Featured
Kandolhu Maldives wins big on TripAdvisor: World’s fourth top hotel
Kandolhu Maldives lives up to its name as a crown gem of the Maldives as the North Ari atoll property emerges a number one winner in all of Asia, and better yet ranks No. 4 among the Top 25 Hotels in the World awarded by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform.
This earns Kandolhu its second consecutive ‘Best of the Best’ accolade.
The Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best distinction is pooled from online guest reviews and ratings of guest satisfaction along with editorial input and awarded to only the top one per cent of hotels worldwide.
Small and intimate, Kandolhu is a tranquil hideaway of only 30 villas promising raw luxury and serenity for couples seeking some time away in paradise.
The tiny resort exudes natural charm renowned for its lively house reef, stellar food and beverage offering, and genuine, friendly service.
Adding to the resort’s growing list of merits, Kandolhu takes the top most spot in Asia and places in the eighth spot worldwide in the Romance category.
These highly coveted awards celebrate the idyllic resort’s consistently excellent performance having been awarded 30 category awards in the past seven years.
Back in 2016, Kandolhu was placed as #11 Top Hotel in the World also.
“For a humble, tiny island such as ours, It’s an honour achieving this feat and we attribute this success to our guests for their unwavering support and to our dedicated team who goes above and beyond in making this possible,” Resort Manager Marc LeBlanc said.
“For what has been an incredibly challenging year for all in our wonderful industry, this goes to great length in providing a boost of optimism for our incredible colleagues.”
Kandolhu presents the brilliance of authentic hospitality paired with raw luxury and intuitive service.
Fringed by a house reef offering endless underwater adventures and a plethora of dining options, this tiny island makes for that perfect haven.
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.
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