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
News
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI hosts Dr Amit Kumar for ELE|NA Elements of Nature wellness residency
This festive season, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embrace a period of reflection, renewal and mindful letting go with the arrival of Dr Amit Kumar (Eknath), a globally respected holistic wellness practitioner and master of yoga, meditation and sound healing. Set on one of the Maldives’ most serene private islands, the residency transforms the traditional holiday atmosphere into a sanctuary for clarity, rest and meaningful reconnection. Spanning the festive period and continuing through January, it offers guests the opportunity to reset and realign mentally, emotionally and physically as they welcome the year ahead.
From 15 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, Dr Kumar will guide a deeply immersive program that blends ancient healing arts with modern mind-body practices. Through sacred sound, intuitive movement and restorative therapies, he supports each guest in slowing down, tuning in and rediscovering a sense of inner steadiness. His approach reflects ELE|NA’s Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, empowering guests to shape their own journey toward balance and well-being. This may include sunrise practices, evening sound journeys or personalised therapeutic sessions created according to individual needs.
Signature Experience: The Divine Sound Bath
At the heart of the residency is Dr Kumar’s renowned Divine Sound Bath, a multisensory immersion using Himalayan singing bowls and refined vibrational techniques. The experience guides guests into deep stillness, calming the nervous system and inviting emotional clarity. Many describe this session as a complete energetic reset, emerging grounded, refreshed and more connected to their inner calm.
Complementing this signature offering is a curated selection of transformative experiences including intuitive massage rituals, meditative yoga flows, chakra-inspired energy work and ancient beauty therapies. Each session is intentionally designed to help guests step away from external noise and reconnect with their natural rhythm. The serene surroundings of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI enhance this process, with its peaceful ambience and spacious private villas ideal for rest and reflection.
“At ELE|NA, we believe wellness should be personal, intuitive and alive,” says Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President of ELE|NA. “Dr Kumar brings a presence that perfectly reflects this philosophy. His sessions allow guests to move beyond relaxation and rediscover harmony through sound, movement and mindful awareness.”
With the soothing rhythm of the Indian Ocean as its backdrop, ELE|NA offers an environment where wellness becomes an immersive and transformative experience. Guests are invited to step into the New Year with intention, supported by clarity, calm and a renewed sense of inner balance.
Cooking
SO/ Maldives announces 4-day culinary collaboration with Chef Kareem Atef for UAE National Day
SO/ Maldives, the bold luxury island fashion-resort known for its avant-garde spirit and playful sophistication, turns the spotlight onto the art of flavour with an electrifying culinary collaboration. The resort welcomes award-winning chef, TV personality, and fusion-flavour trailblazer Chef Kareem Atef for a four-day gastronomic celebration titled “Savour the Unexpected: Fusion, Fire & Flair.”
A two-time Africa Cup culinary champion, Harvard-trained in “Science & Cooking,” and renowned for his standout appearances on Top Chef All Stars, Chef Kareem is globally recognised for his artistic fusion cuisine, modern culinary techniques, and a passion for transforming food into emotion. From private fine-dining creations to dynamic masterclasses across the Middle East, Chef Kareem brings a world of innovation, storytelling, and sensory delight, now landing exclusively at SO/ Maldives.
Across four days, the island becomes an immersive stage of taste, theatre, and tropical energy. Each experience is designed to intrigue the senses, ignite curiosity, and invite guests to indulge in a fresh, fearless approach to luxury dining.
29 November 2025 | 18:30–22:00
Five-Course Signature Dinner at Hadaba
The journey begins with an elevated five-course dining experience at Hadaba, where Chef Kareem blends Middle Eastern soul with global technique. Expect bold contrasts, elegant plating, and stories carried through every bite.
30 November 2025 | 15:00–16:00
Interactive Cooking Class at The Citronelle Club
A rare chance to step into the chef’s creative mind. Guests learn, taste, and play under Kareem’s guidance as he breaks down the art of modern fusion with hands-on techniques, tips, and one-on-one interaction.
01 December 2025 | 18:30–22:00
Four-Course Beach Dinner at Lazuli Beach Club
Barefoot luxury meets culinary theatre. A stunning sunset backdrop sets the mood for a curated beachside dinner where fire, flavour, and artistry collide.
02 December 2025 | 19:00–22:00
Grand Finale Dinner Buffet at The Citronelle Club
The collaboration closes with a lavish buffet crafted by Chef Kareem and the SO/ Maldives culinary team a vibrant celebration of global influences, island flair, and pure creative synergy.
SO/ Maldives is built on the energy of discovery fashion-forward design, bold experiences, and a spirit that dares to be different. Chef Kareem Atef, with his fearless fusion approach and award-winning culinary mastery, is a natural collaborator for a resort dedicated to redefining island luxury.
A powerhouse of talent and innovation, Chef Kareem Atef has led teams to victory in the Africa Cup (2022 & 2024), earned recognition from the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, and showcased his craft on Top Chef Middle East Seasons 3 & All Stars. His portfolio spans executive kitchen leadership, fusion cuisine masterclasses, bespoke private dining, and global culinary collaborations. With a passion for pushing boundaries, Kareem continues to shape the future of modern gastronomy.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit SO-Maldives.com or contact SO.Maldives.Reservations@so-hotels.com.
News
Honour UAE National Day with curated escapes at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
With UAE National Day holidays swiftly approaching, two distinctive island resorts by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives will be offering exclusive benefits for the UAE residents. Guests can enjoy exclusive offers including 20% off Bed & Breakfast rates, daily breakfast for two, and a complimentary fifth night with the Blue Skies Ahead package. Surf enthusiasts can take advantage of the Surf & Spa Escape, featuring four days of guided surf coaching with Tropicsurf pros, boat transfers to local breaks, complimentary equipment, and restorative Islander or Surfer Massages. Families will love the Junior Marine Savers program, where children can discover marine conservation through hands-on activities like coral propagation and turtle rehabilitation.
Blue Skies Ahead – A Special National Day Offer
Celebrate the occasion in style with the ‘Blue Skies Ahead’ package at Kuda Huraa. Guests can enjoy:
- 20% off Bed & Breakfast rates
- Daily breakfast for two
- Complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights
Wake up to endless horizons, soak in the Maldivian sun, and embrace the island’s signature barefoot luxury, all while taking advantage of this special UAE National Day offer.
Surf & Spa Escape – Ride the Waves
For surf enthusiasts, Kuda Huraa offers the ultimate Surf & Spa Escape. Highlights include:
- Four days of ability-appropriate surf coaching with Tropicsurf professionals
- Guided boat transfers to local breaks
- Complimentary use of surfboards, paddleboards, and equipment
- Restorative Islander or Surfer Massages at the Island Spa
- Daily group yoga classes to stretch and balance
Whether you are a beginner progressing through the Dream or Ride Programs, or an experienced surfer tackling the Perfect Wave or intensive Ride Clinic, this package ensures an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Junior Marine Savers – A Family-Friendly Experience
Families can dive into the Junior Marine Savers program at Kuda Huraa, introducing young explorers (ages 8–12) to marine conservation through hands-on activities, including coral propagation, turtle rehabilitation, and dolphin research. This unique experience fosters curiosity while creating lifelong memories for children and parents alike.
Baraabaru – A Culinary Journey
No visit to Kuda Huraa is complete without dining at Baraabaru, an award-winning Indian restaurant that offers a unique culinary experience. Inspired by the architecture of Kerala, Baraabaru serves homestyle Indian delights in a dramatic lagoon-top setting. The restaurant also offers a range of beverages, including craft cocktails like the Kuda Huraa Sangria and Sunset Colada, as well as classic options like Champagne Cocktails and Infused Mojitos.
Romance in Paradise
Mark UAE National Day holidays with an escape designed for love at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. The journey begins with bubbly and chocolates on arrival, followed by moments of pure relaxation during a 90-minute couples’ massage. As the sun sets, a private candlelit dinner on the beach and a professional photoshoot create timeless memories set against the enchanting Maldivian backdrop.
When: From now until December 20th
Where: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Offer:
- Bubbly & chocolates on arrival
- 90-minute couples’ massage
- Candlelight beach dinner
- 30-minute photoshoot
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Framed by vibrant tropical gardens and turquoise blue waters, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa cocoons guests in an enchanting village-like setting. Offering a unique blend of Maldivian heritage and barefoot luxury, each day presents a new adventure with spa retreats, and an array of water activities spanning dolphin cruises, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling with turtles. A haven for families, couples, and solo travellers alike, the resort ensures every moment is effortless with heartfelt, personalised service.
Guests can choose to make themselves at home in a variety of coral-fringed bungalows or the new Beach Villas, featuring twice as much outdoor space, a large private pool, and a fresh, airy design. For those seeking the pinnacle of opulence, the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate is the resort’s largest and most exclusive accommodation, with space for up to six adults and three children. Comprising three standalone villas surrounding a glistening infinity pool, the villa also includes a dedicated personal assistant.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru allows guests to fully unwind and bask in nature. Promising relaxation and discovery in equal measures, guests can explore the wonders of the shimmering reefs with scuba diving and snorkelling or enjoy fishing, boating, and windsurfing excursions. Later, relish a rejuvenating treatment at AyurMa wellness, sip a refreshing mocktail at the vibrant Blu Beach Club, or simply soak up the sun on the picturesque beach.
Accommodation spans private overwater villas perched above the turquoise lagoon, beach retreats shaded by lush greenery, and the show-stopping Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate designed for families and groups. This reimagined estate offers expansive oceanfront living with an 80-metre private beach, lap pool, sundeck, sunken lounge, air-conditioned library, and kitchen that invites gatherings throughout the day. A dedicated butler elevates the experience with personalised touches, orchestrating everything from curated family adventures to private beach barbecues along the shore.
Choose to honour the holidays at the Forbes Five-Star rated Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa or retreat to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, surrounded by a breathtaking UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
For more details, visit Four Seasons Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru or call +960 66 00 888.
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