Featured
Vakkaru Maldives named World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort for third consecutive year

Multi-award-winning island sanctuary, Vakkaru Maldives, was recently named the World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort at the 29th World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. Ever since it opened, it has become the romantic escape every honeymooner dreams off – a private island paradise where you can swim in turquoise waters, lounge on powdery-soft white sand beaches and sip a cocktail while looking out over the horizon. The latest accolade only proves that the resort has all the right ingredients for a dreamy honeymoon, a destination wedding, or even a renewal of vows.
You get the first glimpse of your romantic getaway as the seaplane descends towards “island of coconuts” in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Tiffany-blue waters gently lap at soft diamond-white sands. Groves of coconut trees surrounded by verdant tropical foliage form the core of this reef island. At the western end, a half-moon of thatched villas juts into the shallow lagoon, curving around one of the blue holes. It truly is heaven on earth.
The 113 villas and residences, whether on the beach or over the water, all offer complete privacy. For honeymooners, the One Bedroom Overwater Pool Residence designed for next-level indulgence is the perfect choice with its private infinity pool with splendid views of the endless ocean and sunset, separate living room and luxurious space for rest and relaxation. It is stocked with all the requisites for a luxe vacay, from an espresso machine, luxury bath amenities, bicycles, and yoga mats. A private butler takes care of any whims and fancies.
The resort has five alfresco restaurants, two bars, a wine cellar, and Merana, the opulent overwater spa, because you have to eat, drink and spa in between looking into each other’s eyes. Additionally, other romantic dining experiences can be customised as per the couple’s request – by the beach, on the secluded sandbank, in your villa, on a luxury yacht, or even in the middle of the jungle and in the Organic Garden.
The luxurious overwater Merana Spa with its extensive menu of pampering treatments is the ideal place for couples to refresh and rejuvenate. Spa time can also be combined with a relaxing sound healing session or just unwinding in the outdoor relaxation area.
While leaving your luxury villa might be hard, the extensive list of experiences the resort offers is hard to ignore. Couples can team to take on the resort tennis pro on the iconic cobalt-blue courts or enjoy the exhilarating options available at Splash water sports centre, including parasailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, PADI dive excursions and a discovery tour of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aboard a luxury yacht.
Elated at the hat trick win this year, Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said: “We are honoured to be named the world’s leading resorts for honeymooning couples for the third consecutive year. This award adds to our long list of accolades at World Travel Awards, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort and Indian Ocean’s and Maldives’ Leading Suite for the Vakkaru Overwater Residence. It’s a recognition that affirms our status and position in the industry, which means so much to us because it’s a direct reflection of our dedication to creating exceptional experiences for our guests.”
“To celebrate this great milestone, we invite all our in-house guests to join our awards party and share in our immense joy and gratitude for all the support we have received from our loyal guests over the years,” he added.
Experience timeless romance on this island paradise with our special “Idyllic Romance Package” designed for honeymooners or couples seeking to reconnect. Starting from US$1,322++ per night for a minimum stay of five nights, you can enjoy heavenly culinary experiences, adventurous excursions and pampering spa treatments designed for you and your loved one.
For more information, contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com or visit vakkarumaldives.com.
Awards
Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.
Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.
Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.
With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.
Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.
This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
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