Featured
Gili Lankanfushi secures Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best Of the Best Awards win
Leading barefoot luxury resort, Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives has been recognised in the top 10 leading resorts in Asia and among the top one per cent of hotels globally at this year’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards by Tripadvisor.
Recognised as the highest honour and accolade by the site, each year Tripadvisor combs through millions of reviews and ratings from travellers across the globe to identify the very best hotels which provide incredible service and experiences to all guests.
“Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards celebrate the best hotels around the World – big, small, romantic and more, inviting travellers to get inspired and start planning their epic return to travel once it’s safe again,” Tripadvisor spokesperson Jane Lim said.
Gili Lankanfushi is one of the Maldives’ best-loved resorts, with a uniquely laid-back philosophy.
Fusing rustic design and unparalleled service with awe-inspiring natural surroundings, Gili Lankanfushi is the pioneer of ethical, sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives.
Located in the languid waters of the North Malé Atoll, a short 20-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, it is the ultimate place to escape to.
The 45 villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces, private decks with direct access to the lagoon below, and private pools found in the Residence and Villa suites for added seclusion and privacy.
The vast 1,700m2 Private Reserve – the largest overwater villa in the world – is located 500m from the main island and offers four spacious bedrooms in addition to a private open-air cinema, spoiling spa, air-conditioned gymnasium, infinity pool and two-storey waterslide, directly into the lagoon.
With sustainability at the heart of the vision, every piece of furniture in the carefully curated villas and communal areas has been custom-made by skilled local craftsmen using upcycled materials. Bed frames are made from recycled teak wood, and lampshade handwoven with recycled wire mesh twist to feature fish and sea turtles.
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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