Awards
Soneva Fushi shines as Maldives’ only Top 50 Hotel, secures no. 8 spot and Best Beach Hotel Award
Soneva Fushi has once again received prestigious recognition from The World’s 50 Best Hotels, ranking No. 8 as the only resort in the Maldives to feature in the Top 50. For the second consecutive year, it also claimed The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award, which honours the highest-ranked hotel located within 20 meters of a beach. The winners of The World’s 50 Best Hotels were unveiled at a vibrant awards ceremony in London, celebrating standout hotels across six continents.
The awards evening brought together leading figures from the global travel and hospitality sectors to honour the world’s finest hotels. Held at London’s historic Guildhall, the event spotlighted exceptional hotel experiences, inspiring travellers, hoteliers, and consumers alike.
Soneva Fushi, situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, is renowned as the original barefoot luxury hideaway. Its 63 private villas are set amidst lush jungle or poised over crystal-clear waters. Offering enchanting experiences, guests can enjoy a diverse range of activities, including expert-led events as part of the Soneva Stars calendar, dining across 14 venues, rejuvenating at Soneva Soul wellness centre, and exploring The Den, one of South Asia’s largest children’s playgrounds.
Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, expressed his excitement: “It’s wonderful to be back in London celebrating the second edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. Bringing together so many influential figures from the travel industry to honour the finest hotel experiences is truly a special moment. Congratulations to all the hotels on the list, each of which has made a lasting impression on our travel experts. We hope the 2024 list inspires travel lovers to choose a remarkable destination for their next journey.”
Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva, shared his delight: “We are honoured that Soneva Fushi has once again been recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels, ranking as the No. 8 hotel globally and winning ‘Best Beach Resort’ for the second year in a row. We are also proud to be the only Maldivian property in the top 50. At Soneva, we are a family that passionately pursues true luxury, offering extraordinary experiences that enrich our guests’ lives while minimising our impact on the environment.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list was revealed in a live countdown from No. 50 to No. 1, featuring additional special awards. This prestigious ranking is based on the votes of 600 anonymous travel experts, including hoteliers, journalists, educators, and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of prominent Academy Chairs.
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Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives wins Gold Award for Leading Surf Resort
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has once again secured its place at the pinnacle of surf tourism by winning the Gold Award for Leading Surf Hotel/Resort at the South Asia Travel Awards (SATA) 2024. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the resort has earned this esteemed recognition, underscoring its reputation as a premier destination for surf enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
Renowned for its exclusive access to Pasta Point, one of the world’s most celebrated surf breaks, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers the ultimate surfing experience with unparalleled waves and exceptional service. The resort provides an idyllic setting for surfers seeking adventure, with the added bonus of warm hospitality, luxury accommodations, and a wide range of leisure activities for those in search of relaxation
The resort’s General Manager, Sanjeeva Perera, expressed his pride in the achievement, highlighting the commitment of the Dhonveli team to delivering world-class experiences:
“Being recognized for six consecutive years speaks volumes about our dedication to providing an unmatched surfing experience. Our team continuously strives to create unforgettable moments for our guests, both on the waves and within the resort. We take great pride in this accomplishment and remain focused on enhancing the unique blend of excitement and tranquility that Dhonveli is known for.”
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has built a strong reputation in the global surf community, with Pasta Point attracting surfers from around the world who seek to ride its consistent, thrilling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort caters to a diverse clientele, offering a perfect retreat for families, couples, and those simply looking for a slice of Maldivian paradise.
The South Asia Travel Awards (SATA), one of the most prestigious regional travel awards, celebrates the best in hospitality across South Asia. Winning the Gold Award for Leading Surf Hotel/Resort reaffirms Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives’ position as a leader in the surf tourism sector, further elevating the Maldives’ status as a global surf destination.
For more information on Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and its range of offerings, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru wins prestigious accolades for sustainable tourism and guest experience excellence
Angsana Velavaru has announced its recent recognition at two esteemed industry awards, which reinforce the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences while leading sustainable tourism efforts in the Maldives.
The resort has secured a coveted position in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 16th among the 20 Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean. This prestigious accolade reflects the heartfelt support of valued guests and readers who appreciate the serene beauty, immersive experiences, and warm hospitality that define Angsana Velavaru.
In addition to this recognition, Angsana Velavaru has been awarded the title of Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel at the 8th edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), held in Kathmandu. This honour underscores the resort’s ongoing dedication to sustainable practices, from marine conservation efforts to eco-conscious guest experiences, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. Key initiatives include the planting of over 1,231 coral fragments, the complete elimination of single-use plastic bottles, and the upcycling of linen and broken umbrellas into reusable tote bags.
Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, associates, and industry peers for these remarkable acknowledgments. These awards motivate us to continue exceeding expectations, offering unforgettable experiences while remaining at the forefront of sustainable tourism.”
As a resort that seamlessly blends exceptional experiences with eco-conscious principles, Angsana Velavaru remains committed to setting new benchmarks for responsible travel. The resort’s success reflects its dedication to preserving the natural wonders of the Maldives while creating meaningful and authentic experiences for every guest.
In celebration of its recent achievements, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a new adventure with the Voyage to Velavaru offer. Guests can enjoy 25% savings on the best available rate, a complimentary all-inclusive package upgrade, and a spa and recreation credit of USD 75 per person, per night (up to USD 750 per person). The offer also includes 20% savings on return seaplane transfers and a complimentary sunset cruise, available once per stay.
Awards
Heritance Aarah celebrated as a leading resort in the Indian Ocean at Condé Nast Traveller Awards
Heritance Aarah Maldives has been recognised as one of the Best Resorts in the World within the Indian Ocean category by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, earning a remarkable score based on votes from the publication’s discerning readers. Situated in the serene Raa Atoll, this Premium All-Inclusive barefoot paradise offers the ultimate island escape.
From the moment guests step into the dedicated seaplane lounge, the Heritance Aarah experience exudes elegance and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay. The resort boasts an impressive array of world-class amenities, curated to provide an exceptional Maldivian retreat.
Guests can choose from a diverse range of accommodations, including stunning Ocean and Beach Villas, sophisticated Ocean Suites, and a private Ocean Residence featuring exclusive pools. Each option is meticulously designed to blend luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Culinary excellence is a hallmark of Heritance Aarah, with seven distinguished restaurants offering all-day gourmet dining experiences. Each venue presents a unique gastronomic journey, enhanced by an extensive collection of international wines and spirits available at five distinctive bars. Whether savouring Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes, indulging in fusion cuisine that marries Sri Lankan and Maldivian flavours, or enjoying the vibrant tastes of Tokyo and Bangkok street food, dining at Heritance Aarah is a true celebration. With over 80 premium spirits, 150 beverage options, and a signature cocktail menu featuring more than 30 creative concoctions, every meal is elevated to an unforgettable occasion.
Heritance Aarah goes beyond culinary indulgence, embracing a holistic approach to luxury that caters to both wellness and adventure. Guests can unwind at the IASO Medi Spa with a variety of treatments, including Reiki healing, Moxibustion, Shirodhara Ayurvedic therapies, and personalised yoga or tai chi sessions. Additional wellness offerings include sound healing and Tibetan Kunye healing, all designed to promote both physical and emotional well-being.
One of the resort’s standout features is its live Maldivian Village Museum, where guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through traditional cuisine, intricate handicrafts, and stories from the island’s history, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the local culture in an intimate and engaging setting.
For families, the Koka Kids Club offers a world of adventure with a dynamic range of activities. Young explorers can take part in treasure hunts, create sustainable crafts, delve into Maldivian cuisine, engage in science experiments, or enjoy water sports, all thoughtfully crafted for an exciting family experience. With a kids’ club and in-villa babysitting services available, parents can relax and make the most of their time at the resort, knowing their little ones are well entertained.
Adventure enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities at Heritance Aarah. The resort features a fully equipped gym, along with courts for tennis, futsal, badminton, and volleyball. Guests can also explore the surrounding waters through thrilling experiences like catamaran sailing, diving, and dolphin cruises, or partake in stargazing, sunset fishing, and cultural excursions.
As a pioneer in Premium All-Inclusive luxury, Heritance Aarah continues to set new benchmarks in hospitality, crafting unforgettable moments that resonate long after guests leave this island haven.
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