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Four Maldives resorts amongst world’s most loved hotels

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Four tourist properties in Maldives have secured spots in the Gold List of the Loved by Guests award presented by hotels.com.

From the Maldives, Velassaru Maldives and Veligandu Island Resort & Spa made it to the list with a score of 4.8 out five, while Kurumba Maldives was included in the list with a score of 4.7 out five. The Barefoot Eco Hotel in the island of Hanimadhoo in the northern Haa Dhaal atoll also secured a spot with a score of 4.7.

Veligandu Island Resort, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a long stretch of white sandy beach, is accessible by a scenic 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The resort, which has recently won the Holidaycheck Award for the Top Hotel/Resort in the Maldives for the second year in a row, has 76 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas and 12 Jacuzzi Beach Villas.

Veligandu Island Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ VELIGANDU

Accessible by a 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Velassaru Maldives offers contemporary-styled villas and bungalows. A wide variety of international specialities are prepared at Velassaru’s five restaurants, including fresh contemporary sea food, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options, while the two beach bars serve cocktails and wines.

Kurumba Maldives, located a mere 15-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport, is the first resort opened in the Maldives in 1972. Following a complete reconstruction in 2003, it has emerged as a grand resort of distinctive style and panache. With 180 bungalows and villas dotted throughout the island within verdant foliage only a pace or two from the beach, Kurumba Maldives offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation.

The beach bar at Kurumba Maldives. PHOTO/ KURUMBA

The Barefoot Eco Hotel is located within an almost untouched forest on Hanimadhoo island in the preserved deep north of Maldives. This four-star eco hotel offers tranquil and comfortable accommodation options featuring private balcony or terrace along with a private beach area.

The Barefoot Eco Hotel in Hanimaadhoo. PHOTO/ THE BAREFOOT

The Gold List recognises the best hotels and resorts around the world, based on guest reviews. It is the highest honour in the Loved by Guests awards by Expedia-affiliated hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with properties ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts.

The Loved by Guests awards were curated using data that showed that it is the simple things that create hotel perfection, with luxurious extras seen as the cherry on the cake. The hotels.com data revealed that cleanliness and comfort are 35 times more important than an extravagant breakfast, a luxurious pool or a deluxe coffee machine in your room. And surprisingly, in this connected world, the impact of friendly and helpful staff is 10 times more important than free Wi-Fi.

Awards

Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards

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Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.

This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.

Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.

The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.

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Drink

Cocktail art meets tropical bliss: Tao Zrafi transforms Oaga Art Resort’s Sobi Bar

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Oaga Art Resort has transformed its Sobi Bar into a Mixology Garden, showcasing a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Beverage Artist and Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’ finalist, Tao Zrafi.

Far from the typical poolside bar, the revamped Sobi Bar offers a unique experience where artistic cocktails take centre stage. Standard drinks are replaced with Tao Zrafi’s creations, which expertly blend local Maldivian flavours with surprising twists, providing a sensory journey for visitors.

Each cocktail at Sobi Bar is a testament to Tao Zrafi’s creativity. His exclusive menu combines stunning visual presentation with complex, delightful flavours, elevating the drink experience into an art form.

The Mixology Garden caters to diverse tastes. In addition to Tao Zrafi’s signature creations, Sobi Bar offers a curated selection of international gins and artisanal beers, ensuring every guest finds the perfect beverage to suit their preferences.

To commemorate the launch of the Mixology Garden, Oaga Art Resort is hosting several special events:

  • Cocktail Masterclasses (November 29 and December 6): Guests can learn from Tao Zrafi himself, discovering the secrets behind his innovative cocktails.
  • The Grand Unveiling (December 5): This evening celebration features Tao’s signature cocktails, a buffet, live music, interactive mural painting, and spectacular fire shows. Guests can enjoy a sunset soiree combining art, music, and unforgettable flavours.

Sneak peeks of Tao Zrafi’s creations are available on Oaga Art Resort’s social media platforms, offering a teaser of the enchanting cocktails awaiting guests at Sobi Bar.

Whether seeking relaxation, artistic inspiration, or an elevated cocktail experience, the Mixology Garden at Sobi Bar promises something extraordinary. With its blend of stunning flavors, unique atmosphere, and unforgettable events, Oaga Art Resort ensures every visitor leaves with cherished memories of paradise.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces exclusive collaboration with Maldivian

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury destination located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, has announced its exclusive partnership with Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, for all seaplane and domestic flight transfers. Starting from November 1st, 2024, this collaboration aims to provide guests with unparalleled convenience and seamless travel to the resort, ensuring daily service, with additional transfers available depending on the season.

The resort is known for its spacious villas, exceptional privacy, a wide array of experiences, world-class amenities, and personalised service, all set in a lush, natural island paradise. With Maldivian as its exclusive seaplane transfer partner, guests can enjoy a direct, swift, and scenic journey from Velana International Airport to the resort’s doorstep.

Ahmed Hafeez, Managing Director of Lily Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are welcomed by the resort’s dedicated airport representatives, who escort them to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. Here, they can relax and enjoy panoramic views, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi while awaiting their transfer.

In addition to seaplane transfers, Maldivian will also manage domestic flight transfers for guests who prefer this alternative. This comprehensive approach highlights Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s commitment to providing flexible and convenient travel solutions.

The partnership with Maldivian also positions the resort for future growth, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. This development is expected to enhance accessibility and offer more travel options for the resort’s clientele. The collaboration is anticipated to generate increased interest in the less-explored northern Maldives, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and more tranquil, underwater experiences.

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