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Stories from post-lockdown Maldives holidaymakers

In the eyes of the first guests who completed their Maldives holidays in September and October at the properties in the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, the vacations were all “excellent”, “it was paradise”, and most importantly:
Perfect stay and great anti-Covid measures.
Al_mj_0, London, United Kingdom (9/28/20) – Meeru Island Resort & Spa – TripAdvisor
Maldives was among the first to reopen its borders to tourist. Also having received the Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the island nation had been receiving travellers and holidaymakers since July 15.
Guests to Crown & Champa Resorts properties had been having a wonderful time. They felt safe and enjoyed their holidays and never felt restricted by the new normal, the health and safety protocols. Check out their stories in these video testimonials.
For the romantic traveler: Learn the story of Julian and Sonja and their experience at Meeru Island Resort & Spa in September. Meeru supported them through their entire journey to make their dream wedding still come true, despite the current worldwide challenges brought by Covid-19.
For Mr & Mrs Seidner, it was: “Veligandu ist geöffnet. Ihr entlegenes Paradies”:
For Veligandu Island Resort & Spa’s Spanish guests: “Estamos en Veligandu, disfrutando mucho de nuestras vacaciones”.
For the Family traveller: The Kamissarovs had a 13-day vacation in Meeru Island Resort & Spa with their little daughter in September and had a fantastic stay despite the new normal:
Read the guest reviews
SuperMoose_NL from the Netherlands rated Komandoo Island Resort & Spa five-stars and described the island as “a safe haven”, on TripAdvisor. This seasoned traveller and seven-time repeater to the island wrote a 1,800-word review explaining the full experience from the arrival to the departure.
In short, I can honestly say that Komandoo felt like a safe haven from the pandemic. You definitely do notice that there’s a ‘new normal’, due to the preventive measures that the island have in place to ensure everyones safety, but I always felt much safer than I do at home in Europe and would not hesitate to return.
SuperMoose_NL, Tripadvisor
Jennifer L. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA wrote a heartfelt five-star Tripadvisor review on September 16:
My husband and I had an excellent and very unique experience at Veligandu amid Covid-19. We hope to come back to paradise soon! I’d like to first mention that we were impressed with the safety measures put in place throughout the resort – hand sanitising stations, staff wearing masks and social distancing measures during dining – we felt safe our entire stay. They check your temperature every morning, FYI. I say we had a unique experience because there were only a handful of couples on the resort during our 11 night stay. It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves and the service was impeccable! We will miss Naaem, Akram, Abdulla, Naail, Adam, Rifau, Alex and all the wonderful staff at Veligandu.
Jennifer L, Tripadvisor
Julie Antju from Gainsborough, United Kingdom wrote on TripAdvisor after her stay in Hurawalhi Island Maldives:
A truly relaxing, five-star holiday never to be forgotten. Snorkelling and diving top class. 5.8 underwater restaurant not to be missed. Covid precautions in place far superior to any western countries. Feel safer here than the UK! Thank you for a perfect holiday.”
Julie Antju, Tripadvisor
Crown & Champa Resorts has rolled out enhanced health and safety protocols across its collection of resorts.
The enhanced and expanded hygiene and safety procedures, collectively known as the Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise, include additional Covid-19 protocols and best practices that meet the recommendations set by the World Health Organisation and public health authorities in the Maldives.
After closing all of their resorts in April in the wake of the Maldives border closure, Crown & Champa Resorts has now reopened all of the resorts in its collection.
Crown & Champa Resorts, a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience, operates nine resorts and a city hotel — each targeting a unique traveller with the aim of offering experiences at great quality and value in different segments.
Its 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.
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Barceló Nasandhura Malé named Best City Hotel at TTM Awards 2025

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has been awarded Best City Hotel at the TTM Awards 2025, held on 28 August at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi.
The recognition reflects the passion, hard work, and dedication of the team at Barceló Nasandhura, whose commitment to excellence has been evident since the property opened earlier this year. The hotel has focused on creating memorable guest experiences and setting new standards for city hospitality, which contributed to this achievement.
The TTM Awards, part of the Maldives’ largest travel trade show, celebrates the country’s hospitality sector across 28 categories, bringing together leading travel and tourism professionals from the region.
As it marks this milestone, Barceló Hotel Group reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the future of city hospitality in Malé.
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Sun Siyam unveils new identity and signature experiences

Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.
The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
- Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
- Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
- Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.
A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.
The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”
Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”
The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.
The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.
The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.
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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort wins ‘Best Design Resort’ at TTM Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.
Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.
The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.
The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.
Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.
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