The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has been awarded Best Water Villa Resort in the Maldives at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the spacious design, privacy, and craftsmanship of its overwater villas.

The honour was presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held on 27 August at CROSSROADS Maldives — an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence across the Maldivian hospitality industry.

Located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, in the country’s south, The Halcyon Maldives is the first Autograph Collection property to open in the country. Its overwater villas—among the most spacious and private in the archipelago—rise from a lagoon-crafted isle in the untouched southern reaches: secluded, remote, and exactly like nothing else.

Each overwater villa is a storied haven of vintage allure and a quiet return to timeless island living — colonial-style architecture refined with contemporary comfort, shaped for a sense of belonging that feels graceful, yet entirely personal — with direct access to a vibrant house reef, rich with marine life and perfect for snorkelling.

Of the resort’s 16 overwater villas, 14 are Overwater Pool Villas and Sunset Overwater Pool Villas at 230sqm, each with a private infinity pool, accommodating up to two adults and two children, or three adults. The remaining two—the Horizon Overwater Retreat and the Sunset Overwater Retreat—extend to 300sqm apiece, also with a private infinity pool, accommodating four adults and two children, or two adults and four children.

Whether arriving as a couple, a family, a group or a discerning solo traveller, these villas offer more than accommodation—they offer sanctuary. Finely detailed, enduring, and considered, each is shaped around the comfort and natural beauty of the southern Maldives—thoughtfully designed to unwind, indulge, connect, and discover—creating Halcyon moments that stay with guests long after the tide turns.

The resort spans two private isles in a region free of boat traffic, overhead seaplanes, and cityscapes: one, naturally formed, home to the island villas; the other, a tranquil enclave above the lagoon, home to its overwater villas. Inspired by the voyages of H.C.P. Bell — the nineteenth-century British archaeologist who charted these southern waters and described them as restorative — The Halcyon Maldives brings the golden era of travel to life for the modern guest.

Across both isles, The Halcyon Maldives features 38 villas. The resort also offers three restaurants, two bars, a kids club, a spa, a marine centre, and a PADI-certified dive and watersports centre. Two vibrant house reefs surround the resort, directly accessible from the guest villas. The resort provides 24/7 Halcyon butler service, alongside an array of experiences for guests to explore, engage, and savour.

The Halcyon Maldives is reached by a 90-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport, or by a 55-minute domestic flight to GDh. Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM), followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer.

For reservations or enquiries, please contact The Halcyon Maldives at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800

The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt has been awarded Best Beach Resort at the esteemed TTM Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s stunning natural shoreline and exceptional beachfront experiences, while continuing its outstanding guest satisfaction and excellence in hospitality.

Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.

Situated in the idyllic Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives offers a fresh perspective on lifestyle travel, seamlessly combining relaxation, adventure, and social connection. Fringed by pristine white-sand beaches, candy-blue waters, and surrounded by a thriving house reef, the resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Maldives while enjoying a dynamic and engaging island escape.

The recognition reflects the resort’s exceptional beach experience, defined by its expansive shoreline, thoughtfully designed accommodations, and diverse range of ocean-inspired activities. From discovering colourful marine life just offshore and participating in a variety of water sports to unwinding by the beach or pool, guests are encouraged to experience the destination at their own pace while embracing the spirited character of The Standard brand.

“Receiving the title of Best Beach Resort at the TTM Awards 2026 is an incredible honour for all of us at The Standard, Maldives,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “Our beaches are at the heart of the guest experience, providing the perfect setting for relaxation, adventure, social connection, and discovery. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering a vibrant and inclusive island escape that stays true to The Standard’s playful spirit, while offering something for every traveller, from couples and groups of friends to families seeking meaningful moments together.”

Complementing its stunning natural surroundings, The Standard, Maldives features an array of distinctive experiences, including destination dining by the beach and Baby Island, scenic sunset cruises, wellness journeys at The Standard Spa, the resort’s overwater wellness centre, and a vibrant calendar of entertainment and recreational programming. Families are equally well catered for with dedicated children’s activities and engaging programmes designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and meaningful family connections. This unique blend of leisure, wellbeing, social experiences, and family- friendly offerings has made the resort a sought-after choice for travellers seeking an island holiday that goes beyond the ordinary.

Presented annually as part of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the TTM Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. Being recognised as Best Beach Resort 2026 highlights The Standard, Maldives’ commitment to delivering exceptional beachfront experiences, innovative programming, and memorable stays that resonate with guests from around the world.

Since welcoming its first guests, The Standard, Maldives has earned international recognition for its distinctive approach to island hospitality, bringing together contemporary design, authentic local influences, and personalised service. This latest achievement further reinforces the resort’s reputation as one of the Maldives’ most exciting and desirable beach destinations, setting the benchmark for lifestyle-led resort experiences in the region.

Royal Island has been named Best Dive Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising an underwater experience shaped by one of the Maldives’ richest marine environments and a dive operation built around discovery, expertise and a genuine respect for the ocean.

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island sits surrounded by coral gardens, channels and thilas alive with reef fish, turtles, rays and sharks. Its location places some of the atoll’s most rewarding dive sites within easy reach, while the island’s own house reef makes the underwater world feel less like an excursion and more like an extension of the resort itself.

At the centre of it all is diveOceanus, Villa Resorts’ specialist diving brand. At Royal Island, the operation is remarkably comprehensive. Complete beginners can take their first breaths underwater through Discover Scuba Diving, while certified divers can progress through PADI courses all the way to Divemaster. Dedicated programmes extend to children, advanced and Nitrox diving, refresher courses and freediving, with private instructors and private dive boats available for those wanting a more individual experience.

The facilities make it easy to build diving into the rhythm of a stay. House reef and training dives run throughout the day alongside scheduled two-tank and afternoon boat dives, with night diving available by arrangement. A full range of equipment is available, including dive computers and underwater cameras, while certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox fills. Freedivers are equally well catered for, with dedicated courses, coaching, equipment and open-water sessions.

Beyond diving, Royal Island is exceptionally placed for some of the Maldives’ great marine encounters. Hanifaru Bay is approximately 25 minutes away, where seasonal plankton blooms bring extraordinary gatherings of manta rays and, at times, whale sharks. As the season changes, diveOceanus also operates manta snorkelling journeys into neighbouring Raa Atoll, extending opportunities for encounters across much of the year.

That access comes with responsibility. Marine conservation has long been part of diveOceanus across Villa Resorts, with coral restoration programmes established at Villa Nautica, Villa Park and Royal Island alongside reef monitoring, clean-ups and guest education. At Royal Island, the team maintains coral nurseries in the lagoon and house reef and involves guests directly in coral planting and restoration. It has also led wider reef-cleaning initiatives alongside the Baa Atoll Council and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, extending that work beyond the island itself.

What sets Royal Island apart is the completeness of the experience. The house reef, the wider Baa Atoll, the expertise and facilities of diveOceanus, and the conservation work happening quietly alongside it all create something deeper than a collection of good dive sites. The Best Dive Resort title recognises an island where life below the surface has always been central to the experience.