News
Taj Hotels and Shangri-La Hotels form Industry-First Alliance

Two iconic Asian hotel companies join forces to broaden their reach and scale across 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations
Two of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotel groups, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Mumbai-based Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, announced today they have formed a ground-breaking strategic alliance to broaden their reach and offer more unique experiences to guests across Asia and the world.
The alliance will officially launch in March 2017 with the introduction of the “Warmer Welcomes” programme, which integrates Taj InnerCircle and Shangri-La’s Golden Circle guest loyalty programmes and will provide members reciprocal and seamless benefits at a scale never seen before under a hospitality alliance. Both Taj and Shangri-La are renowned worldwide for their exceptional service philosophy that is deeply rooted in, and inspired by, the cultures and traditions of the markets they operate in.
Recognition is Just the Beginning
The “Warmer Welcomes” programme will offer Shangri-La and Taj’s combined 6 million loyalty programme members the benefits most important to them:
- Recognition: Members will be able to enjoy the perks of their elite status when they stay at any Shangri-La or Taj hotel with top-tier status matching.
- Earn points across 200 hotels, 27 countries and 131 destinations: Members of either program will now be able to earn award points in their preferred programme while staying with Taj or Shangri-La whether in Mumbai, New Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, London, New York and other key destinations in the world.
- Seamless redemptions: Members will be able to convert points to redeem awards between both programmes.
Rakesh Sarna, MD and CEO Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said: “This is a strategic step in bringing greater synergies amongst two brands known for their legendary hospitality. Over time, our valued guests and loyalty members had shared their desire for a wider selection of world class hotels in key destinations. This alliance will help drive deeper engagement for our most valuable guests and members as they will now be recognized seamlessly at some of the world’s finest hotels across multiple geographies.”
“As hotel owner-operators who share similar values and service philosophies but have minimal overlap of properties, Taj and Shangri-La are in a unique position to establish a seamless alliance that goes beyond a marketing partnership or multi-hotel distribution platform,” said Shangri-La Acting President Madhu Rao. “Our alliance bridges two iconic Asian brands and opens up a world of new experiences for our loyal guests. We will be able to enhance brand awareness and increase market share by providing Golden Circle and Taj InnerCircle members more value and more reasons to stay with us.”
India and China are currently the fastest-growing major economies of the world. They have the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in terms of number of travellers and have witnessed double-digit year-on-year growth for the past few years.
As part of its “Loyalty Is” fifth anniversary celebration this year, Shangri-La’s Golden Circle has rolled out an array of new member benefits and partnerships, the most recent being Infinite Journeys with Singapore Airlines. In addition, Golden Circle has recently introduced programmes such as Event Planner Rewards and The Table by Golden Circle, Shangri-La’s first global dining loyalty programme.
Taj relaunched InnerCircle in 2015 with augmented features and enhancements, applicable globally across all hotels. The revamped programme has no blackout dates, an easy redemption process with myriad opportunities ranging from accommodation, restaurants and spas, and no expiry of points for active members. Most recently, Taj InnerCircle also redesigned its Epicure programme, renewed with offers that extend globally. It now gives its patrons an all-encompassing experience of Dine, Drink, Stay, Spa and Redeem.
Awards
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives recognised among leading global hotels with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

An emerald jewel in the Indian Ocean, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives was honored with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a distinction given to businesses that consistently earn exceptional reviews and rank among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
As an idyllic island escape that blends playful energy with breathtaking natural beauty, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has captivated guests with its vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and experiences that honour local culture while embracing global celebrations – from Easter to Eid Al-Fitr.
Whether guests arrive as a family for the annual summer camp where youngsters make friends for life or retreat to an overwater villa for a romantic weekend, they can expect The Standard’s signature fusion of relaxation, entertainment and adventure – an experience that continues to earn rave reviews from travellers worldwide.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award,” said Justin Swart, the newly appointed General Manager at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our valued visitors and look forward to creating more magical moments for our guests, old and new.”
News
Eid escape at Noku Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Noku Maldives, a member of IHG’s Vignette Collection, invites guests to experience a soulful three-day celebration set against the serene beauty of Noonu Atoll. Rooted in culture and connection, the resort’s Eid Escape is thoughtfully curated to honour the essence of the season through a blend of Maldivian heritage, island rituals, and shared moments of joy.
Guests are welcomed into a journey where each day unfolds with intention—from immersive wellness sessions to meaningful cultural workshops. Highlights of the celebration include traditional Maldivian performances, where the island’s rich storytelling heritage comes alive through the Bodumas procession, Bandiya Jehun dance, and the rhythmic beat of Boduberu drums. These time-honoured performances, held beneath golden skies, invite guests to witness the living spirit of the Maldives.
The celebration culminates in a generous Eid Feast by the beach, featuring a curated menu of local delicacies, fresh catch, and tropical indulgences—all served in a setting that captures the warmth of island life.
Whether participating in games by the sea, exploring island rituals, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Eid Escape at Noku Maldives is a celebration of grace, heritage, and togetherness, woven into the heart of a secluded paradise.
Drink
Master Sommelier Kamal Malik to host exclusive dinner at Ithaa Underwater Gem

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
-
News1 week ago
Exclusive private island escape at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
Awards1 week ago
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives recognised among ‘Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure China 2024
-
News1 week ago
Siyam World Maldives achieves multiple wins in Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards
-
Celebration1 week ago
Celebrate Eid in paradise: music, magic, and Maldivian culture at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
-
Family1 week ago
Family Eid moments at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
-
News1 week ago
Sanctuary for her at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
-
Cooking7 days ago
Gluten-free, vegan baking takes centre stage in Maldives with BBM, IREKS
-
Featured7 days ago
Heritance Aarah achieves prestigious LQA Certification, redefining service standards