Awards
Centara’s Maldivian resort earns accolade for house reef
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced that Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has received the second place in the ‘Best House Reef in the Maldives’ category at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.
This prestigious recognition reaffirms the resort’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional marine and hospitality experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and holidaymakers from around the world, said a statement.
Nestled within the captivating South Ari Atoll, declared a Marine Protected Area (Sampa) by the Maldivian government in 2009, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a tropical haven that promises awe-inspiring underwater excursions and breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
At the heart of this aquatic sanctuary lies the award-winning house reef, teeming with an amazing array of marine life. Divers and snorkellers alike have the unique opportunity to witness diverse schools of small and large pelagic fish species thriving amidst coral-rich depths, including one of the area’s magnificent gentle giants, ‘Fernando’.
For those seeking exhilarating experiences below the waves, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers accredited Maldivian dive masters who lead explorations to renowned dive sites, including a historic shipwreck just minutes away.
The resort’s PADI Dive & Experience Course Centre caters to divers of all levels with comprehensive learning programmes and certification opportunities.
Beyond the captivating marine life, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is a paradise for water sports and activities, from windsurfing and parasailing to water-skiing and wakeboarding. Guests will never forget an adrenaline-pumping turn on an inflatable banana boat, or taking leisurely pedalos and kayak rides in the stunning lagoon, said the resort in a statement.
This award-winning resort is also home to a range of serene accommodations that seamlessly blend in with the surrounding natural beauty. From Duplex Beach Villas to Premier Overwater Villas, each design complements the stunning environment, making every stay a true immersion.
Additionally, it offers rejuvenating wellness experiences at Spa Cenvaree, including soothing massage treatments and beachfront yoga.
Culinary delights also abound with a curated selection of dining establishments, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua to dreamy Italian creations at Azzuri Mare. Aqua Bar offers classic cocktails and sunset views, while The Club provides an exclusive experience within the resort.
The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced that the Maldives received recognition in nine prestigious categories at the World Travel Awards 2024. Tourism leaders and dignitaries from across the globe gathered in Madeira, Portugal, for the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024, which celebrated excellence, innovation, and prestige in the travel and tourism industry.
The Maldives secured the following accolades:
- World’s Leading Destination 2024
- World’s Leading Green Destination
- World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024 – Trans Maldivian Airways
- World’s Leading Airport Resort 2024 – Hulhule Island Hotel
- World’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel 2024 – JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2024 – Vakkaru Maldives
- World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024 – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- World’s Leading Private Island Resort 2024 – Velaa Private Island
- World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2024 – Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely recognised as one of the most prestigious honours in the travel and tourism industry. These awards symbolise excellence and aim to celebrate achievements across all sectors of global tourism. The Grand Final Gala Ceremony, held in Madeira, honoured representatives from the Maldivian government and local properties.
These accolades are expected to further solidify the Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury travel destination. They also reflect the confidence and admiration of visitors toward the destination. MMPRC expressed pride in showcasing the Maldives’ dedication to delivering exceptional visitor experiences and in promoting and advancing the country’s tourism industry.
Maldives has defended its World’s Leading Destination Award at the World Travel Awards for the fifth time.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, and Shiuree Ibrahim, Managing Director and CEO of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), received the World’s Leading Destination Award at a ceremony held in Portugal.
Faisal, in a post on X, stated that the award was given to Maldives through the hard work of many people.
Maldives also won the World Leading Green Destination Award.
The Maldives successfully secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The World’s Leading Destination title is the most distinguished in the annual programme, which itself is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive award in the global travel industry.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
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