Featured
Baglioni Resort Maldives, Emerald Maldives Resort amongst Leading Hotels’ most anticipated 2019 openings

Upcoming Baglioni Resort Maldives and Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa have been recognised as the most anticipated openings of the year amongst the newest hotels and renovations in the The Leading Hotels of the World collection.
This year, Leading Hotels is slated to introduce more than 20 outstanding new builds located around the globe. Post-renovation reopenings will also be prevalent, with six properties recently opening their doors for curious travellers to enjoy in 2019 and seven scheduled to reopen and welcome guests this year.
“We look forward to an exciting year ahead, following a strong 2018 where Leading Hotels welcomed more than 50 remarkable hotels to our portfolio,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World.
“The 2019 new additions demonstrate notable growth in countries such as Spain, Japan, the United States, and the Maldives. Our more than 20 anticipated openings and numerous renovations will provide travellers with diverse luxury accommodations in popular and emerging destinations, and a fresh perspective on their respective locales. Collectively, the hotels offer innovative design, thoughtfully curated amenities and local experiences, as well as attentive high-touch service, defining contemporary elegance and comfort.”
Set on the island of Maagau in Dhaalu atoll, Baglioni Resort Maldives will become the first Italian luxury five-star resort in the Maldives when it opens on June 1, 2019.
Accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, this exclusive island is surrounded by turquoise water, velvet white sand and tropical nature, allowing guests to experience a bespoke stay – with a distinctly Italian touch – in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can make the most of their leisure time with a different sporting activity every day, or simply let go and unwind at the Baglioni Spa, offering a deeply relaxing experience with a variety of indulgent treatments in a lush, leafy setting. The entire experience is tastefully enriched by prestigious gastronomic options to satisfy the most discerning international clientele.
Created from sustainable materials and employing eco-sensitive practices to minimise the environmental impact, Baglioni Resort Maldives is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.
Opening in June 2019, Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa is managed by Rome-headquartered hotel chain Emerald Collection. The resort is being developed on the island of Fasmendhoo in the northern Raa atoll, which is accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight or a 30-minute domestic flight from the main Velana International Airport to Ifuru Domestic Airport followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride.
With a collection of private beach villas and overwater bungalows — many with their own pools and Jacuzzis — Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa combines contemporary comforts with warm tropical flourishes. The resort’s four restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean, to Asian and South American cuisine, as well as wellness offerings like the spa, diving centre, and sports facility invite guests to relax and recharge amid crystalline blue waters and unspoiled nature in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is a collection of uncommon luxury hotels.
Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable, authentic travel experiences. The company selects only hotels that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness, resulting in a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that make them different.
Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive tiered guest loyalty programme, consisting of like-minded travellers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The programme provides its members with personalised service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world.
Awards
Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.
Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.
Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.
With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.
Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.
This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
-
Honeymoon1 week ago
Sun, sand, searches: Maldives tops charts for 2025 newlyweds
-
Awards1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025
-
News1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives & Resort, Korres launch sustainable summer
-
Featured1 week ago
Global recognition for InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort at 2025 T+L Luxury Awards
-
Awards1 week ago
Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards
-
Featured1 week ago
Elevated wellness: Aerial Yoga launches at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives
-
Action6 days ago
Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts