Featured
Anantara Kihavah Maldives continues quest for excellence with more global awards
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has been awarded two globally-renowned awards adding to its collection of top awards amassed since the resort’s opening in 2011.
Anantara Kihavah received the title of ‘Favourite Beach Hotel (International)’, by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East in its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the premier travel industry awards in the Gulf region.
The online poll invited readers to vote for their favourite travel experiences across several categories.
This year’s win bears testament to the pristine beach conditions of the resort’s private island location in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll, married with the multitude of resort facilities designed for the ideal beach vacation.

Having launched newly refurbished two, three and four-bedroom beach pool residences at the start of this year, the resort is also home to SEA, the underwater restaurant, as well as the most powerful observatory in the Maldives, offering guests spectacular views of the night sky.


For the fifth-consecutive year, Anantara Kihavah’s acclaimed underwater dining experience, Sea Restaurant & Wine Cellar received the prestigious ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ from Wine Spectator, the world’s leading influential wine publication.
Wine lists are awarded based on displaying an “excellent breath across multiple wine-growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.”

This recognition demonstrates the restaurant’s continuous and consistent approach hailing from 2013, when Sea first received the ‘Award of Excellence’.
As the world’s first underwater cellar housing over 450 labels and vintage treasures dating from the 17th century, this accolade is an affirmation of the restaurant’s commitment to creating a carefully curated wine programme for connoisseurs.
For more information and bookings, please visit Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ official website.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
-
Cooking1 week agoAtmosphere Core, BBM to host Michelin-starred events with Chef Pasquale Palamaro
-
Meditation1 week agoJW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, Soulful Feasts by Stephanie Zubiri announce Thanksgiving wellness retreat
-
News5 days agoAutograph Collection Hotels debuts in Maldives with The Halcyon Private Isles: Signature retreat of individuality, immersion
-
Awards1 week agoSO/ Maldives shines bright with 3 wins at 2025 Global Awards Season
-
Awards1 week agoBanyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025
-
News1 week agoVelaa Private Island introduces newly redesigned Kuredhi Residence by Winch Design
-
Drink1 week agoConstance Moofushi Maldives celebrates fine wine excellence with Creation Wines
-
Awards6 days agoCentara Mirage Lagoon Maldives wins top family hotel honour at Little Steps Family Travel Awards


