The 2024 Boutique Hotel Club Awards, often likened to the Michelin Guide for boutique hotels, has unveiled its winners, showcasing the pinnacle of global luxury and hospitality. Among the celebrated properties, Velaa Private Island in the Maldives made an indelible mark by clinching the award for ‘World’s Best Fine Dining Hotel’, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of exclusive experiences and culinary excellence.

Renowned for its unparalleled offerings, Velaa Private Island is a secluded paradise in the Noonu Atoll, surrounded by pristine azure waters. The accolade highlights its commitment to delivering curated dining experiences that transcend luxury, blending world-class cuisine with the serene beauty of its surroundings. The judges lauded the property as “an exclusive private island surrounded by an azure sea and curated experiences to go beyond luxury.”

The Boutique Hotel Club, celebrated for its meticulous vetting process, evaluated over 500 nominees across 80 countries. Properties undergo rigorous on-site assessments, with over 400 gold standards of hospitality excellence shaping the selection process. This year’s winners represent the pinnacle of creativity, sustainability, and immersive guest experiences.

While Velaa Private Island shone as the standout destination for fine dining, other winners in various categories celebrated unique aspects of boutique hospitality. The overall title of ‘World’s Best Boutique Hotel/ was awarded to Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa, known for its style, charm, and exceptional guest service.

The awards also emphasised sustainability, with Munduk Moding Plantation in Bali earning ‘World’s Best Eco Hotel’ for its dedication to environmental impact and community support. This reflects a broader trend in the boutique hotel industry: integrating sustainability into the luxury travel experience.

Velaa Private Island is renowned for offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, bespoke services, and extraordinary culinary adventures. Whether dining under the stars or exploring the vibrant marine life of the Maldives, guests are immersed in an exclusive escape tailored to their desires. This latest recognition further cements Velaa’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality.

For 15 years, the Boutique Hotel Club has celebrated the world’s finest boutique properties, meticulously curating destinations that embody exceptional quality, emotional resonance, and a unique sense of place. With Velaa Private Island leading the charge, the 2024 awards highlight a new era of boutique excellence, where luxury meets heart and innovation.

Sun Siyam Resorts has been awarded the title of “Most Influential Sustainable Hotel Group of the Year” at the 2025 GO TRAVEL Hotel Travel Excellence Awards. This recognition, presented by GOGO Media and Weibo Shanghai, celebrates Sun Siyam Resorts’ exceptional contributions to sustainable tourism in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

This prestigious award highlights the group’s dedication to blending authentic guest experiences with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. At Sun Siyam Resorts, sustainability is not just a practice but an integral part of its operations, shaping how the group interacts with the environment and supports local communities.

Central to Sun Siyam Resorts’ achievements is the “Sun Siyam Cares” program, which encompasses various eco-friendly and community-focused initiatives. These include reducing energy and water consumption, managing waste efficiently, supporting local community development, and investing in renewable energy sources. Through these efforts, Sun Siyam Resorts actively works to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The group’s commitment extends beyond environmental conservation to cultural preservation, emphasising the protection of local heritage and traditional practices. By prioritising these sustainable practices, Sun Siyam Resorts contributes not only to environmental well-being but also to the socio-economic growth of the communities where it operates.

This recognition at the GO TRAVEL Hotel Travel Excellence Awards underscores Sun Siyam Resorts’ leadership in sustainable tourism, marking a significant milestone in the group’s journey to create memorable, eco-friendly travel experiences. Through a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, Sun Siyam Resorts offers guests the chance to enjoy extraordinary vacations while leaving a positive impact on the world.

Ifuru Island Maldives was recently recognised as the Best Beach Resort – Maldives at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, hosted at the Hotel Management University and Culinary Institute, Campus Principe di Napoli. This prestigious event celebrated excellence in the luxury hospitality sector, gathering industry leaders, innovators, and creators committed to advancing hospitality experiences.

Winners from over 15 countries were honoured, highlighting diverse accomplishments within the industry. The evening served as a celebration of excellence and a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication that propel the luxury hospitality sector forward.

Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed gratitude for the award, emphasising that it reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team, who strive daily to deliver exceptional guest experiences. He noted that the award inspires the resort to continue raising standards of luxury and service in the Maldives.

Utkarsh Faujdar, Honorary Ambassador and Luxury Panel Member of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, congratulated Ifuru Maldives on the achievement, praising the resort’s unwavering commitment to excellence. He added that these awards set a benchmark for excellence within the industry.

In addition to this accolade, Ifuru Island Maldives has been recognised among the Top 100 Luxury Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2024, underscoring its dedication to exceptional service and unmatched guest experiences.

Opened in September 2023, Ifuru Island Maldives features 147 sunset suites and villas, six dining options, including two signature restaurants and four bars, and offers a 24-hour premium All-Inclusive experience. The resort is also home to the Maldives’ first permanent Skydive Dropzone, providing guests with breathtaking aerial views of the islands.