Awards
Velaa Private Island Maldives crowned Fine Dining Champion at Boutique Hotel Club Awards
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.
Awards
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La recognised for business and urban hospitality at SATA 2026
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is celebrating a double win at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, earning two prestigious accolades: Leading Business Hotel and Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above).
The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey, reaffirming its position as a distinguished hospitality destination in the heart of Malé. It also reflects the hotel’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, thoughtfully curated services, and the warmth of Shangri-La’s Asian hospitality.
Situated in the vibrant capital of the Maldives, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La offers a welcoming urban retreat where contemporary comfort meets genuine hospitality. Catering to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, the hotel brings together stylish accommodation, versatile meeting facilities, and distinctive dining experiences, creating an inviting space for guests to connect, unwind, and discover the city.
The Leading Business Hotel accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to providing a seamless and rewarding experience for today’s business travellers, combining convenience, efficiency, and attentive service. Meanwhile, the Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above) award celebrates its continued excellence in urban hospitality, where thoughtful touches and personalised experiences transform everyday stays into memorable moments.
At the heart of these achievements are the people who bring the JEN experience to life. Guided by Shangri-La’s purpose to deliver the art of joy and Asian hosting, the dedicated team at JEN Maldives continues to create an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to service excellence remain the driving force behind the hotel’s success.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La extends its heartfelt appreciation to its valued guests, trusted business partners, and dedicated colleagues whose continued confidence, loyalty, and support have made these accomplishments possible.
As the hotel celebrates this proud milestone, it looks ahead with renewed inspiration to further elevate its offerings, strengthen meaningful connections, and continue creating memorable experiences. Rooted in the timeless values of Asian hospitality and the spirit of Shangri-La, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La remains committed to delivering hospitality that goes beyond expectations, ensuring every guest feels a true sense of belonging.
Awards
Fushifaru Maldives recognised among Indian Ocean’s best resorts in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Some places are remembered for their beauty. Others are remembered for how they make you feel. At Fushifaru Maldives, the two are inseparable
Set in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll, Fushifaru Maldives has been recognised as the No. 4 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition is a meaningful milestone for the award-winning boutique resort, reflecting the experiences, emotions and lasting memories that guests carry home long after their island escape comes to an end.
“Being recognised as the No. 4 resort in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is a truly proud and meaningful moment for all of us at Fushifaru. This achievement belongs first and foremost to our guests, whose trust and support inspire us, and to our dedicated team, whose passion, genuine hospitality and countless thoughtful gestures bring the spirit of Fushifaru to life every day. At Fushifaru, we believe that what makes a place truly special goes beyond its natural beauty. It is the connections we create, the kindness we share and the memories that stay with our guests long after they leave our shores. This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful experiences that celebrate our island, our Maldivian heritage and the people who make it feel like home,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, BeKind Hotels & Resorts.
For Fushifaru, this achievement is more than a place on a list. It is a celebration of the people, the natural environment and the distinctive sense of place that make the island what it is.
Every island has a story. Fushifaru is home to the largest natural sandbank in Lhaviyani Atoll, a breathtaking stretch of white sand that emerges from the sea like a pathway into the Indian Ocean. Just a short boat ride away, the sandbank offers a rare opportunity to experience the Maldives in its most elemental form, with nothing but endless horizons, gentle sea breezes and the feeling of being somewhere wonderfully removed from the everyday world.
Yet the island’s beauty extends far beyond its shores. Located within a Marine Protected Area, Fushifaru is surrounded by a thriving underwater world where marine life flourishes beneath the surface. Just a short boat ride away lies Fushifaru Thila, one of the area’s remarkable underwater treasures and a renowned manta ray cleaning station. From graceful manta rays and sea turtles to dolphins, reef sharks and vibrant coral ecosystems, each encounter offers a reminder that the ocean is not simply the setting for an island holiday, but the very heart of its identity.
For diving enthusiasts, the surrounding waters open the door to extraordinary underwater adventures, with opportunities to discover diverse marine life and captivating reef formations. Meanwhile, snorkelling offers a more intimate way to explore the colourful world beneath the surface, from the resort’s house reef to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Here, every journey beneath the waves reveals another chapter of the island’s story, inviting guests to experience the Maldives not only through its breathtaking beauty above the water, but also through the remarkable life that thrives below.
The resort’s distinctive underwater playground brings a sense of wonder to the water, creating a playful and memorable expression of island living. Meanwhile, its modern Maldivian design draws inspiration from the destination’s cultural heritage, blending contemporary comfort with the natural textures, colours and character of the Maldives.
At Fushifaru, authentic Maldivian hospitality is expressed through thoughtful gestures, heartfelt welcomes and the little moments of kindness that make each stay unique. From sharing local traditions and cultural heritage to helping guests discover hidden corners of the island, the team creates experiences that feel less like a planned itinerary and more like a collection of meaningful memories.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards recognition is therefore a tribute to everyone who contributes to that experience — the team working behind the scenes, those welcoming guests each day, and the people who make the island feel like a home away from home.
Awards
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrates best GM award, eco-friendly resort at SATA 2026
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of Coco Collection, celebrates two prestigious accolades at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. General Manager Siraj Ali Waseem was named South Asia’s Best GM – Maldives, while the resort was recognised as Silver Winner for Leading Eco-Friendly Resort, reflecting its commitment to exceptional hospitality, inspiring leadership and environmental responsibility.
The individual award marks a significant milestone for Siraj, whose leadership places people at the heart of the guest experience. Overseeing daily operations, he fosters a supportive workplace, encourages professional growth and cultivates a culture of personalised service. His success is also a testament to the colleagues whose warmth and genuine care reflect the essence of Maldivian hospitality.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition, which I share with our entire team at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Collection,” said Siraj Ali Waseem, General Manager. “Our colleagues are the foundation of everything we do, and their passion and dedication make this possible. Being recognised for our sustainability initiatives is equally rewarding, as we continue to care for our island and create lasting memories for those who visit.”

Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu integrates environmental care into everyday island life through marine conservation, mindful operations and fresh produce cultivated at Coco Farm for its culinary offerings.
A cornerstone of these initiatives is its partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, celebrating a decade of sea turtle conservation in 2026. The island is home to the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, providing specialist treatment and rehabilitation for injured turtles. Educational activities and conservation programmes also offer visitors opportunities to better understand marine ecosystems and their protection.

Established in 2016, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) recognise excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality industry. Celebrating its 10th edition this year, the awards bring together leading hotels, resorts, travel organisations and industry professionals from six countries: the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The annual event honours outstanding achievements in service, leadership, innovation and sustainable tourism, while promoting collaboration across South Asia.
Discover the natural beauty and warm Maldivian hospitality of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the resort’s Sun and Fun offer. For more information, visit www.cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com.
-
News1 week ago50 visits, hundreds of dives: Bandos Maldives honours loyal guests with coral garden
-
News1 week agoCoco Bodu Hithi invites guests to make memories with ‘Island Glow’ festive season
-
Cooking1 week agoPark Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announces six-chef Masters of Food & Wine series
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi builds more into the stay with expanded guest inclusions
-
Cooking1 week agoPark Hyatt Milan’s Chef Joshua Acquaviva heads to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
-
News1 week agoAdaaran Select Meedhupparu celebrates Maldivian heritage at festive cake mixing ceremony
-
Awards1 week agoRAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025
-
Cooking7 days agoV Villas Maldives at Mirihi brings Thai flavours from Phuket to the Maldives


