Awards
SO/ Maldives wins Best Luxury Architectural Design at Liv Hospitality Design Awards
Recently opened luxury lifestyle resort SO/ Maldives has garnered a prestigious award at the Liv Hospitality Design Awards. Recognized for its captivating architectural design, SO/ Maldives was named the Winner in Architectural Design Resort – Luxury.
Drawing inspiration from the world of high fashion, SO/ Maldives transforms guests into models, offering a luxurious “seen-and-be-seen” experience. The resort’s public areas are interconnected, resembling a captivating catwalk that winds its way across the pristine private island.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Liv Hospitality Design Awards. This achievement resonates profoundly with our commitment to embodying the essence of our Stylish Dress Code pillar. Our ethos revolves around a design standard that celebrates the art of making striking statements through refined and deliberate designs.” said Kay Dimacali, Director of Brand at SO/ Maldives.

A Runway Through Paradise
SO/ Maldives officially opened its doors on March 23rd, 2024. Designed by Eco-Id Architects Pte Ltd with Calvin Sim serving as Lead Designer, the resort seamlessly blends the tranquility of a castaway haven with the undeniable elegance of a high-fashion runway.
Guests are welcomed upon arrival by a breathtaking over-water pavilion, setting the tone for their luxurious stay. Clean lines, cool neutrals, and natural wood create a sophisticated backdrop, accented by vibrant pops of color and a show-stopping central staircase crafted from a sculptural red lattice. This architectural focal point winds its way upwards, connecting the Lobby Bar with the Specialty Restaurant on the upper level. As guests ascend this “vertical runway,” they are treated to breathtaking sunset views from either vantage point.
The resort’s unique walkways continue the fashion-inspired theme. Adorned with billowing fabrics or architectural timber canopies, they create a captivating contrast with the island’s lush natural flora, echoing the dramatic presentations seen in high fashion shows.

A Collaboration of Expertise
The success of SO/ Maldives is a testament to the collaboration between S Hotels & Resorts, Eco-Id Architects Pte Ltd, lead designer Calvin Sim, and construction company ALIA Construction. Their combined vision has resulted in a truly remarkable resort experience, one that is both luxuriously sophisticated and undeniably captivating.
Planning Your SO/ Maldives Experience
For those seeking a luxurious escape unlike any other, SO/ Maldives offers an unforgettable experience. With its award-winning architectural design and commitment to guest experience, the resort is poised to become a leading destination for discerning travelers. Visit the SO/ Maldives website to learn more and start planning your dream getaway.
Awards
Maldives wins Best Beach Destination title at 2025 World Tourism Awards
Maldives has been honoured with the Best Beach Destination Award at the World Tourism Awards 2025 today being held in Brussels, Belgium.
This prestigious award honours the Maldives for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The award was accepted on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu by Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, former President and Special Envoy of the President, during the award ceremony held as the culminating event of the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025.
In his remarks, Dr Waheed conveyed the President’s gratitude for the international recognition
The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World,” brings together global tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of the sector through innovation and collaboration.
This latest accolade reaffirms the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most admired destinations and recognises its dedication to preserving its coastal environment.
Awards
Maldives secures spot in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 countries for food
The Maldives has been ranked among the Top 10 Countries for Food in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, securing the 10th position with a score of 94.55.
The prestigious annual list, curated from thousands of reader votes worldwide, celebrates destinations that have delighted travellers with their culinary offerings and dining experiences. This year’s results highlight the Maldives’ growing global reputation not only as a luxury holiday destination, but also as a rising culinary powerhouse.
Condé Nast Traveller writes: “The Maldives is abundant with dreamy island resorts, all of which have their own even dreamier restaurants. It’s not every day that you glide straight onto the supper table, but at Soneva Fushi, your journey to its treetop private dining space involves a breathtaking, 200-metre zipline. Plus, with most of the gorgeous Maldives hotels offering extensive all-inclusive packages, there’s never a moment spare to go hungry. Scattered across almost 1,200 beautiful coral islands, the Maldives is a master of all things seafood, so expect the catch of the day to make an appearance in breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Don’t worry if a tuna flatbread doesn’t excite your morning taste buds either, as the myriad of coconut, mango, and papaya trees here make a wonderful fruit salad too.”
The recognition places the Maldives alongside globally celebrated culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, and France, reaffirming its unique appeal where world-class dining meets unparalleled natural beauty. From underwater restaurants and treetop tables to island-inspired tasting menus, Maldivian resorts continue to innovate in gastronomy — blending international techniques with local ingredients such as reef fish, coconut, and tropical fruits.
Resorts such as The Nautilus Maldives, Soneva Fushi, JOALI Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and Velaa Private Island have become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences that redefine island cuisine. Many of these properties feature Michelin-starred collaborations, sustainable sourcing practices, and culinary concepts that celebrate both global diversity and Maldivian heritage.
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in the travel industry, reflecting the opinions of discerning travellers around the world.
The full list of Best Countries for Food in the World 2025 can be found on Condé Nast Traveller’s official website.
Awards
Kudadoo Maldives crowned Best All-Inclusive Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, the ultra-luxury retreat renowned for redefining indulgence and privacy, has been named Best All-Inclusive Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most esteemed travel publications.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Kudadoo’s signature “Anything, Anywhere, Anytime” concept — a philosophy that allows guests to design entirely bespoke experiences tailored to their desires.
Part of the esteemed Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) portfolio, Kudadoo combines cutting-edge architectural design, pristine natural beauty, and an unwavering guest-first approach to create stays that are both intimate and extraordinary. Guests can savour private sandbank dinners under starlit skies, bespoke underwater dining, serene sunset cruises, and curated wellness journeys, all orchestrated to perfection.
The resort’s all-inclusive model transcends conventional definitions, removing boundaries for those seeking freedom, privacy, and absolute indulgence. Every detail — from world-class gastronomy and curated excursions to on-demand personal experiences — reflects Kudadoo’s commitment to limitless luxury. Whether it is a spontaneous snorkelling trip, a private cinema night on the deck, or a cultural discovery across the atoll, every moment is crafted with precision and heartfelt care.
“This recognition from Condé Nast Traveler is a proud moment for the entire Kudadoo team,” said Akira Shiota, General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives. “Our ‘Anything, Anywhere, Anytime’ philosophy enables us to deliver a level of personalisation rarely found in the world of luxury travel. Each guest enjoys a truly unique experience, and this award is a tribute to the dedication, creativity, and passion of our team in bringing these experiences to life.”
Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader of CCR, added, “Kudadoo continues to set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality in the Maldives. Being named the world’s best all-inclusive hotel by Condé Nast Traveler underscores not only the excellence of our service but also the success of our pioneering concept. We are immensely proud to provide experiences that guests will treasure for a lifetime.”
By earning this accolade, Kudadoo Maldives reinforces its status as a world-class resort and demonstrates how the notion of all-inclusive luxury can evolve to meet the expectations of today’s experience-driven traveller. The recognition stands as a testament to Kudadoo’s pursuit of perfection and its dedication to delivering the highest standard of personalised service in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Earlier this year, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island was also featured among Condé Nast Traveler’s “16 Best Private Island Resorts in the World” for 2025 — further cementing its reputation as one of the planet’s most exceptional and exclusive escapes.
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