Awards
Angsana Velavaru Achieves Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable Level 3+

Angsana Velavaru has been awarded Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable Level 3+ certification. This places the resort among the top 25 most sustainable resorts in the Maldives out of over 175.
The recognition reflects the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences. By choosing Angsana Velavaru, guests are actively supporting responsible tourism and environmental conservation efforts.
Mindful Luxury Rooted in Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value at Angsana Velavaru. The resort offers a luxurious experience that prioritizes environmental responsibility. Eco-friendly practices are meticulously implemented to ensure guests can enjoy the pristine beauty of the Maldives while preserving it for future generations.
This dedication is further highlighted by Angsana Velavaru’s impressive eight-year streak of holding EarthCheck Gold Certification, a globally recognized symbol of commitment to sustainable tourism. As part of the Banyan Tree Group, Angsana Velavaru operates under the philosophy of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People,” reflecting a deep commitment to protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and caring for its staff.
The Banyan Tree Group’s three pillars of sustainability – Our Environment, Our Community, Our Responsibility – guide its initiatives to promote responsible travel and drive positive change within the hospitality industry.
Leading by Example
Angsana Velavaru implements a series of best practices that contribute to its sustainable journey, including:
- Eliminating single-use plastic bottles
- Utilizing solar panels
- Composting food waste
- Harvesting rainwater
- Implementing a saltwater chlorination project
- Offering reusable tote bags through the SustainLinen program
Preserving the Marine Ecosystem
The resort’s commitment extends to the delicate marine ecosystem. Regular marine talks and house reef cleanups are held to remove debris and invasive species. On calm days, guests can participate in coral planting at the Marine Centre, directly contributing to the restoration of the coral reefs.
A stay at Angsana Velavaru offers guests an unforgettable experience while fostering a more sustainable future.
Awards
Soneva Secret makes Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Hot List of best new hotels

Every year, the editors of Condé Nast Traveller dedicate months to exploring new travel experiences around the world, from groundbreaking dining concepts to reimagined retreats and ambitious new hotel openings. Now in its 29th edition, the Hot List is considered one of the most anticipated recognitions in the global travel and hospitality industry. This year’s theme? Joy. A fitting choice for a list that includes zip-lining to dinner in the Maldives, treehouse sleepovers in Kenya, and fine dining in unexpected corners of the world.
One of the standout selections in the 2025 list is Soneva Secret, the newest ultra-luxury concept from Soneva, which continues to push the boundaries of barefoot luxury in the Maldives. Located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll in the far north of the archipelago, Soneva Secret invites guests into a world of intimacy, privacy, and personalised service — reimagined through a hyper-exclusive lens.
Comprising just 14 villas, Soneva Secret embodies the group’s signature sustainable luxury with an even greater emphasis on privacy and bespoke experiences. Each villa comes with a dedicated “Barefoot Guardian” and “Barefoot Assistant,” ensuring every aspect of the stay is curated to the individual preferences of each guest. Some villas even feature retractable roofs for stargazing, waterslides directly into the turquoise lagoon, and direct access to thriving coral reefs.
True to Soneva’s commitment to wellness, sustainability, and fine cuisine, the property offers unique culinary experiences, including dinners on a castaway island, open-air beach kitchens, and a new interpretation of experiential dining that begins with a zip-line ride through the forest canopy. The resort also features glassblowing workshops, wellness therapies, and tailor-made adventures designed around guest interests.
Soneva Secret’s inclusion on the Hot List places it alongside other global trailblazers redefining travel. It also reinforces the Maldives’ position as a leader in ultra-premium, experience-led tourism.
With this recognition, Soneva Secret joins a prestigious global club of new hotels that are not only raising the bar for luxury but are also rethinking what travel can be — joyful, personal, and unforgettable.
For the Maldives, this recognition is more than just another accolade. It is a testament to the archipelago’s continuing allure and its growing portfolio of innovative, world-class hospitality offerings.
Awards
SAii Lagoon Maldives wins prestigious Hilton Connie Award twice in 3 years

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, has once again been honoured with the Connie Award – the highest distinction awarded by Hilton Worldwide. This marks the second time in just three years that SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton received this rare recognition, reaffirming its place among the very best within the global Hilton portfolio and standing as the only Hilton property in the Maldives to receive this distinction both years.
The Connie Award, named after Conrad Hilton — the visionary founder of Hilton Hotels — is awarded to top-performing hotels that achieve outstanding scores in guest satisfaction, brand standards, and quality assurance. It is not simply an award for success, but a celebration of soul, of the values that have defined Hilton since its inception; hospitality from the heart, service with meaning, and a commitment to creating memorable stays that go far beyond the expected.
To receive the Connie Award is to be recognised as one of the finest expressions of Hilton’s global promise. Fewer than 1% of Hilton hotels earn this award annually, making it not just an honour, but a profound responsibility. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton has met this moment with warmth, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to delighting every guest who arrives not as a visitor, but as part of the SAii family.
“This is not a win for an establishment or a brand, it is a win for every SAiiLander who puts heart into everything they do,” mentioned Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina. “Our team brings their personalities, their stories, and their smiles to work every day. That energy is what our guests remember, and this award is a tribute to that team spirit.”
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton continues to shine as part of a growing Hilton presence in the Maldives, which includes the refined island experiences of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. While each property carries its own unique character, this second Connie Award solidified the deep connection guests feel with SAii’s playful, welcoming energy, a style of hospitality that is as heartfelt as it is unforgettable.
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere crowned ‘Opening of the Year’ at Travel Time Awards 2024

In a remarkable first year of operations, RAAYA by Atmosphere has claimed the title of ‘Opening of the Year’ at the Travel Time Awards 2024, one of Russia’s most prestigious travel industry honours. The accolade reflects Raaya’s unique appeal to the Russian market, blending tailored experiences with scenic island beauty and an elevated sense of family-friendly hospitality.
Held annually, the Travel Time Awards spotlight excellence across 24 categories, based on a combination of votes from Travel Time magazine readers, the editorial board, and travel agencies across Russia. From over 80 nominees, RAAYA by Atmosphere was among the 29 winners, celebrated for its vibrant, family-focused spirit and indulgent services.
RAAYA by Atmosphere has welcomed approximately 1,490 Russian guests, making Russia one of its top three source markets. Guests from the region are drawn to the resort’s stunning marine excursions, recreational activities including Padel tennis, speciality fine dining, and immersive destination dining experiences including the recently launched, sustainable harvest-to-plate concept at Seb’s Farm.
Maurice Van Den Bosch, General Manager at RAAYA by Atmosphere, says, “Raaya was created as a place to bring people together, be it families, couples, and adventurers from around the world. Curating a unique balance of escapism and energy in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. We are truly honoured that this vision has been recognised by the Russian travel industry in our very first year. This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team in elevating every guest experience, and to the warm and enthusiastic response we’ve received from the Russian market”.
RAAYA by Atmosphere features 167 beach and over water villas and seven varied dining choices infusing local tradition and global cuisine. Along with one of the most stunningly serene beaches, the island is a playground of adventure, offering water sports, diving, padel, futsal, a kids club, skate circuit, an art and craft studio, a playful mini-golf course, and a signature brand ELE|NA Ayur spa immersed in the quietude of nature.
-
Family1 week ago
‘Bunnies Gone Wild’ becomes bold, Playboy-inspired Easter celebration at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort
-
Food1 week ago
Milaidhoo Maldives unveils Azure: Chic beach shack dining experience
-
Cooking1 week ago
Gourmet escape with Singaporean Chef Petrina Loh at Constance Moofushi
-
Fitness1 week ago
‘F45 Festival’ added to 2025 event line-up at Kandooma Maldives
-
Family1 week ago
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa unveils enhancements for Easter celebrations
-
Family1 week ago
Oaga Art Resort’s Easter celebration: Case of Detective Kuku
-
Family1 week ago
Castaway Easter at RAAYA by Atmosphere
-
Cooking1 week ago
Feast for senses: Evolving culinary canvas of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives