Awards
Milaidhoo ranked among World’s Best Resorts in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Milaidhoo has been ranked as the 6th best resort in the World Resorts category for the Indian Ocean in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition holds special significance as it reflects the voices of guests who have personally experienced the unique and heartfelt offerings of this island sanctuary.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most esteemed accolades in the travel industry, celebrating the best hotels, resorts, cities, and travel experiences across the globe. Voted on by hundreds of thousands of readers worldwide, these awards are a true testament to guest satisfaction and the exceptional hospitality provided by the world’s top destinations.
For Milaidhoo, this honour goes beyond being just a ranking—it serves as a recognition of the trust, loyalty, and love shown by its guests. The resort is particularly delighted that this acknowledgment comes directly from those who have shared in the magic of the small island. Each visitor brings their own story, and through their experiences, they become part of the Milaidhoo Family.
General Manager Paul van Frank expressed his gratitude, noting that the recognition reflects the bond the resort shares with its guests. He remarked, “Their appreciation for the moments we create inspires us to continue evolving and offering them the very best in luxury and personalised service. We are deeply grateful for their support.”
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo offers an immersive experience that blends natural beauty with contemporary Maldivian heritage. Guests are invited to discover a world where barefoot luxury meets meaningful moments, whether indulging in the serene comfort of overwater villas, exploring pristine coral house reefs, or enjoying gourmet culinary journeys at the signature Ba’theli restaurant, where each dish is a reminiscence of the spice routes that shaped the region.
At the heart of Milaidhoo is a desire to connect guests with the cultural richness of the Maldives while offering the utmost in luxury and tranquility. This connection between modern elegance and traditional roots resonates deeply with guests, who frequently comment on the authenticity and warmth that Milaidhoo embodies.
This award marks a significant milestone in Milaidhoo’s journey, and the resort remains committed to further enhancing the guest experience in the years ahead. By listening to feedback, refining its offerings, and continuing to focus on sustainable, culturally immersive tourism, Milaidhoo aims to create even more unforgettable moments for its visitors.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Awards
Soneva Fushi takes top honour for sustainable childcare in luxury hospitality
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has won the Excellence in Sustainable Childcare award at the Luxury Childcare Association (LCA) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s approach to incorporating environmental education and sustainability into experiences for younger guests.
The award was among five categories announced by the association following a voting process held last month. The awards recognise luxury hotels and resorts that provide childcare facilities, programmes and family experiences, with winners selected through votes cast by families, guests and industry leaders.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi received the recognition for The Den, its children’s club, where activities are designed to introduce younger guests to environmental responsibility through play and learning.
The programme includes tree planting, environmental scavenger hunts, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and recycled paper-making. Children can also visit the resort’s Eco Centro, where waste materials are separated, composted, reused or transformed into new products.
Beyond The Den, the resort offers guided nature walks, marine conservation activities and opportunities to learn about the island’s wildlife. These experiences aim to help children develop an understanding of the natural environment and the importance of conservation.
The Excellence in Sustainable Childcare category recognises properties that integrate environmental responsibility into their childcare programmes, encouraging young guests to develop respect for nature through practical activities and everyday experiences.
Soneva Fushi was the only resort in the Maldives among the five category winners announced for 2026.
Other winners included JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa in Greece, which received the Excellence in Children’s Programming award, and The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in Mauritius, which won Excellence in Family Experiences.
Paradisus by Meliá Bali in Indonesia received the Excellence in Childcare Facilities award, while MarBella, part of the Mar-Bella Collection in Greece, won Excellence in Baby & Toddler Care.
The 2026 awards follow the association’s inaugural awards in 2025. The five categories were developed to recognise different aspects of family hospitality, including childcare facilities, programming, environmental responsibility and services for younger children.
The Luxury Childcare Association is a membership organisation that accredits luxury hotels and resorts providing professional childcare services and family experiences. Its membership includes more than 70 properties, with the association promoting standards in childcare safety, professionalism and guest experiences across the luxury hospitality sector.
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