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South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) hosts special gala to award the regional winners

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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

 

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Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

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Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

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Drink

Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

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Drink

Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

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