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Sustainability principals earn Park Hyatt nomination for Maldives’ leading resort in 2021 World Travel Awards
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has announced the resort’s nomination for the Maldives’ Leading Resort category in the 2021 World Travel Awards.
The nomination is a rich reward for the sustainability principals that have guided throughout the design, construction and operational stages of the resort, which was the first luxury resort in the Maldives to commit to the EarthCheck principles.
The commitment allowed the resort to achieve the prestigious EarthCheck “Building, Planning and Design Standard” certified status in August 2008 and by continuously striving to improve its sustainability efforts over the years it was subsequently awarded Silver then Gold Certification by EarthCheck.
In 2017, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was audited by Green Globe and was also certified Gold for sustainability practices.
To ensure the continuous monitoring of sustainability practices within the resort, Ruben Fernandes Penha Fortuna, the Resident Marine Biologist at Park Hyatt Maldives was appointed as the Green Globe Coordinator, who is responsible for identifying environmental risks, recording and monitoring the resort’s performance through benchmarking, such as house reef cleaning and predator controlling, exercise single-use plastic auditing while driving the environmental and sustainable development undertaken by the resort.
Environmental challenges cannot be solved alone, so the resort has established an in-house Hyatt Thrive Team to work together towards contributing meaningful solutions.
The Hyatt Thrive Team actively educate and exercise best practices to promote green campaigns to their colleagues, so that sustainability becomes an integral part of daily life for all colleagues as well as guests on the island.
Plastic audit and waste management are the top priority for the team this year, with the goal to reduce at least 90 per cent of single-used plastic and decrease the waste going to the landfill.
To maximise the green effort, the resort is planning to equip each room at the staff accommodation with recycling bags to adapt the recycling exercise and waste separation.
Park Hyatt Maldives’ commitment to sustainability shines bright in the resort’s array of curated guest experiences, which are some of the very best things to do in the Maldives for exploring the remote natural environment.
All excursions are conducted without any plastic bottles or disposals and bento boxes are used to transport the food and glass bottles for the water.
Local fishing excursions practice traditional Maldivian hand line, hook, sinker and bait fishing techniques and those fish that do not meet the minimum length or are a protected species are released. Guests are only permitted to keep one catch per villa and the rest will be released.
To be actively involved in conserving the natural environment of Hadahaa private island, coral reef monitoring following the Australian programme ‘Coral Watch’ is conducted on a monthly basis at the resort’s pristine house reef, encircling the island’s powder-white sand shores.
The programme evaluates the reef’s condition and recovery, especially after bleaching events, in addition to monitoring the water temperature, which is obtained from four permanent loggers provided by IUCN located around the island at different depths.
The removal of threatening species from the coral reef, such as the Crown of Thorns sea star and the Drupella sea snail, is conducted on a weekly basis.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is also involved in the ‘Reef & Me’ project, which provides awareness and education to the local school children about the coral reef ecosystems.
The resort’s knowledgeable staff organise talks on reef sustainability with schools at two neighbouring islands and ‘Go Deeper’ talks for guests at the resort are conducted by the marine biologist twice a week to impart knowledge about the environment and fauna of the resort.
Conscientious guests can rest assured that their holiday to the island has a low impact to the surrounding environment.
Located in Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the largest and most natural atolls in the world, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa may be challenging to reach; however, guests reap the rewards of the resort’s remote location. Within close proximity to the equator, guests can experience a simpler way of life, before mass tourism overtook the northern atolls of the Maldives.
There is no hustle and bustle here. Instead, guests are treated to endless ocean views, breathtaking landscapes, unmatched sunsets and the soft sounds of the tropical breeze for a complete escape from the complexities and tensions of the modern world.
At the heart of one of the largest natural atolls in the world, the resort is a barefoot luxury hideaway and one of the best Maldives luxury hotel.
Hadahaa is secluded, away from teeming atolls of the North, with pristine waters and 360° house reef where snorkelling and scuba diving in Maldives are steps from each villa.
Seamlessly integrating local culture and environment, all 50 villas are minimalist in style, designed and built with guests’ privacy and comfort in mind.
From contemporary settings to casual ambiences, worldwide and regionally inspired dishes are offered for dining options.
The resort’s spa embraces local holistic wellness with treatments based on Hoonu – Cooling, Fini – Heating and Hiki – Hydrating.
To Vote for Park Hyatt Maldives as the Maldives’ Leading Resort 2021, go to: www.worldtravelawards.com. Voting ends August 9.
To explore more about Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa experiences, visit www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com and learn about house reef exploration, uninhabited island visits or journeys to the Equator.
Two renowned Maldivian resorts, Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, have been nominated across multiple categories at the 2025 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a prestigious recognition of excellence in hospitality and tourism across the region.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has secured nominations in the following categories:
- Leading All-Inclusive Resort
- Leading Family Resort
- Leading F&B Resort
These nominations highlight the resort’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality, dining, and family-oriented experiences. As a trailblazer in all-inclusive luxury in the Maldives, Lily Beach offers a refined guest experience through its award-winning Platinum Plan, which includes à la carte dining, curated excursions, wellness services, and an extensive selection of premium wines—crafted to suit the needs of today’s discerning traveller.
Guests at Lily Beach can enjoy a variety of dining options across venues such as Tamarind, Lily Maa, Vibes, AQVA, Teppanyaki, and Les Turquoise d’Aqua. The resort’s wine list has been recognised with a Wine Spectator Award. This August, Lily Beach will host Michelin-starred Chef Igles Corelli for an exclusive ‘Flavour’ dining experience.
A preferred destination for families, the resort features a lively Kids’ Club, the Vibes Family Pool, and year-round entertainment suitable for all ages. A range of activities is available, including tennis, water sports, nightly shows, and treatments at the Tamara Spa. Located adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort also offers extraordinary opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, as well as explore a vibrant 360° house reef.
The nominations reflect Lily Beach’s enduring focus on culinary distinction, family-friendly amenities, and meaningful island experiences.
Voting for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, located in the remote and unspoilt Haa Alifu Atoll, has also earned nominations in three categories at SATA 2025:
- Leading Beach Resort
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort
- Most Romantic Resort
Well known for its generous villa sizes and natural surroundings, the resort offers a private and tranquil setting ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families seeking relaxation away from busier destinations. Villas are set among dense tropical greenery and some of the Maldives’ most pristine beaches.
Guests can explore a diverse culinary offering across five restaurants, featuring beachfront fine dining and overwater options. With a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine, each meal is enhanced by the island’s calm atmosphere and attentive service.
Hideaway is also one of the few natural islands in the Maldives with a double house reef, giving guests direct access to rich marine life from the shore. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort’s Recreation Centre includes tennis courts, a golf simulator, padel, pickleball, a putting green, indoor badminton, beach sports, a waterpark, and a gym.
The Hideaway Spa provides treatments based on Balinese and Ayurvedic traditions, delivered in a serene garden setting. Romantic beachfront dinners and private villa experiences further contribute to the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for couples.
With a focus on space, privacy, and personalised service, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Maldives, catering to both leisure and wellness seekers.
These nominations collectively reflect the commitment of both resorts to delivering exceptional hospitality, distinctive dining, and memorable stays in the Maldives.
Voting for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Maldives’ top family resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking meaningful island escapes. Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a range of immersive experiences tailored for guests of all ages.
The resort offers activities that span from encounters with whale sharks and manta rays to moments of relaxation on the island’s powder-soft beaches. Among its family-oriented facilities is Park Players, one of the Maldives’ largest kids clubs, designed to provide a creative, nature-based environment where children can play, learn, and explore. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at Araamu Spa or dine on sustainable, plant-based cuisine at Zero Restaurant.
Villa Park also features the widest selection of beach pool villas in the country, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations suited to multi-generational travellers. Sustainability is integrated across the guest experience, with initiatives such as solar-powered operations and farm-to-table dining underscoring the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
This accolade from Travel + Leisure highlights Villa Park’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality, family-friendly holidays where nature, comfort, and lasting memories converge in one of the world’s most iconic island destinations.
Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.
Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.
Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.
Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.
“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”
Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.
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