all before deciding what is for dinner. Because normal island holidays are not really our thing. Here are 10 reasons why Siyam World is turning up the fun this summer.
Dive into the Maldives’ Newest Obsession
Some resorts have house reefs. Siyam World has a shipwreck. The newest underwater attraction in Noonu Atoll is a 66 metre former Maldivian tuna freighter that now rests beneath the surface, ready to be explored by divers and marine life alike. Today it is an exciting new wreck dive. Tomorrow it will become a thriving artificial reef. Not bad for a retired fishing boat.

Train with Football Legends
This August, young football fans can swap the local pitch for paradise as former Premier League stars Andrew Johnson and Wayne Routledge arrive at Siyam World for two exclusive football camps. Not every summer holiday comes with professional coaching and ocean views. 10th – 14th AUGUST 2026 – Andrew Johnson / 15th – 19th AUGUST 2026 – Wayne Routledge. For kids between the ages of 5-12 years. More info here.

Swim with Sharks. Brag About It Later.
Swimming with sharks sounds terrifying. Until you realise these are gentle nurse sharks and curious sea turtles gliding through crystal clear waters. A three-hour snorkelling trip suddenly becomes one of those holiday stories you will tell for years.

The Floor Is Lava. The Water Park Is Not.
The Maldives’ biggest floating water park is basically an invitation to unleash your inner child. Climb it. Jump off it. Race your friends. Repeat.

Become a Mermaid. Seriously.
Some people come home from holiday with a tan. Others leave Siyam World with a mermaid certificate. This Try Mermaid Pool Program includes one session in the pool, all the equipment you’ll need as well as a certificate of completion. We know which one sounds more fun.
Golf, But Make It Shipwrecked.
Take on the Shipwrecked golf challenge, compete with friends and maybe even win resort credit while you are at it. Losing gracefully is optional.
Saddle Up, Maldives Style
Horse riding is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Maldives. That is exactly why we love it.

Dinner Underground, Island Style
Hidden beneath the island, Barrique is home to exceptional wines, curated menus and one of the most unique dining experiences in the Maldives. Choose between multiple course gourmet tasting menus that are served surrounded by hundreds of world-renowned vintages, where our sommelier is ready to take you through a wine journey that you will never forget. Because even adventure seekers need a sophisticated evening now and then.

Swap Flip-Flops for Pole Position
Who says paradise cannot come with a little friendly competition? Siyam World’s electric go-karts bring speed, excitement and plenty of laughs to the island, proving once again that this is a destination designed for those who like their holidays with a side of adventure.

Take on the Delmare Golf Challenge
Add a competitive twist to your stay with Siyam World’s golf challenge at Shipwrecked. Guests have the chance to win resort credit while enjoying a fun and social activity set against the backdrop of the ocean. Fun fact, the gold balls are fish food.
To make the most of summer, Siyam World is offering an exclusive limited-time offer with up to 45% off best available rates, complemented by added benefits including complimentary shared seaplane transfers on selected stays, USD 150 resort credit per bedroom, and a one-time floating breakfast for longer stays. Guests can enjoy the full Premium 24-hour WOW! all-inclusive experience, with up to two children under 12 staying and dining complimentary. The offer is available for bookings until 31 August 2026, for stays until 31 October 2027. Then tell us again that the Maldives is only for doing nothing.
To find out more, visit the resort’s website or follow @siyamworld on social channels.
Awards
Sirru Fen Fushi earns multiple honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is celebrating a series of prestigious accolades that reaffirm its position as one of the Maldives’ leading luxury destinations and reflect its dedication to creating meaningful guest experiences.
At the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Sirru Fen Fushi was recognised in three highly competitive categories:
- #1 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
- #5 Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives
- #5 Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives
These awards reflect the votes and experiences of discerning travellers across the region and celebrate the resort’s unique blend of contemporary luxury, immersive experiences and natural beauty.
Adding to this achievement, Sirru Fen Fushi has also been honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, a recognition awarded to properties that consistently earn outstanding guest reviews and rank among the top 10% travellers’ preferred destinations worldwide.
Nestled in the pristine waters of Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi offers an extraordinary island escape defined by spacious villas, exceptional dining, family-friendly experiences and a strong commitment to sustainability. Home to one of the Maldives’ most iconic infinity pools overlooking the turquoise lagoon, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a secluded setting.
“We are incredibly grateful to our guests for their trust and support, and to our dedicated team whose passion and commitment make these achievements possible,” said Abdulla Nabeel, Commercial Director. “These recognitions are especially meaningful as they reflect the experiences of the travellers we welcome to our island every day. We are honoured to receive them and remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable moments.”
The awards mark another milestone in Sirru Fen Fushi’s ongoing journey of excellence, further strengthening its reputation as a destination where authentic luxury, personalised service and natural beauty come together to create truly memorable stays.
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.
Cooking
Chef Nicolas Isnard to lead exclusive culinary residency at Meyyafushi Maldives
Meyyafushi has announced an exclusive culinary residency with acclaimed French chef Nicolas Isnard from 20 to 26 July 2026, bringing Michelin-starred expertise and contemporary French gastronomy to the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Renowned for his innovative approach to French cuisine and his passion for celebrating exceptional ingredients, Chef Nicolas Isnard has built an international reputation through his Michelin-starred restaurants, culinary collaborations and appearances at prestigious gastronomic events around the world.
During his week-long residency, guests of Meyyafushi Maldives will have the rare opportunity to experience a series of bespoke culinary events curated by Chef Nicolas, including signature menus, dining experiences and chef-hosted evenings designed to showcase the artistry and elegance of modern French cuisine.
A highlight of the residency will be a specially curated 5-course dining experience at Bubble, Meyyafushi Maldives’ spectacular underwater restaurant, where guests will enjoy Michelin-inspired creations surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. Additionally, another 5-course wine-pairing dinner will take place at the overwater Raa Wine Cellar, creating unforgettable moments for culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike.
Chef Nicolas will also collaborate closely with the resort’s culinary team, sharing his expertise through professional training sessions and knowledge exchange initiatives aimed at further enhancing the guest dining experience across the island.
“We are honoured to welcome Chef Nicolas Isnard to Meyyafushi,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager of BeKind Hospitality Group. “His creativity, passion and commitment to culinary excellence align perfectly with our vision of delivering extraordinary experiences for our guests. This residency represents an exciting opportunity to further elevate our culinary offering and position Meyyafushi as a leading destination for gastronomic travel in the Maldives.”
Located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, Meyyafushi Maldives is redefining luxury island escapes through a collection of distinctive experiences, including Bubble Underwater Restaurant, the world’s first fixed overwater padel tennis court, an overwater wine cellar, adults-only Sky Bar and Sunken Lounge, and a Premium All-Inclusive concept designed to offer guests unparalleled freedom and choice.
The Michelin-starred Chef Nicolas Isnard collaboration forms part of Meyyafushi’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class talent and exceptional experiences to the destination, creating memorable moments that inspire connection, discovery and celebration.
Reservations for the exclusive dining experiences will be available on a limited basis and are expected to be in high demand. For bookings, please contact reservations@meyyafushi.com or visit www.meyyafushi.com.
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