News
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives awarded Best Surf Resort at TTM Awards 2023
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, a premier luxury resort in the stunning island nation of the Maldives, has been awarded with the title of “Best Surf Resort” at the recently held Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2023 ceremony.
This award, which celebrates excellence within the travel and hospitality industry, acknowledges Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives for its exceptional contributions to the world of surfing and its unmatched guest experiences. TTM Maldives is a leading international travel trade show held annually in the Maldives.
Deepa Manuel, General Manager, Kuda Villingili Resort, commented: “We are honored to receive this prestigious award. This recognition encapsulates the relentless dedication of our team to not only provide exceptional surf opportunities but also curate an all-encompassing luxury experience that invites our guests to fully immerse themselves in the essence of Kuda Villingili.”
This recognition stands as a testament to Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives’s unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class surfing experience against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Maldivian paradise. The resort’s crystal-clear turquoise waters and world-renowned waves, including the resort’s home break, Chickens Point is the Maldives’ longest left-hand barrel – alongside other premier surf spots around the island, harmoniously complement its luxurious accommodations. This distinctive blend of elements has transformed the resort into a sanctuary cherished by both surf enthusiasts and leisure travelers.
Kuda Villingili Resort offers tailor-made surf experiences for both novices and seasoned surfers alike. Surfers can enjoy an impressive 500m long surf break with waves well over 10ft at the resort. The resort ensures guests have access to expert guidance, top-of-the-line equipment, and exclusive entry to some of the planet’s most coveted surf breaks. For guests planning on picking up new skills whilst on holiday, the resort has expert surfing coaches, who are available for lessons at the resorts’ Watersports & Dive Centre – Ocean Fanatics.
Expanding the scope of surfing adventures, Kuda Villingili Resort also offers speedboat transfers, upon request, to five other renowned surf points – Cokes, Ninjas, Sultans, Honkys and Jails located near the island. Thanks to its unparalleled surfing experiences, the resort has attracted top surf professionals and world champions who have chosen to make Kuda Villingili their go-to destination for riding the waves.
Amid the exhilaration of riding the perfect wave, guests can enjoy the resort’s world-class amenities, including opulent villas, rejuvenating spa facilities, exquisite dining options, and unparalleled hospitality.
Previously, Kuda Villingili received the accolade of ‘The Best Culinary Resort’ in the TTM Awards 2022.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
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.
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