Awards
Huvafen Fushi, Milaidhoo, and Baros shine in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

Universal Resorts has announced that three of its eight unique resorts have been recognised in the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, securing top spots in the “World’s Best Resorts – Indian Ocean” category. The 27th edition of these prestigious awards features Huvafen Fushi, Milaidhoo, and Baros as favourites among discerning travellers worldwide, celebrated for their exceptional experiences and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
For the first time in five years, the UK and US Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are being presented separately, allowing a more focused celebration of each region’s top travel destinations and experiences as voted by readers in their respective countries. The rankings highlight the preferences of UK and US travellers, showcasing the following results:
USA Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 – World Resorts – Indian Ocean: Top 15
- Milaidhoo
- Baros
UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 – World Resorts – Indian Ocean: Top 15
- Baros
- Huvafen Fushi
As pioneers of high-end tourism in the Maldives, Universal Resorts has been crafting unforgettable experiences for over five decades. Each of the award-winning resorts embodies the essence of Maldivian hospitality, offering unique escapes on naturally beautiful islands.
- Baros: This iconic classic is renowned for its exceptional diving and underwater experiences. It provides a tranquil sanctuary where guests can explore vibrant coral reefs, enjoy bespoke dining under the stars, and unwind on pristine beaches.
- Milaidhoo: Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a boutique ultra-luxe experience. Guests can immerse themselves in a contemporary Maldivian style, embracing natural island living and heartfelt hospitality.
- Huvafen Fushi: Known for redefining luxury with its intimate setting, Huvafen Fushi boasts private plunge pools in every room, the world’s first underwater spa, and dedicated Thakuru (butler) service, ensuring an unparalleled level of personalised attention. With fewer than 50 rooms, this five-star resort epitomises the intimacy of a private island getaway.
Commenting on the recognition, Visha Mahir, Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts Management, stated, “We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from Condé Nast Traveler readers. These awards are a testament to our team’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that showcase the true beauty and spirit of the Maldives. We are committed to continuing our legacy of pioneering luxury travel and connecting to the culture of this extraordinary destination.”
Awards
Luxury Lifestyle Awards honours Summer Island Maldives as Best Romantic Resort

Summer Island Maldives has been recognised as the Best Luxury Romantic Resort in North Malé Atoll, Maldives for 2025 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, a distinction that reflects the resort’s barefoot elegance, exceptional service, and commitment to crafting meaningful experiences for couples and travellers.
Situated in the tranquil South Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat or 15-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, the resort offers an idyllic escape where modern comfort blends seamlessly with authentic island charm. With 156 beach and water villas spread across seven categories, Summer Island Maldives invites guests to unwind, reconnect with nature, and embrace the simplicity of island life.
Dining options include an international buffet at the main restaurant and fusion cuisine at the overwater venue, complemented by three scenic bars, an overwater spa, and an infinity pool with panoramic lagoon views. The resort also features a fitness gym, watersports and diving centre, and boutique, offering a perfect balance of leisure and recreation.
A pioneer in sustainability, Summer Island Maldives made history in 2018 by unveiling the world’s largest 3D-printed coral reef — a Guinness World Record-winning project supporting marine restoration. The resort continues to champion eco-friendly initiatives, including the elimination of single-use plastics and the use of solar energy for water heating.
Anchored in genuine hospitality and attention to detail, Summer Island Maldives remains a favoured destination for honeymooners, couples, and repeat guests seeking beauty, serenity, and heartfelt connection. Whether basking beneath the sun or gazing over the endless turquoise horizon, every moment on this peaceful island is designed to create memories that endure.
Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives celebrates second consecutive win in Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Kuda Villingili Resort has announced that the leading five-star luxury resort in the Maldives has once again been recognized among the Top 10 Resorts in the Indian Ocean, securing the #7 ranking in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). This marks the second consecutive year that the resort has earned a coveted place on the list, a testament to its unwavering commitment to redefining luxury hospitality and crafting experiences that truly “redefine time and space.”
The Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the longest-running and most respected accolades in the global travel industry, celebrating the world’s best destinations, hotels, resorts, and experiences as voted by passionate travelers. Standing tall among some of the leading luxury hospitality resort brands in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili’s repeat recognition reflects its growing reputation as a distinctive Maldivian sanctuary that blends island elegance, meaningful connection, and genuine hospitality.
Set within the tranquil waters of the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili invites guests to rediscover balance and belonging through immersive island living. The resort’s 75 villas and residences—ranging from spacious beach sanctuaries to stunning overwater escapes—all feature private pools and panoramic views, offering an intimate connection to the ocean’s rhythm.
Whether unwinding at the 150-metre pool—the largest in the Maldives, indulging in eight distinct dining venues that span 12 global cuisines, or surrendering to bliss at the private island overwater Kuda Villingili Spa, guests are immersed in a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity.
The resort’s location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ most renowned surf spots, also makes it a favorite for adventure-seekers—while curated experiences for couples, families, and wellness travelers ensure that every guest finds their own rhythm of paradise.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our guests,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “To be voted among the best in the Indian Ocean for two years in a row affirms our team’s passion and dedication to creating experiences that are both heartfelt and unforgettable. It’s a celebration of the people who bring Kuda Villingili to life each day.”
The achievement further reinforces Kuda Villingili’s position among the Maldives’ leading luxury resorts, setting it apart through its thoughtfully curated experiences, design aesthetics inspired by nature, and commitment to authentic Maldivian hospitality. With this renewed recognition, Kuda Villingili recommits to innovative experiences by expanding wellness, culinary and surf offerings, sustainability and community stewardship; maintaining eco-sensitive design and investing in local partnerships and by further enhancing personalization and connection redefining how guests feel at home, from pre-arrival to the final sunset.
A world where time and space are redefined, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers an unparalleled blend of sophistication and serenity in the North Malé Atoll. From gourmet journeys and surf adventures to mindful wellness rituals and family-friendly activities, the resort curates every experience to inspire connection and celebration.
This second consecutive award is more than a badge of honor — it’s affirmation from the very people who matter most: past guests, returning visitors, and new patrons who found something unforgettable at Kuda Villingili.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives earns global recognition in prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards

Milaidhoo Maldives has been recognised as one of the world’s best resorts in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, earning a place among the top global destinations. This international recognition reflects the resort’s enduring commitment to creating soulful, personalised experiences that capture the true essence of island hospitality.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Maldives represents more than just a luxury retreat—it is a sanctuary where time slows and nature takes the lead. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the island invites guests to rediscover life’s simplest pleasures and form a genuine connection with the natural world. For many, Milaidhoo is a journey of the heart—an intimate escape that celebrates authenticity, tranquillity, and human connection.
The resort extended its heartfelt appreciation to its guests for their votes and continued trust. “It is through the loyalty and support of our guests that we are able to grow, evolve, and refine what makes Milaidhoo so unique,” the team shared. “We are deeply grateful to those who have shared in our story and look forward to welcoming them back to create new memories together.”
Milaidhoo also paid tribute to its dedicated team—affectionately known as the Milaidhoo Family—whose passion and genuine Maldivian warmth lie at the core of every experience. The award, the resort stated, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and heartfelt service.
As pioneers of authentic Maldivian hospitality, Milaidhoo remains deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and natural beauty that define the Maldives, continuing to offer a timeless experience where every guest becomes part of the island’s story.
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