Awards
Soneva honored 2023 Terra Carta Seal for leadership in sustainability
Soneva has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Terra Carta Seal by The Sustainable Markets Initiative. The award-winning resort brand, which has properties in the Maldives and Thailand, is built on the foundation that businesses must exist for a greater purpose than shareholder returns. Soneva recognises that luxury travel and the pursuit of rare experiences can co-exist with a deep care for the earth, the environment and its people, and continually strives to raise the benchmark for responsible tourism.
The Terra Carta Seal is awarded to companies that have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s ten Terra Carta Articles. The Articles underpin the Terra Carta, the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s guiding mandate which provides a roadmap and framework to accelerate the transition to an ambitious and sustainable future, placing Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation.
The winners were selected by a panel of global experts from the environmental, business, political and philanthropic worlds. Designed by Sir Jony Ive, the Terra Carta Seal was launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales. Since its inception, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has awarded its coveted Seal to just 83 companies globally.
“The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal recognises those companies which are taking great strides in delivering real-world outcomes to create a more positive future that we can all embrace. The calibre of the projects and initiatives being driven by these companies sets the standard for us all as we push forward to a more sustainable future.
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO, Sustainable Markets Initiative, said:
“The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal recognises those companies which are taking great strides in delivering real-world outcomes. As we stand on the eve of COP28, public, private sector and philanthropic actors will come together at the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum to bridge the gap between ambition and action. It is examples exemplified by the 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners that are helping to inspire and lead the way.”
Recognised for its remarkable sustainability efforts, Soneva is the only hotel brand among a select group of large global organisations that received a 2023 Terra Carta Seal. Other companies who received the 2023 Terra Carta Seal include Airbus, Carbon Clean, CDPQ, DLA Piper, EY, Haier Smart Home, Hitachi, LanzaTech, Novartis, Orange, Ping An Bank, Pollination, ReNew, Robertson, Siemens Energy, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.
While there is currently no industry standard for environmental and social reporting, Soneva developed its own Total Impact Assessment (TIA) methodology in-house which includes measuring its Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) and improving year-on-year. By taking a ‘planetary boundaries’ view of its social and environmental impact, the TIA assesses the impact from sources over which Soneva has both direct and indirect control, including natural capital, human capital, social capital, economic capital and tax.
“Soneva is honoured to be awarded the prestigious 2023 Terra Carta Seal. We are dedicated to leading the way in responsible tourism and championing the transformative power of travel and tourism in global conservation efforts. Soneva resorts have been carbon neutral since 2012. We recently invested USD 9 million in 4.5MWp solar PV and 4.5MWh of battery storage at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani that will take us to 50% of electricity from renewable energy.
“We also have a mandatory 2% environmental levy on all stays. The proceeds go to the non-profit Soneva Foundation, which helps offset both direct and indirect carbon emissions from our resort activities as well as guest flights, while also supporting impactful global projects such as forest restoration efforts in Mozambique and Thailand, coral restoration in the Maldives, reintroducing near-extinct hornbills to Thailand’s Koh Kood island, distributing fuel-efficient cook stoves in Myanmar and more,” said Arnfinn Oines, Social & Environmental Conscience, Soneva.
Awards
Sun Siyam Resorts honoured at Target Taste Awards 2024
Sun Siyam Resorts has announced its receipt of the prestigious 2024 Target Taste Award for ‘Overseas Island Hotel Group.’ The accolade was presented during the ‘Target Taste’ awards ceremony in December 2024, held in Beijing. This event celebrated innovation and excellence within the luxury lifestyle industry.
The 2024 awards, themed ‘Revolutionise and Innovate,’ gathered leading brands and visionaries to highlight advancements in high-end hospitality, design, travel, and culinary arts. Sun Siyam Resorts was honoured for its commitment to redefining island luxury through exceptional guest experiences, sustainable practices, and innovative offerings.
Ashley Zhang, Regional Marketing & Communications Manager for China, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone for the group.
Target Taste, a prominent Chinese luxury lifestyle magazine established in 2013, has consistently recognised industry pioneers. Its awards serve as a hallmark of innovation, elegance, and excellence in the luxury sector.
Claudia Klingbeil, Group Director of PR & Communications at Sun Siyam Resorts, stated: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to all of us at Sun Siyam Resorts. It reflects the passion, dedication, and heart that our team pours into creating memorable experiences for our guests, and this recognition fuels our commitment to constantly evolve and innovate.”
Awards
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives wins ‘Best Overseas Hotel’ award at Voyage Best Hotel & Resort Awards 2024
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has received the prestigious title of “Best Overseas Hotel” at the 2024 Voyage Best Hotel & Resort Awards. This esteemed recognition ranks the resort among the top 50 hotels most cherished by the Chinese travel market.
This award reflects The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives’ exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and distinctive hospitality that deeply resonates with Chinese travelers. The recognition is based on the hotel’s excellent online reputation, built through glowing reviews and feedback from Chinese guests, highlighting its unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences.
“We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive this recognition from Voyage Magazine,” said Amar Lalvani, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “The Chinese travel market is a key focus for The Standard, and this award underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences tailored to our guests. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team. We look forward to further strengthening our connection with Chinese travelers and welcoming more guests to discover the unique charm of The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives.”
Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, The Standard offers a perfect blend of tropical tranquility and vibrant energy, making it a sought-after destination for global travelers. With this award, the resort continues to cement its reputation as a premier choice for luxury and innovation in the hospitality industry.
Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives honoured with 2024 Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards and Travelling Scope Star Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has reached new heights of recognition, proudly claiming two prestigious industry awards that highlight its unmatched luxury and guest experience. The five star luxury resort, located in North Male’ Atoll, was recently honoured as the “Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel” at the 2024 Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards and the “Best Luxury Resort of the Year” by the Travelling Scope Star Hotel Awards, affirming its status as a global icon in luxury hospitality. These recognitions highlight the resort’s unwavering commitment to exceptional service and unparalleled vacation experiences, further solidifying its position as a leading resort in the luxury travel sector.
The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, originally launched by the U.S. edition of Travel + Leisure in 1998, have since become a trusted guide for the global travel industry and a source of inspiration for millions of travellers. The Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards, established over a decade ago, continues to spotlight excellence across various categories, including hotels, airlines, and destinations. With a meticulous six-phase evaluation process—including reader feedback, public voting, hotel experience surveys, professional polling, expert panel reviews, and editorial audits— these awards have become a key benchmark in the industry.
The Travelling Scope Star Awards, established by Travelling Scope, China’s longest-running travel publication, are known for their authoritative and professional recognition within the travel sector. Celebrating trailblazers in the industry, these awards honour the innovators and forces driving progress in the world of travel. Now in their eighth year, the Star Awards continue to highlight excellence and inspire the future of travel.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive both the ‘Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel’ award from Travel + Leisure China and the ‘Best Luxury Resort of the Year’ by the Travelling Scope Star Hotel Awards. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class luxury and service. The Chinese market holds immense importance for Kuda Villingili as one of the Maldives’ key tourist segments, and we are dedicated to continuously enhancing and diversifying our offerings to meet the expectations of our Chinese guests. At the same time, we remain committed to creating extraordinary experiences for all our visitors, ensuring that Kuda Villingili is a sanctuary of elegance and comfort for travellers from around the globe.”
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, providing easy access to a serene tropical retreat. Surrounded by white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, the resort offers a seamless blend of luxury and tranquillity, with warm hospitality ensuring an unforgettable stay.
The resort features 75 luxurious villas, including beach and overwater options with private pools. At the heart of the resort is the Maldives’ largest pool, a 150-meter haven with jacuzzis, shallow zones for children, and an Olympic-size lap area. By night, this pool transforms into an enchanting dining venue under the stars.
Dining options include seven restaurants and three bars, offering global cuisines like Mediterranean, Peruvian-Japanese fusion, and interactive teppanyaki. The whisky and cigar lounge boasts the Maldives’ largest whisky collection, paired with stunning lagoon views.
For relaxation, the spa features eight ocean-view villas with treatments inspired by South Asian therapies. Adventure abounds with activities such as surfing, deep-sea fishing, diving, and e-foil rides. Land sports include tennis, padel tennis, and a Technogym, while a kids’ club ensures younger guests enjoy immersive activities.
In addition to these accolades, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives was also recognised as the 8th best resort in the Indian Ocean in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious ranking underscores the resort’s dedication to delivering world-class luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is more than a holiday destination; rather, it is a home, a safe nook for one and for all. From couples to families to friends to even solo travellers, Kuda Villingili offers unmatched experiences and a haven for everyone to be themselves and their best selves.
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