Business
Voting for Maldives Travel Awards Guesthouse Edition opens with 90 nominees

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has opened voting for the Maldives Travel Awards – Guesthouse Edition.
Nominations closed on September 10, following which they were evaluated and shortlisted to eight contenders in each category based on their rating on TripAdvisor, which accounts for 40 percent of the total score.
Properties were shortlisted in 12 categories, including:
Leading Guesthouse
- Kaani
- Arena Beach
- Hotel UI Inn
- Serene sky Guesthouse
- Velana Beach
- Plumeria Sea View
- Crystal Sands Hotel
- TME Retreats Dhigura
Leading Food and Beverage Guesthouse
- Plumeria Sea View
- Crystal Sands Hotel
- Arena
- Velana Beach
- Kaani
- Season Paradise
- Hotel 78
- Castle Inn
Leading Guesthouse / Diving and Water Sports
- iTouch Blue and Venus Villa
- Maafushi Dive
- Active Maldives Private Limited
- Rasdhoo Dive Club
- Rasdhoo Dive Lodge
- Beach Stay Maldives
- Shamar Guesthouse and Dive
- Kalhu Muraka Guesthouse
Leading Eco-Friendly Guesthouse
- TME Retreats Dhigurah
- Beachwood Hotel and Spa
- Canopus Retreats
- Island Way Etos
- Season Paradise
- Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach
- Salt Beach
- Serene Sky Guesthouse
Leading Business Guesthouse
- Lonuveli Hotel
- Airport Beach
- Hotel UI Inn
- Ocean Grand
- Clear Sky Inn Hulhumale
- Coconut Tree Hulhuvila Beach
- Eureka Airport Inn
- Azoush Tourist Guesthouse
Leading Heritage Guesthouse
- Ariston Dhangethi Inn
- Local Island Inn
- Vashafaru Inn
- Lagoon View Maldives
- Banyan Villa
- Hiyaa Ilaa
- Mirian Sky Hotel
- Jupiter Sunrise Lodge
Leading Adventure Guesthouse
- Manta Inn
- Asia Inn Villa Retreat
- Detour Beach View
- Reveries Diving Village
- Boutique Beach All-Inclusive Diving Hotel
- Batuta Maldives Surf View Guesthouse
- Stingray Beach Inn
- Rasdhoo Dive Club
Most Innovative Guesthouse Concept
- Velana Beach
- Season Paradise
- Shallow Lagoon
- Tropical Village
- Casa Mia Maldives
- Masaaree Boutique Hotel
- White Shell Island Hotel and Spa
- Airport Beach
Leading Guesthouse Brand
- Kaani
- Arena Beach
- Hotel UI Inn
- Plumeria Hotel and Resorts Private Limited
- WhiteShell Island Hotel and Spa
- Serene Sky Guest Maldives
- LVIS Blancura Hotel
Leading Transport Service Provider
- iCom
- Nasru Speed
- Navi Speed
Leading Guesthouse Island
- Maafushi
- Thoddoo
- Rasdhoo
- Dhigurah
- Keyodhoo
- Felidhoo
- Hangnaameedhoo
- Bodufolhudhoo
Leading Beach Island
- Fulidhoo
- Dhigurah
- Thoddoo
- Vashafaru
- Dharavandho
- Thinadhoo
- Dhangethi
- Kelaa
Additionally, MATATO will award recognitions in three categories, including:
- Leading Business Development Partner for the Guesthouse Industry
- Newcomer of the Year
- Most Supportive Guesthouse
The shortlisted properties have now been put up for popular vote, which accounts for the remaining 60 percent of the final score. Votes can be cast online until October 28, and the winners will be announced at a special function to be held on October 30 in the island of Maafushi in Kaafu atoll.

MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas speaks at a function held on Wednesday to mark the World Tourism Day. PHOTO/ IBRAHIM ASAD
Introduced this year, the Guesthouse Edition builds on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrates the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.
Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds spread across the archipelago. The industry has in recent years expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards. Some 330 guesthouses have started operations over the past five years as the number of travellers that choose to stay in guesthouses rise.
Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.
This year, MATATO has for the first time branched out the prestigious awards into three categories; the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.
As the first event held under the Maldives Travel Awards brand, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi hosted the People’s Edition on July 13, where 10 individuals were recognised for their immense contributions to the development of the Maldives tourism industry.
After the Guesthouse Edition next month, the Grand Gala will be held in Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort in November.
The non-profit will also combine the Grand Gala with the travel conference happening a day before at Bandos Maldives resort, bringing an international audience of industry experts.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
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