Awards
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island celebrates 4 prestigious titles at World Travel Awards
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island celebrates auspicious achievements within two of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and culinary awards – the World Travel Awards and the World Culinary Awards.
A Maldives newcomer, opened in October 2021, the all-villa luxury resort located in the North Malé Atoll has firmly planted its roots within the region’s hospitality scene. Its 67 beach and over-water villas, remarkable signature restaurant KAYTO, and extraordinary team have contributed to this banner award-winning year for the resort.
World Travel Awards 2023 – The Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
Named the Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort, this award celebrates Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom overwater villas that are known for their contemporary architecture, private infinity pools and spacious rooftop terraces.
A first for the Maldives, each residence is crowned with an expansive roof terrace – a private deck overlooking the lagoon, from which guests have a unique perspective to host private barbecues, private movie theatre, yoga, starlit dinners, and outdoor games. Unlike the Maldivian mould, traditional thatched villas are replaced with over-sized, penthouse residences demonstrating forward-thinking design for the Indian Ocean.
Having taken this esteemed title shortly after opening in October 2021, this recognition is indicative of Jumeirah’s position in the Maldives and promise to its guests of continued excellence in this category.
World Culinary Awards 2023
The sister event to the World Travel Awards, the World Culinary Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in the culinary industry.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island has taken home three dining accolades each recognizing its Peruvian-Nikkei restaurant, KAYTO – the World’s Best Hotel Restaurant; Indian Ocean’s Best Hotel Restaurant; and Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant.
Sweeping the hotel restaurant category and having been nominated alongside a group of the world’s most renowned dining establishments, KAYTO is captivating guests over dinner with its exotic blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine known as ‘Nikkei.’ A beloved signature Jumeirah restaurant across the brand, with an additional location at Dubai’s Jumeirah Al Naseem, KAYTO offers guests a memorable experience of authentic flavors and true culinary craftmanship led by Head Chef Christian Goya, recognized as one of the Best Chefs in the UAE by Gault&Millau.
The outstanding culinary team’s diversity and expertise play a vital role in KAYTO’s success, from Chef de Cuisine Mauricio Higa meticulously executing dishes with precision to a collective team hailing from 13 different countries with a noteworthy 20 per cent being female and 20 per cent Maldivian.
“We are extremely honoured to be recognized amongst the finest travel brands in the world, and excited to continue delivering on this level of excellence for years to come at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island,” said Mohamed Ashraf, General Manager of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island.
For more information and to book your stay, visit the hotel online here.
Awards
Ritz-Carlton Maldives earns Two MICHELIN Keys, St. Regis Vommuli named among Asia Pacific’s best hotels
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, part of the Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, have received recognition from MICHELIN Guide, Tatler Asia, and the US and UK editions of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, including Two MICHELIN Keys for The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and a place among the Best 100 Hotels in Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026 for The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
Among the standout recognitions, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys following the unveiling of the global MICHELIN Keys for 2026, advancing from its One MICHELIN Key distinction in 2025 and placing the resort among the world’s most exceptional hotels.

Most recently, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort was named among the Best 100 Hotels in the third edition of Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026, an annual selection recognising exceptional hospitality experiences across the region. Announced on October 22, the awards celebrate 300 outstanding establishments spanning hotels, restaurants and bars.
Both resorts also earned distinction in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, ranking among the Indian Ocean’s top resorts based on the votes of discerning travelers worldwide.
“We are honoured to see our resorts in the Maldives recognised by some of the most respected names in global travel and hospitality,” said Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International. “These accolades reflect the strength of our Luxury Group portfolio and the passion and dedication of our teams in creating exceptional experiences for today’s luxury traveller. We are grateful to our guests for their continued trust and for inspiring the meaningful moments we strive to create every day.”
The recognition comes as the Maldives continues to be celebrated among the world’s leading island destinations, ranking No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 for Best Islands in Africa & the Indian Ocean.
See the complete rankings below:
Global MICHELIN Key Awards 2026 – Two Keys: An Exceptional Stay
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Tatler Best Asia Pacific 2026: Best 100 Hotels
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Condé Nast Traveler US Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (No. 2)
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 5)
Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026: Best Resorts in the World – Indian Ocean
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (No. 14)
The Luxury Group by Marriott International portfolio of resorts in the Maldives comprises The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.
For more information, visit marriott.com/maldives.
Awards
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives secures Best Resort of the Year title at AHA Asia Hotel Awards
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.
The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.
The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.
“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.
“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”
Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.
The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.
Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.
“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.
“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”
The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.
The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.
Awards
Cinnamon Maldives resorts celebrate triple win at SATA 2026
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has won three awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives receiving recognition across three categories.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives secured Gold in the Leading Surf Resort category for the eighth time and fourth consecutive year, while Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives retained Gold in the Leading Beach Resort category for the second consecutive year. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives also received Silver in the Nishan Seneviratne Best CSR Programme category.
The 10th edition of SATA was held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé on 8 October 2026, recognising achievements across South Asia’s tourism and hospitality industry, including guest experiences, industry leadership and responsible tourism.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is home to the Pasta Point surf break, which attracts surfers from around the world. The resort’s eighth Gold award in the Leading Surf Resort category reflects its position among the Maldives’ surfing destinations. In addition to surfing, the resort offers water sports, wellness activities and other guest experiences.
“We remain committed to delivering memorable surf experiences and holidays in the Maldives,” said Marlon Robert, General Manager of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.
Robert also acknowledged the continued support of guests, the international surfing community and the resort team in securing the recognition.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives received its second consecutive Gold award as Leading Beach Resort in recognition of its island setting, which features sandy beaches, a lagoon and a selection of beachfront and overwater accommodation. The resort also offers dining, wellness and recreational activities, providing guests with opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment.
The resort’s Silver award in the Nishan Seneviratne Best CSR Programme category recognised its efforts to provide dive education and career development opportunities for young people from neighbouring island communities.
Implemented in partnership with Dive & Sail, the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, the six-day programme enabled nine students aged between 16 and 18 from schools in Keyodhoo and Felidhoo to obtain PADI Open Water Diver certification.
The programme combined theoretical lessons, practical training and supervised dives to promote safe diving practices and reef conservation. It also introduced participants to potential career opportunities in marine tourism.
“These accolades reflect the dedication of our teams and the continued support of our guests, whose trust inspires us to keep raising the standard of our experiences,” said Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager, Cinnamon Maldives Resorts.
The three awards recognise the tourism experiences offered by Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, as well as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ initiatives in environmental awareness and community engagement across its Maldives properties.
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