Featured
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo wins big at FHAM Culinary Awards 2022
Premier hospitality chain Aitken Spence Hotels made waves in the culinary sphere with its resort, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives that clinched the champion award at Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) Culinary Awards 2022, with the coveted titled of ‘Most Outstanding Culinary Organization 2022’.
The 11-member Adaaran Prestige Vadoo team won 13 Gold, six (06) Silver and nine (09) Bronze medals at the national culinary competition of the Chef’s Guild of Maldives which is the only internationally recognized event endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Chef’s Guild of Maldives, the Chef’s Guild of Lanka and World Platform of Islamic Countries Culinary Society.
The Group of Aitken Spence Hotels received multiple accolades at the competition which included – 6 medals and 6 recognitions for Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, 9 medals and 4 recognitions for Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, 4 medals for Adaaran Club Rannalhi and 3 medals for Heritance Aarah.
The competition provides top chefs in the Maldives an opportunity to showcase their skills, promote talent and compete with fellow professionals.
This win is important as Aitken Spence Hotels competed with over 30 resorts and 560 entries including renowned hospitality brands of international repute. Therefore, it is a compelling testament to the culinary prowess of our resorts and the ability for creative innovation to curate gastronomic wonders. The team of chefs from Adaaran Prestige Vadoo were trained and guided by the Company’s team of Culinary Olympic winners.
“Our win further endorses Aitken Spence Hotels’ expertise in the culinary sphere, which we have proudly nurtured over the years. We are beyond elated to have received this honour as it shows the dedication and drive of our teams,” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Executive Director Aitken Spence PLC, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements.
She further commented that creativity is an art that requires constant work and encouragement and that the win is a result of a combined effort. “The team at Vadoo were trained by the very best of our chefs who have gracefully transferred their knowledge. Every win shows learning and growth and this is no different.”
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is a 50-overwater villa resort located in close proximity to the Male International Airport. Accessible via a 40-minute speedboat ride, the resort interiors are an ode to Japanese architecture with each villa featuring a plunge pool. Catering to the romantics, discerning guests at the resort will be looked after by personal butlers; and can enjoy fine dining and Japanese cuisine among other, during their stay.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is part of the Adaaran chain of hotels, under the Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC. Aitken Spence Hotels owns and operates 21 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman and India. The Company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for its exceptional service and undisputed product and curated lifestyle experiences. The Company’s Sri Lankan portfolio includes 10 resorts spread across the island of which five are Heritance properties, whilst the Maldives resorts totals to six (with one Heritance resort), four in Oman and one in India.
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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