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SO/ Maldives nominated for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

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SO/ Maldives, the luxurious island retreat nestled within the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has been nominated for the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the ‘Resorts’ category. This recognition reflects the resort’s dedication to exceptional hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Since opening its doors in November 2023, SO/ Maldives has captivated travelers with its cutting-edge design, world-class cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences. The resort recently celebrated its grand opening on March 23, 2024, with a spectacular party themed “An Invite to the Front Row,” marking a significant moment in Maldivian hospitality.

The grand opening was a feast for the senses, showcasing a blend of international collaborations, artistic expression, and Maldivian charm, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Emboodhoo Lagoon. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening featuring haute couture, culinary artistry, live entertainment, and exclusive wellness retreats.

Collaboration Highlights:

  • Fashion Extravaganza: SO/ Maldives hosted one of the first international fashion shows in the Maldives, partnering with renowned Thai fashion house Milin. The island’s couture transformed into an oceanfront runway, showcasing Milin’s swimwear collection amidst the paradise setting.
  • Celebrating Local Talent: In collaboration with Maldivian high fashion brand Riffath, SO/ Maldives unveiled its exclusive Flying Dress Edits, highlighting local talent and culture. Guests participated in a bespoke photo and drone shooting experience, capturing memories against the breathtaking Maldivian scenery.
  • Culinary Delights: Acclaimed Chef Dharshan Munidasa curated a groundbreaking menu, fusing global culinary experiences with exquisite flavors from his renowned restaurants. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth further elevated the experience with expertly crafted cocktails.
  • Musical Performances: The evening was amplified by live performances from world-class musicians and DJs, including Maldivian band Project Groove, Thai sensation Lydia Sarunrat Deane, and DJ Basil from Dubai, culminating in an electrifying after-party.
  • Wellness and Fitness Retreats: Guests embarked on transformative journeys with week-long detox sessions by Jumping® Fitness and rejuvenating spa experiences by London-based partner Salon C. Stellar.
  • Earth Hour Celebration: Embracing eco-conscious revelry, SO/ Maldives invited guests to connect with nature during a beach bonfire with traditional Maldivian Boduberu performances under the starlit sky.
  • Culinary Finale: The evening concluded with a lavish beach buffet, celebrating luxury and culinary delight under the serene Maldivian night.

SO/ Maldives expresses its sincere gratitude to Condé Nast Traveler and its readers for the prestigious nomination. The resort remains committed to redefining luxury hospitality in the Maldives.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards closes on June 30th at 11:59 PM EDT. Cast your vote now and help SO/ Maldives win!

Awards

Atmosphere Core secures British Airways Holidays awards across five Maldives resorts

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Atmosphere Core has announced that five of their resorts in the Maldives; VARU by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, have been recognised with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2025.

This accolade reflects consistently high guest satisfaction, recognising hotels that excel in service delivery, quality of facilities, and the overall holiday experience. Extended only to the top 8% of hotels worldwide, it underscores the strength of the brand’s diverse portfolio, from signature Holiday Plans to adults-only escapes and immersive, nature-inspired island retreats.

Under Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, VARU by Atmosphere and Atmosphere Kanifushi continue to set benchmarks in elevated hospitality. VARU by Atmosphere offers a contemporary island experience with seamless inclusions and warm Maldivian service, while Atmosphere Kanifushi is known for its expansive setting, lush tropical surroundings, and wide range of experiences catering to both families and couples.

Within the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO each present distinct island escapes. OBLU SELECT Sangeli blends contemporary design in a stylish and tranquil setting. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic, adults-only retreat thoughtfully designed for couples, centred around intimacy and curated experiences. OBLU NATURE Helengeli stands out for its rich marine life and exceptional house reef, offering an immersive experience for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

“We are truly honoured to receive the British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award across multiple resorts within our portfolio. This recognition, driven by genuine guest feedback, is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams who consistently go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core. “It reinforces our commitment to delivering distinctive and memorable stays across every island, tailored to different guest journeys.”

This achievement further strengthens Atmosphere Core’s position as a leading hospitality brand in the Maldives, driven by guest-centric service, innovation, and authentic island experiences.

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Awards

Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.

The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.

The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

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Awards

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition

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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.

The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.

The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.

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