Awards
Hilton earns top honors as World’s Best Workplace and Great Place to Work
For the first time ever, Hilton has been named the No.1 World’s Best Workplace by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work. This recognition – the culmination of eight consecutive appearances on the “World’s Best” list – also marks the first time a hospitality company has achieved the top honor in this best-in-class program.
In another first, Hilton was certified as a Great Place to Work in the Maldives earlier this year, celebrating a workplace culture where team members are encouraged to pursue their passions, draw upon their unique experiences, and be their authentic selves at work as they deliver exceptional stays for all guests.
These awards are a testament to Hilton’s continuous efforts to build an inclusive, purpose driven workplace culture that provides growth opportunities and robust support for team members to achieve their potential and thrive.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa continues to foster an environment for local talent to flourish, empowering Maldivian professionals who have developed within the group to progress along their career paths.
Key figures at the resort include Director of Operations Ahmed Anees, who is the first Maldivian professional to be elevated to this role within Hilton’s portfolio of brands in the country; Bars and Beverage Manager Ali Hamdan, and sommelier Gasim Ibrahim.
Anees’ 18 years of experience encompass a variety of roles, such managing transport, housekeeping and front office operations for both Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. His years of overseeing housekeeping also led him to co-found the Maldives Housekeepers Association, the country’s largest and sole nationally recognized association, where he advocates for training and development, and provides professional support.
Ali Hamdan joined Conrad Maldives as a bar attendant and was promoted to bartender within three years. His growth as a mixologist was enhanced by plentiful opportunities to train in various locations, from a Singaporean brewery to a Japanese sake house and the great Champagne houses of France. He is the first Maldivian mixologist certified by the International Bartenders Association.
Like Hamdan, Gasim Ibrahim began his Conrad Maldives stint as an F&B attendant, and it was there that he came under the tutelage of the head sommelier and began his education in earnest. Over a decade later, he is now one of the rare Maldivian sommeliers working in the industry and is currently completing his WSET Level 3 certification.
While at Conrad Maldives, both Hamdan and Gasim competed with distinction at the Hilton South East Asia Food & Beverage (SEA F&B) Masters, an annual series of rigorous competitions designed to showcase the best F&B talent across Hilton properties in the region on an international level.
Another valuable benefit of working with Hilton is career mobility. This facilitates the seamless exchange of skills and brings a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to the organization, which is evident in the team make-up.
Other team members such as Executive Housekeeper Hussain Visham, Front Office Manager Ali Shunaiz and Purchasing Manager Adam Ali, all of whom were previously from Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, brought their invaluable experience to Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, and are fundamental to the smooth operations at the resort.
Similarly, HR Manager Nani Rasheed, IT Manager Naji Mohamed, Restaurant Manager Mohamed Niyaz, and Laundry Manager Abdulla Shareef all came from Conrad Maldives, and other team members, like Duty Manager Sajid Bushry, joined from overseas Hilton properties and contributed a wealth of multicultural perspectives.
Resort leaders are actively involved in nurturing young professionals. Anees mentors fellow Maldivian and Hilton SEA Management Trainee Hassan Visam throughout an 18-month program designed to develop him for the Duty Manager role.
Regular career workshops are a staple feature of resort activities, as are networking and coaching sessions through the Women Team Members Resource Group. Team members are also able to access specialist certifications, such as the childcare certification from Worldwide Kids that was recently awarded to the Krakengiri Kids’ Club team.
Community Collaborations
Hilton continues to build purposeful relationships within the community, empowering team members to pursue meaningful initiatives that lead to a lasting positive impact.
IT Manager Naji Mohamed champions Hilton’s Travel with Purpose initiatives. These include a recent visit to Maafushi School in North Male Atoll where Team Members distributed educational children’s literature to the students and water dispensers for the school.
The resort also partnered with Maldives National University to provide internship and career opportunities for the next generation of young hospitality leaders. The first intake culminated in an intern’s successful integration as a regular member of the culinary team.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly on the hotel’s website will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors app.
Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu celebrates trio of honours at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been recognised with three prestigious accolades at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, reaffirming its position as one of the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury destinations.
The resort was named Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Indian Ocean, while its signature Firedoor Fine Dining Restaurant received the award for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant in the Indian Ocean. In addition, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives was honoured as the Best Luxury Boutique Spa in the Indian Ocean, celebrating its personalised approach to wellness and relaxation.
The World Luxury Awards, established to acknowledge excellence in the luxury travel and hospitality industry, recognise outstanding achievements across hotels, resorts, spas, and restaurants worldwide. Each year, winners are selected through public voting, reflecting the voice and appreciation of guests from across the globe.
In a statement marking the occasion, the resort expressed gratitude to its guests and team members: “We are honoured to be recognised with three prestigious recognitions in the 2025 World Luxury Awards. As we celebrate this achievement, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our cherished guests for choosing us as your sanctuary in the Maldives, and to our dedicated team for their unwavering passion and commitment to creating moments of joy, care, and connection.”
Nestled in North Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu combines contemporary design with Maldivian charm, offering an island escape defined by luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality.
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives claims five major titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates an extraordinary achievement at the prestigious 2025 World Luxury Awards, earning multiple accolades that highlight the property’s dedication to excellence, creativity, and heartfelt Maldivian hospitality.
This year, Ifuru Island Maldives has been recognized as the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Property in Maldives, the Best Luxury Family Beach Property in the Indian Ocean Islands, and the Best Luxury Wedding Property in the Indian Ocean. These remarkable distinctions reaffirm Ifuru Island’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for guests whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a dream island celebration.
The island’s tranquil wellness sanctuary, Xanadu Spa, was also celebrated for its exceptional approach to holistic wellbeing, receiving the titles of Best Luxury Beach Property Spa in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the Indian Ocean. With its serene location, thoughtfully curated treatments, and focus on mindful rejuvenation, Xanadu Spa continues to redefine luxury wellness in the Maldives.
Adding to the island’s success, The Waterfront, Ifuru Island’s signature dining venue, was honored as the Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant in the Indian Ocean and the Best Luxury Property Restaurant in the Indian Ocean Islands. Showcasing New World cuisine, The Waterfront combines innovative flavors with global influences, complemented by breathtaking ocean views and exceptional service creating an elevated dining experience that embodies the spirit of the island.
“These awards are a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire Ifuru Island family,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Every recognition reflects the commitment of our All Stars to deliver authentic, joyful, and unforgettable experiences for each guest who steps onto our island.”
Nestled in the breathtaking Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives is a vibrant all-inclusive private island property where natural beauty meets heartfelt hospitality. With spacious villas, diverse dining experiences, the award-winning Xanadu Spa, and its very own private airport, the island offers a seamless and spirited Maldivian escape designed for connection, celebration, and pure joy.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
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