Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives honoured in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has announced its recognition as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious accolade, awarded just three years after the resort’s opening, highlights Kuda Villingili’s commitment to exceptional hospitality and service, setting a new benchmark for luxury travellers worldwide.
Amjad Thaufeeg, the Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are incredibly honoured to have Kuda Villingili recognised as the 8th among the top 20 resorts in the Indian Ocean in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, especially after our first nomination this year. Competing alongside renowned international brands, this remarkable achievement solidifies the resort’s status as a premier destination for luxury travellers.” He further noted that the award reflects the dedication of the resort’s owners to continuously enhance its offerings and their vision of positioning Kuda Villingili as a leading luxury resort in the Maldives. It also underscores the team’s commitment to delivering exceptional personalised service. Thaufeeg expressed appreciation to guests and partners for their support and to Condé Nast Traveller for this prestigious acknowledgment.
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award is among the most respected in the travel industry, representing the authentic voices of well-informed global travellers. This year, over 126,000 UK readers shared their votes, recognising the finest hotels, resorts, and destinations. Receiving this prestigious honour serves as a testament to Kuda Villingili’s ongoing commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Kuda Villingili is dedicated to continually elevating the guest experience by adapting to industry trends and evolving consumer demands. The resort has recently enhanced its offerings with the addition of private pools to the Sunset Water Villas, further solidifying its all-pool status. The introduction of Teppanyaki dining adds a new dimension to the diverse gourmet options, while the newly unveiled padel tennis court provides an exciting new sport for guests to enjoy.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Awards
Manta Air named ‘Best Seaplane Company – Indian Ocean Islands’ at 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards
Manta Air has been honoured with the title of Best Seaplane Company – Indian Ocean Islands at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards.
Now in its fifth year, the World Luxury Travel Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the global travel and tourism industry, spotlighting organisations that deliver outstanding experiences and set new standards in service and innovation. Winners are selected through a combination of public voting and industry evaluation, reflecting both guest satisfaction and professional merit.
This accolade highlights Manta Air’s continued commitment to redefining domestic air travel in the Maldives through reliability, comfort, and service excellence. Since its launch in 2019, Manta Air has transformed the way travellers experience the Maldives’ scenic journeys between islands, offering both scheduled domestic flights and seaplane transfers that seamlessly connect resorts and atolls across the archipelago.
With a strong focus on passenger experience, Manta Air introduced Maldives’ first premium seaplane service, featuring pre-assigned seating, comfortable lounges, and a consistent flight schedule designed to enhance convenience for resort partners and guests alike. The airline’s growing fleet and operational reach have positioned it as one of the country’s leading aviation innovators.
Commenting on the award, Manta Air stated that the recognition reflects its ongoing efforts to raise the bar in aviation standards and customer satisfaction. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining world-class operations while continuing to elevate the Maldives’ reputation as a luxury travel destination.
The recognition from the World Luxury Travel Awards underscores Manta Air’s role not just as a carrier, but as an integral part of the Maldivian hospitality experience — one that begins the moment guests take flight.
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