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Maldives ranks second among world’s best sunset destinations

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Sunsets can create breathtaking views with vibrant colours, including shades of orange, pink, purple, and gold. And, while on vacation, the combination of the natural beauty of your surroundings and the changing colours of the sky can be truly mesmerising. But where in the world offers the most beautiful sunset viewings? 

By compiling a list of the most famous sunset hotspots, the travel and luggage experts at Bounce have analysed them based on their social media popularity, pollution levels, and total number of recommendations.

From the stunning Greek island of Santorini to the historical city of Venice, the research has shone a light on the best sunset destinations in the world.

The stunning islands of the Maldives took the second spot for the best sunset skies in the world, scoring 9.07 out of 10 in the ranking. There’s nowhere that describes “paradise” quite like the Maldives. From its white sand beaches, dreamy on-the-water bungalows, and turquoise waters, it’s fitting that holidaymakers can also enjoy some of the most heavenly sunsets in the world.

The Maldives is an archipelago of 192 islands, floating over 90,000 km2, and there is just one resort on each island, meaning there is little light pollution (0.219 μcd/m2). Travellers can enjoy stargazing all year round, but it is best in the dry season between November and April when the sky is at its clearest.

Uluru scored top marks for its sunset scenes with a score of 9.13 out of 10. Also known as Ayers Rock it scored high for its seven recommendations across the web, as well as its high number of “sunset” Instagram mentions (19,284 posts) and “sunrise” mentions (10,276 hashtags), totalling almost 30,000 posts highlighting its natural beauty. Light pollution in Uluru is also low, at 0.973 μcd/m2, making it a beautiful stargazing spot.

Haleakalā, also known as the East Maui Volcano, joined in third place, scoring 8.86 out of 10. Sunset at the summit of Haleakalā has become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, there were more “sunrise” posts on Instagram (36,495 mentions) than at sunset (13,646 posts). Light pollution around the Haleakalā is low (4.38 μcd/m2) due to its high elevation, and the atmosphere is often clearer, allowing for ideal viewing conditions.

Further study insights:

  • The most recommended sunset destination is Santorini, Greece with 16 blogs and articles recommending the destination
  • The most Instagrammed destination is Bali, Indonesia with 184,848 sunrise and sunset posts
  • The least light-polluted destination is Galápagos, Ecuador with 0.0004 μcd/m2

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island achieves PADI Eco Center Certification

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been officially certified as a PADI Eco Center, becoming one of only two resorts in the Maldives to receive this recognition in 2025. The certification is awarded to dive resorts that extend their efforts beyond standard operations, with a strong focus on protecting marine environments and raising awareness among future generations.

As part of the certification process, the resort’s team adopted the Conrad House Reef through PADI’s Adopt the Blue programme. A Dive Against Debris clean-up dive was conducted around the reef near Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, during which 10 kilograms of marine litter, primarily plastics and metal fragments, were collected.

The team also joined Green Fins in June 2025 and has since introduced a series of sustainable practices. These include paperless dive check-ins, eco-briefings before excursions, reduced use of plastics through the introduction of glass alternatives, and signage encouraging responsible snorkelling and diving across the dive centre.

Guests are also directly engaged in conservation activities through coral restoration initiatives. In 2025, the team has facilitated 17 coral line adoptions, where participants attend an educational session before attaching coral fragments to nursery lines and assisting with their placement underwater.

Jessica Miller, Marine Biologist at Conrad Maldives, commented: “This certification represents a milestone for us. It’s the result of dedicated teamwork and genuine care for the ocean. Watching our guests become part of the solution, whether through coral planting or learning about local marine life, is what makes this so special.”

Nick Flynn, General Manager of Conrad Maldives, added: “We’re incredibly proud of the team’s achievement in making Conrad Maldives a certified PADI Eco Center. This milestone is part of our long-term commitment to sustainability and a testament to how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Ventive Hospitality, the owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, highlighted the wider significance of the achievement. He said: “The PADI Eco Center recognition for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island underscores our commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while shaping the future of responsible travel. We are proud of Conrad for leading the way in sustainability across the Maldives.”

The certification strengthens Conrad Maldives’ broader sustainability objectives under Hilton’s Travel With Purpose programme. The resort will continue to offer educational dives, coral adoption opportunities, and conservation briefings, encouraging guests to actively participate in marine protection efforts during their stay.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island operates under Hilton and is part of Hilton Honors®, the global guest loyalty programme. Hilton Honors members booking directly through official Hilton channels receive a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, free standard Wi-Fi, flexible payment options combining Points and money, and contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, which enables digital check-in, room selection, and access.

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Angsana Velavaru recognised as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards 2025

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Angsana Velavaru has been named Best Water Villa Resort at the TTM Awards & Gala 2025, presented by Travel Trade Maldives, the country’s leading travel trade platform.

The award acknowledges the resort’s InOcean Pool Villas, the Maldives’ first standalone water villas located one kilometre from the main island. These villas have become a signature feature of Angsana Velavaru, designed to accommodate both couples and families, with private pools, direct access to the ocean, and spacious interiors.

Beyond the architectural concept, the villas are intended to provide guests with a personal and adventurous connection to the surrounding sea. The resort also offers a wide range of experiences through its ‘101 Things to Do’ programme, which includes marine exploration, wellness activities, and culinary experiences. Cultural engagement is a central element, with opportunities for guests to interact with local island communities and traditions. The resort further integrates sustainability through its ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, which combine environmental care with community involvement.

Commenting on the award, General Manager Ahmed Zahir said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award from the TTM Awards, a platform that embodies the spirit of the Maldivian travel community. This accolade not only celebrates the uniqueness of our InOcean Pool Villas but also pays tribute to the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to create moments of discovery, connection and meaning for our guests. At Angsana Velavaru, we believe a stay should be more than a holiday—it should become a journey that remains with our guests long after they return home.”

Angsana Velavaru continues to position itself as a destination offering immersive experiences. Guests are invited to explore coral reefs, engage in island life, and create enduring memories in harmony with the natural environment.

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OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI honoured as Best Water Villa Resort at TTM Awards

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In an extraordinary accomplishment, the exclusive private island sanctuary of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins the esteemed title of Best Water Villa Resort at the celebrated Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards. This distinguished innovative design and exceptional guest experiences across the island.

The award pays tribute to the resort’s breathtaking over-water villas, which masterfully unite contemporary sophistication with authentic Maldivian charm. Each generously designed for all types of travellers with one or two-bedroom retreat, meticulously crafted to balance serenity with adventure, boasting private infinity pools that seamlessly blend into the Indian ocean, exhilarating water slides providing direct access to the refreshing lagoon, and exquisitely appointed living spaces that harmonise indoor comfort with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Commenting on this achievement, Monica Coppetta, General Manager stated: “We are truly honoured by this recognition from the Travel Trade Maldives Awards. It celebrates our team’s heartfelt dedication to creating meaningful experiences. Our guest’s favourite overwater villas are designed not just for a quick getaway to the paradise, but for dream-like moments and personal escapes. This award inspires us to continue blending beautiful design, warm service, and thoughtful touches that turn holidays into cherished memories as we redefine Maldivian luxury.”

The Travel Trade Awards represent one of the highest distinctions within the Maldives travel sector. This year’s ceremony honoured excellence across 28 categories, including leading travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines, underscoring the remarkable talent and unparalleled quality defining the nation’s tourism industry. This recognition follows the resort’s recent triumph at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, where the Royal RESERVE was named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ for the third consecutive year – solidifying its status as the Indian Ocean’s most exceptional villa offering.

Complementing its architectural marvels, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI presents the pioneering RESERVE™ Plan, curating a truly all-encompassing escape. This unique holiday plan invites guests to indulge in gastronomic journeys across distinctive restaurants, unlimited premium beverages, bespoke island excursions, and revitalising therapies at the ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa.

This latest honour further cements OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s position as a vanguard of luxury hospitality, where visionary design, intuitive service, and unforgettable moments converge for the world’s most discerning travellers.

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