News
ELE|NA Spa celebrates World Environment Day with Gold, Silver awards for sustainable operations
ELE|NA Spa has announced its prestigious recognition by the Sustainable Wellness Organisation, receiving the Gold Award for Sustainable Spa Operations at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU NATURE Helengeli By Sentido, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, and VARU By Atmosphere, along with the Silver Award for OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
This announcement comes on World Environment Day, a significant occasion spearheaded by the UN Environment Programme, one of Sustainable Wellness Partners. This year’s theme, “Ecosystem Restoration,” underscores the critical importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, values that align perfectly with our ongoing initiatives.
Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA Spa, commented on the accolade: “This Gold Award is a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our team members across all properties. Each of our spas has appointed a Sustainable Ambassador who is constantly bringing new projects to life every month, ensuring that our sustainability efforts are continuously evolving and making a real impact. This recognition highlights our commitment to creating an eco-friendly and sustainable environment for our guests and staff alike.”
ELE|NA Spa’s recognition with the Gold and Silver Awards is a reflection of its comprehensive approach to sustainability. Each spa under the ELE|NA Spa brand has a dedicated Sustainable Ambassador responsible for introducing and overseeing new eco-friendly projects on a monthly basis. These initiatives include reducing waste, conserving water, and utilizing sustainable products and energy sources.
The Sustainable Ambassadors also conduct sustainable workshops for guests, teaching them how to make sustainable snacks, home essentials, and skincare products. These workshops provide valuable knowledge and practical skills, empowering guests to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives. By engaging guests in these hands-on activities, ELE|NA Spa extends its commitment to sustainability beyond its operational practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among its clientele.
The efforts of ELE|NA Spa are not only limited to operational practices but also extend to educating guests and staff about the importance of sustainability. This dual approach ensures that everyone involved with ELE|NA Spa is part of the journey towards a greener future.
Heidi Grimwood highlighted the significant role that each team member plays in achieving these sustainability goals. The collaborative effort of staff, guests, and the broader community is essential in driving the positive changes needed to protect the environment. By continuously evolving their practices and setting new sustainability benchmarks, ELE|NA Spa is leading the way in the wellness industry.
The recognition from the Sustainable Wellness Organisation on World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated sustainability efforts can have. ELE|NA Spa remains committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, ensuring that their operations contribute positively to the planet’s health and well-being.
ELE I NA is an acronym for Elements of Nature, which refers to the five elemental forces of nature – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, helps in healing as these energies flow all around and within every individual. Offering bespoke wellness journeys under the “Wellness Your Way” program, itineraries are designed specifically for the guests’ individual needs, highlighting holistic treatments, alternative health therapies, and gourmet plant-based cuisine throughout the all-inclusive vacation. At ELE|NA, guests embark on a holistic journey of wellness, healing, and relaxation, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed as a result of life-changing experiences, where local healing traditions are combined with international beauty and spa treatments to provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Awards
Crown & Champa Resorts earns multiple Tripadvisor awards
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced that numerous properties within its portfolio have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing the resort collection’s reputation for delivering exceptional holiday experiences in the Maldives.
Based on genuine guest reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period, Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently receive outstanding feedback from travellers worldwide. The awards recognise the resorts among the highest-rated accommodations.
Jawakara Islands Maldives Earns ‘Best of the Best’ Recognition
Among CCR’s award-winning resorts, Jawakara Islands Maldives received Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ distinction for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. The resort was also ranked #21 among Asia’s top hotels.
Featuring two islands connected by a bridge across a turquoise lagoon, Jawakara Islands Maldives combines contemporary luxury with authentic Maldivian charm, offering guests a unique island experience.
The ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition, awarded to a select group of properties that consistently receive exceptional guest feedback and maintain outstanding traveller satisfaction throughout the year.
Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 – Top 10% Worldwide
The following CCR resorts were recognised among the top 10% of hotels globally in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026:
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – An exclusive fully solar-powered private island featuring 15 overwater residences and its signature fully inclusive “Anything. Anywhere. Anytime.” luxury concept.
- Hurawalhi Island Resort – Home to the iconic all-glass 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and offering an adults-only retreat with exceptional dining and ocean experiences.
- Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa – A wellness-focused resort featuring all-pool villas, holistic spa experiences, and a vibrant house reef.
- Veligandu Maldives Resort Island – Renowned for its iconic sandbank, natural beauty, diverse culinary offerings, and memorable marine adventures.
- Komandoo Island Resort & Spa – Truly adults-only (aged +18) island retreat known for its romantic atmosphere, vibrant house reef, and exceptional diving experiences.
- Meeru Maldives Resort Island – One of the Maldives’ most popular resorts, offering a blend of family-friendly and adults-focused experiences, extensive dining options, and expansive beaches.
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – A top diving and snorkelling destination located within a whale shark hotspot and offering both adults-only and family-friendly accommodation options.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication and passion of our champions across the resorts. Every day, they work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests, and these awards are a testament to their commitment to genuine Maldivian hospitality. We are grateful to our guests for their trust and valuable feedback, which continues to inspire us to deliver exceptional holiday experiences,” said Mohamed Solah, CEO, Crown & Champa Resorts.
Awards
Fashion Travel Awards name Madifushi Maldives’ best elegant private island
Madifushi Private Island has been internationally recognised as the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives at the prestigious Fashion Travel Awards 2026, organised by Fashion TV Russia, one of the world’s leading media platforms dedicated to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle.
The second edition of the Fashion Travel Awards took place on May 2026 in Moscow, aboard the luxurious Radisson Royal Flotilla. The exclusive gala welcomed over 150 distinguished guests, including tourism leaders, celebrities, influencers, media representatives, and renowned international travellers. The event celebrated excellence across the global travel and hospitality industry, recognising outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism professionals.
As an official partner of the event, Madifushi Private Island was proudly presented on stage to an international audience before being announced as the recipient of the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives award. The recognition reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering refined luxury, personalised service, and unforgettable guest experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Speaking on the achievement, Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said: “Receiving this recognition from the Fashion Travel Awards is particularly meaningful as it celebrates not only hospitality, but also elegance, sophistication, and the overall guest experience. Being named the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives is a wonderful reflection of the refined character we have carefully built at Madifushi Private Island. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, creating distinctive experiences, and introducing even more unique concepts that surprise and delight our guests.”
During the event, representatives of Madifushi Private Island also participated in an exclusive interview with Fashion TV, providing an opportunity to showcase the resort and the Maldives to a global audience. The interview will be broadcast throughout the year across the Fashion TV network and displayed at its partner venues, including luxury restaurants, fitness clubs, yacht clubs, and concert halls. The event will also receive continued coverage through international magazines and online media platforms.
This latest accolade further strengthens Madifushi Private Island’s growing international reputation as a destination that seamlessly combines elegance, privacy, authentic Maldivian hospitality, and bespoke luxury experiences.
Action
InterContinental Maldives elevates active luxury with new padel court
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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