Featured
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives celebrates first anniversary
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, the iconic island retreat for discerning travellers, celebrated its first anniversary with a week of fun events for the guests, team, and management.
The guests enjoyed the celebration in a sunset party, with special delicacies, cultural Boduberu performance, lucky draw prizes, gifts for all, and a cheerful cake cutting ceremony.
A team party was held a couple of days later in the newly built island village garden where the management presented special appreciation gifts to staff members who have given exemplary services.
With both events successfully held, the resort marks the special milestone.
The resort, which opened on August 1, 2020, proudly announces a successful past 12 months.
In its first full year of operations, it has welcomed over 6,000 guests with 500 children, numerous repeat stays and long staying guests, including a three months extended stay. Over 50,000 meals and drinks were served in the seven distinguished restaurants and bars.
Since its opening last year, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives has collected several accolades, including 2020 International Property Awards and 2021 Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
Responsible business initiatives were taken with The Water Bottling Plant to reduce the plastic bottle usage, as well as internship programs for young and aspiring local and international talents.
The resort has been actively participating in familiarisation trips and sales trips conducted in India, Russia and the Middle East, which returned positive results.
From the opening, the resort actively worked to enhance its offerings and benefits for the guests. Extensive water sports activities and excursions are offered on and around the island.
Guests have been able to enjoy the rich marine life of South Ari Atoll, such as SCUBA diving, swimming with manta rays, deep sea fishing, and the signature Whale Shark watching.
On this first anniversary, the resort expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all team members, patrons and partners.
“During the unprecedented time, the team remained strong and steadfastly serve the guests who have traveled far from their homes to Maldives. And as just like the famous quote ‘Fortune favours the bold’, the resort looks forward to its promising second year and is prepared to welcome guests in from all parts of the world when travel tales off again,” General Manager, Gavin Sanders, said.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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