Angsana Velavaru has announced its recent recognition at two esteemed industry awards, which reinforce the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while leading sustainable tourism efforts in the Maldives.

The resort has secured a coveted position in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 16th among the 20 Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean. This prestigious accolade reflects the heartfelt support of valued guests and readers who appreciate the serene beauty, immersive experiences, and warm hospitality that define Angsana Velavaru.

In addition to this recognition, Angsana Velavaru has been awarded the title of Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel at the 8th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), held in Kathmandu. This honour underscores the resort’s ongoing dedication to sustainable practices, from marine conservation efforts to eco-conscious guest experiences, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. Key initiatives include the planting of over 1,231 coral fragments, the complete elimination of single-use plastic bottles, and the upcycling of linen and broken umbrellas into reusable tote bags.

Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, associates, and industry peers for these remarkable acknowledgments. These awards motivate us to continue exceeding expectations, offering unforgettable experiences while remaining at the forefront of sustainable tourism.”

As a resort that seamlessly blends exceptional experiences with eco-conscious principles, Angsana Velavaru remains committed to setting new benchmarks for responsible travel. The resort’s success reflects its dedication to preserving the natural wonders of the Maldives while creating meaningful and authentic experiences for every guest.

In celebration of its recent achievements, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a new adventure with the Voyage to Velavaru offer. Guests can enjoy 25% savings on the best available rate, a complimentary all-inclusive package upgrade, and a spa and recreation credit of USD 75 per person, per night (up to USD 750 per person). The offer also includes 20% savings on return seaplane transfers and a complimentary sunset cruise, available once per stay.

After a period of reduced visits from Indian film stars, the Maldives is once again seeing an increase in high-profile visitors from the Indian entertainment industry. Prominent Bollywood stars and TV personalities have been choosing the Maldives as their preferred holiday destination, with some even celebrating birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other special occasions in the tropical paradise.

Indian film stars, particularly Bollywood celebrities, command large followings on social media, making their visits significant for the Maldives’ tourism industry. India has long been an important market for the Maldives, and the renewed interest from Indian stars is a positive sign for the sector.

Earlier this year, there had been a noticeable decline in visits from Indian celebrities following a social media campaign in India calling for a boycott of the Maldives. The campaign was sparked by political tensions between the two countries. A boycott movement urged Indians to consider alternative destinations like Lakshadweep for their holidays instead of the Maldives.

However, the situation has begun to improve, with an increasing number of Indian film stars returning to the Maldives over the past few months, suggesting a shift in sentiment and strengthened relations between the two countries. 

In response, India has also conducted roadshows in key cities to promote Maldives tourism, further helping to restore ties between the two countries. Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal acknowledged the importance of the Indian market and emphasised ongoing efforts to attract more tourists from India.

The resurgence of Indian celebrities visiting the Maldives will undoubtedly boost the country’s tourism sector. As of last month, India was the sixth-largest source of tourists to the Maldives, with nearly 90,000 Indian tourists visiting the archipelago by the end of September.

Renowned Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor is currently in Maldives, enjoying a private vacation.

While the exact date of her arrival remains unknown, the star recently shared glimpses of her holiday on social media. In a post on Facebook, Sonam captioned a photo with “Hello from Maldives,” and on Instagram, she shared another picture, expressing her delight at being in “the one and only beautiful place.”

Media outlets have reported that Sonam is accompanied by her husband, Anand Ahuja, and their child at One&Only Reethi Rah, although the actress has not shared any family photos as of yet.

This is not Sonam’s first visit to Maldives. She has previously chosen the island nation as her getaway destination.

Sonam Kapoor, the eldest daughter of veteran actor Anil Kapoor, turns 39 this year. She made her Bollywood debut with the film Saawariya and has since appeared in several notable films. However, since her marriage in 2018, Sonam has taken a step back from her film career to focus on her personal life.