News
South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) hosts special gala to award the regional winners
Maldives.net.mv – South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) concludes for the year 2016 and announced winners at a Special Gala event held on 16th November at Mount Lavinia Hotel , Sri Lanka.
Hon. Minister of Tourism , Sri Lanka HE. John Amarathunga stated during his speech that , SATA will benefit the Tourism Industry of the region and he wishes the best for the initiative while being pleased to have the first event hosted in Sri Lanka.
The South Asian Travel Awards is the first ever regional Travel Awards endorsed by Multi National Associations providing the Tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards within the regions of the Tourism industry.
WINNERS OF SATA 2016 :
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – Sri Lanka: Aqua Inn , Trincomalee
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – South India: Harvest Fresh Farm Stay
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – Maldives: Kaani Beach Hotel , Maafushi
- Leading Beach Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, Kovalam
- Leading Beach Resort – Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysand Resort & Spa
- Leading Beach Resort – Maldives: Amari Havvoda Maldives
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – South India: Hills & Hues
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Hunas Falls by Amaya
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Coco Bodu Hithi
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – South India: Hills & Hues
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Heritance Negombo
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Amilla Fushi
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: The Kingsbury
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Conrad Maldives
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: The Kingsbury
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – Maldives: W Maldives
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Sun Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Turyaa Kalutara
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Heritance Kandalama
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – Maldives: The Sun Siyam Iru fushi
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Amaya Lake Dhambulla
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand -Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – Maldives: Araamu Spa
- Leading CSR Programme – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading CSR Programme – Sri Lanka: Royal Palms Beach , Kalutara
- Leading CSR Programme – Maldives: Coco Palm Dhunikolhu
- Leading Tour Operator – South India: Marvel Tours
- Leading Tour Operator – Sri Lanka: Classic Travel
- Leading Tour Operator – Maldives: Moodhu Holidays
Overall winners – South Asia
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – South Asia: Aqua Inn , Trincomalee , Sri Lanka
- Leading Liveaboard – South Asia: Scuba Spa Yang, Maldives
- Leading Liveaboard Brand – South Asia: Voyages Maldives
- Leading Beach Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Amari Havodda Maldives
- Leading Meeting & Conference Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Paradise Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Coco Bodu Hithi , Maldives
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Amilla Fushi , Maldives
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Conrad Maldives
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – South Asia: W Maldives
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Sun Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka
- Leading Wellness & Spa Resort – South Asia: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – South Asia:Araamu Spa, Maldives
- Leading Dive Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
- Leading CSR Programme – South Asia: Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
- Leading Dive Center – South Asia: Dive Oceanus, Maldives
- Leading Activity / Water Sports Center- South Asia: Water Sports Point , Adaaran Club Rannaalhi, Maldives
- Leading Business Hotel – South Asia: The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
- Leading House Boat – South Asia: Cinnamon, Spice Routes Luxury Cruises, India
- Leading House Boat Brand – South Asia: Marvel Cruise, India
- Leading Tour Operator – South Asia: Classic Travel, Sri Lanka
- Leading Travel Agent – South Asia: Voyages Maldives
- Leading PSA / GSA Partner – South Asia: Cyprea Pvt Ltd, Maldives
- Leading Surf Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Cinnamon Dhonveli , Maldives
- Leading City Hotel – South Asia: Casa Colombo Collection , Colombo Sri Lanka
- Leading Meeting & Convention Center – South Asia: BMICH , Sri Lanka
- Leading Airport Hotel – South Asia: Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
- Leading Transport Provider – South Asia: Princy Travel , India
- Leading Travel Technology – South Asia: Findmyfare.com
Visitor’s Choice Awards
- Visitors Choice – Leading International Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading International Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Honeymoon Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Diving Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Beach Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Cruising Destination: Maldives
Family
Easter in Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island and Maalifushi launch curated festivities
This Easter, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites guests to celebrate the season of renewal with a week of curated island experiences at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi. Set across two distinctive Maldivian islands, the Easter programmes combine family traditions, culinary highlights, ocean exploration and wellness experiences in some of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful settings.
Running from March 30 to April 5, 2026, both resorts present Easter celebrations designed to bring families and couples together through meaningful experiences inspired by nature and the ocean.

At COMO Cocoa Island, the Easter Escape programme celebrates springtime with a series of relaxed island traditions and immersive experiences. Guests can enjoy Easter-themed breakfasts, creative workshops, family egg hunts and outdoor cinema evenings beneath the stars. The week culminates with a traditional Easter Roast Dinner featuring classic trimmings and seasonal desserts, while Ocean’s Harvest Seafood Market on Good Friday showcases the freshest daily catches in a vibrant ocean-inspired feast.
The celebrations are further enriched by a special COMO Journey in partnership with Ocean Culture Life, led by renowned photographer Matt Porteous and environmental advocate Tamsin Raine. Through storytelling sessions, ocean film nights and photography workshops, the residency invites guests to deepen their connection with the marine world and explore the power of ocean conservation through art and storytelling.

Further south in the pristine Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi presents A Maldivian Easter Escape, blending ocean adventures, culinary experiences and wellness. Families can join themed activities hosted by Play by COMO, including island picnics, colourful crafts and Easter egg hunts designed especially for younger guests.
Dining highlights throughout the week include special culinary events such as a Japanese Omakase dinner at Tai, while guests seeking relaxation can take part in wellness experiences at COMO Shambhala Retreat, including family spa treatments and holistic therapies.

The programme also features the Guardians of the Reef COMO Journey, led by Sharks4Kids founder and marine biologist Jillian Morris alongside Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Duncan Brake. This hands-on marine education experience introduces families to the fascinating world of sharks through guided reef explorations and conservation storytelling.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi, says: “Easter is a special time on our islands, when guests can slow down, reconnect with nature and spend meaningful time together. Across both resorts, we have created programmes that celebrate the ocean, creativity and family traditions—allowing guests to experience the Maldives in ways that are both joyful and enriching.”

Together, COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi offer two distinct yet complementary ways to experience Easter in the Maldives—whether through ocean storytelling and intimate island traditions in South Malé Atoll, or through adventure, wellness and marine discovery in the untouched waters of Thaa Atoll.
Family
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island introduces Roarsome-themed adventure programme
Ventive Hospitality has announced a pioneering collaboration between Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome Outdoor Kidswear, marking what is believed to be the first partnership of its kind between a luxury resort and a purpose-driven children’s outdoor apparel brand.
The initiative brings Roarsome’s adventure-led philosophy to one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, creating immersive outdoor experiences designed to encourage children to step away from screens and reconnect with nature.
Set against the extraordinary natural backdrop of the Maldives, the collaboration will introduce Roarsome-themed adventure experiences for young guests, including interactive treasure hunts across the island, imaginative exploration trails, and nature-inspired outdoor activities designed to spark curiosity about the ocean and the environment.
Children visiting the resort will be invited to participate in Roarsome Adventure Quests, using bespoke illustrated maps and storytelling-driven challenges that guide them across the island while discovering marine life, natural habitats and sustainability initiatives. The partnership also introduces exclusive Roarsome merchandise and adventure gear available at the resort, allowing families to bring a piece of the experience home.

“Hospitality has the power to shape experiences that stay with people for life especially young minds” said Ranjit Batra. “Roarsome’s mission to get kids off screens and back into the outdoors is both timely and important. Through Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, we are bringing that mission to life in one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the world. This first-of-its-kind collaboration shows how hospitality and purpose-driven brands can come together to shape a future rooted in purpose and sustainability, where we constantly strive to create a better world for the next generation’
Roarsome creates durable outdoor adventure clothing for children aged 1–10, with 90% of its products made from recycled plastic bottles using innovative textile technologies such as REPREVE® and FENC® TopGreen®.
Recognised among the BE100 2025 list of the world’s most innovative purpose-led brands, Roarsome has embedded sustainability across every aspect of its operations, from manufacturing and materials to packaging, fulfilment and resale.
For Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the partnership enhances its reputation as a destination where families can experience the wonders of the natural world — from vibrant coral reefs to unique island ecosystems — while inspiring young travellers to become future stewards of the planet.
For Ventive Hospitality, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting brands and collaborations that combine innovation, sustainability and meaningful global impact.
As Roarsome continues its international expansion, the collaboration at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island marks a significant step in bringing its spirit of adventure to families visiting one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.Located in the South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is globally recognised for its distinctive experiences, including the iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass underwater dining venue, as well as its award-winning culinary offerings and immersive marine experiences.
The Easter takeover will further enhance the resort’s family offerings, bringing together adventure, storytelling and island discovery to create a memorable holiday experience for guests of all ages.

The Roarsome Treasure Hunt will be available to all guests on a complimentary basis from 2nd April 2026.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Roarsome are offering each family visiting between 31st March – 7th April 2026 a GBP 60 voucher for the Roarsome website to purchase a swimwear outfit to use at the Roarsome Runway show. They’ll also receive FREE accessories and goodies during the Roarsome Runway fashion show.
Little explorers stay and dine FREE (for up to two children under 12), with complimentary access to the Kid’s Club and family cooking classes. Includes 25% savings on return seaplane transfers, complimentary snorkelling and non-motorised watersports, a lagoon tour and a visit to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant for canapés.
Cooking
Anantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series
An adult-only sanctuary set amid crystalline lagoon waters, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort unveils an inspired celebration of culinary artistry with its fourth Michelin Star Guest Chef Series, featuring an exceptional all-female lineup. Set within the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, acclaimed chefs from around the world bring their distinctive perspectives and Michelin-starred mastery to the island for a series of exclusive dining experiences.
From the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the vibrant streets of Bombay and the refined ateliers of Paris, each residency offers guests the opportunity to savour refined flavours, creative expression and the evolving voice of women in global gastronomy, thoughtfully curated in Anantara Style.

Kick-starting the series back in January was Chef Caterina Ceraudo, whose Calabrian-rooted cuisine reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Looking ahead, the series continues with an inspiring lineup of female chefs from around the world, each bringing their own perspective and culinary artistry to the island.
Among them is Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Also joining the series is Michelin-starred Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family. Known for her elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine, Chef Emily has earned the recognition through her restaurant Caractère in London and her place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her Seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.
From the land of the rising sun, Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity, offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Expanding the chef list from its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragon, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.
“We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserves the same recognition and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience,” said Culinary Director, Chef Francis Purification.

He added, “Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”
For more information on the dinner, visit www.anantara.com or email fbcoordinator.amd@anantara.com.
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