Featured
Crown & Champa Resorts get HACCP re-certification
Six properties in the Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) portfolio have once again received the prestigious Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP) certification.
The CCR properties that received the HACCP certification include Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, and Innahura Maldives Resort.
HACCP certification is highly regarded in the hotel and food industry. It is the international standard of food safety and is based on companies complying with the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Codex Alimentarius” and is also equivalent to ISO22000.
“It is one of the most sought-after accreditations in the foodservice industry and affirms our commitment to providing excellent service at world-class standards,” CCR chief executive Martin Vossen was quoted in a statement, as saying.
To achieve accreditation and be awarded HACCP certification, the properties in the collections must adhere to strict food safety standards throughout the supply, storage and production process and complete an annual audit review by an accredited body.
CCR has partnered with an organisation from the UK, Ian Greaves International.UK (IGI.UK).
Over the recent year, the two organisations have formed a strong working relationship, enabling CCR properties to not only achieve HACCP accreditation but also to provide the learning framework for the professionals within the organisation to obtain their personal certification from HACCP Level 1-4 for executive chefs.
Together with HACCP administrators and operations teams, and supported by CCR Director of Training and Development Zakariyya Easa, they adhere to the strict practices and protocols with a passion for quality experiences delivered safely.
“It had been seven years since the Food Safety/Hygiene Policy for CCR was introduced to the company in June 2013. A HACCP preliminary audit took place In January,” Easa said.
With the CCR collection growing each year, it is the group’s understanding, continuous training and refresher programmes that resulted in its newest property, Innahura Maldives Island, being certified well before completing its first year of operations.
Globally, guests and the partners look for the peace of mind the HACCP accreditation provides. HACCP is recognised in countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and UAE, as well as European Union member countries.
“Today, CCR has reached a level where HACCP and its principles are embedded in the business with policies and procedures firmly placed and from arrival to departure, especially in the kitchens, restaurants and accommodation. We continue to extend our commitment to excellence and actively participate with Travelife and Local authorities,” the statement read.
“With the renewed certification, guests can enjoy their stay at the CCR resorts with the confidence, in properties providing the very best-in-class services who are at the top of the hospitality industry in the Maldives and the world.”
Crown & Champa Resorts, a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience, currently runs eight resorts — each targeting a unique traveller with the aim of offering great quality and value in different segments.
Crown & Champa Resorts’ diverse collection of resorts include Hurawalhi Maldives, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Innahura Maldives Resort, Komandoo Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Resort Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.
The group had earlier announced plans to open its ninth resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, later this year.
All CCR properties remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the group will begin welcoming guests again on July 1.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
-
Action1 week agoSix Senses Kanuhura participates in international COASTS Project on blue carbon ecosystems
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli Maldives continues Michelin guest chef series with female lineup
-
Action1 week agoBaros Maldives introduces ‘Lines of Respect’ fishing programme
-
News1 week agoReethi Faru Resort joins global Earth Hour campaign with conservation efforts
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli introduces new treatments at Ocean Spa
-
Awards1 week agoVilla Park recognised with CHECK24 Top Hotel Award
-
Cooking5 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts Michelin-starred Chef Robin Pietsch
-
News1 week agodusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives observes Earth Hour with sustainability efforts