Awards
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised with HolidayCheck Gold Award 2025
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has been awarded the prestigious HolidayCheck Gold Award 2025, a distinction reserved for top-performing hotels worldwide. This recognition is given to properties that have consistently maintained exceptional guest reviews and have won the HolidayCheck Award for at least five consecutive years. Among the seven resorts to receive this honour, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon continues to stand out as a preferred destination for travellers seeking unparalleled marine experiences and warm hospitality.
Presented annually, the HolidayCheck Award is based on verified guest reviews, with only the top ten hotels in each region receiving this accolade. The Gold Award further echoes Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon’s unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring unforgettable stays for its guests year after year. Commenting on this accoldate, Shihab Mohammed, Director – Commercial for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives stated: “This recognition is more than an award. It is a reflection of the countless extraordinary moments our team creates for guests, both above and below the water. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, we don’t just offer a stay; we curate an experience that blends adventure, tranquillity, and authentic Maldivian hospitality”.
Tucked away on the edge of North Ari Atoll, the largest natural atoll in the Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a diver’s paradise where the ocean tells a story of vibrant marine life, thriving coral gardens, and endless discovery. The resort’s legendary house reef, teeming with colourful fish and graceful reef sharks, provides an unparalleled underwater experience just steps from the shore. With access to over 50 world-class dive sites, guests can explore the depths of the Indian Ocean day or night, guided by experts from the in-house dive centre. Whether mastering the art of diving with PADI-certified courses or drifting alongside manta rays on an exhilarating dive, every moment beneath the waves at Ellaidhoo is a breathtaking encounter with nature.
This summer, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon extends an invitation to experience the magic of the Maldives with an exclusive seasonal offer. Guests staying for four nights or more can enjoy a seamless arrival with complimentary speedboat transfers and indulge in a host of exclusive benefits. DISCOVERY members are treated to extraordinary moments, from a four-course beachfront dinner under the stars to the thrill of sunset fishing, the serenity of a Balinese massage, and the joy of a dolphin safari. With up to 15% off excursions and 20% off spa treatments, every stay is designed to be a journey of relaxation and adventure.
For more information or to book your stay, visit cinnamonhotels.com/ellaidhoo-maldives-by-cinnamon.
Awards
Atmosphere Core earns triple honours at Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards
Atmosphere Core concluded 2025 with a strong industry showing, securing three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The accolades underscore the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort concepts for diverse traveller profiles, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on quality, comfort and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.
At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, while OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. The honours are based on Layalina’s independent editorial assessment and established quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings and lifestyle-led design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with a strong readership and influence across the GCC and wider region.
Collectively, the awards highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of evolving travel expectations, delivering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted and easy to enjoy, whether guests are seeking tranquillity, variety or social energy.
Each of the recognised resorts brings a distinct identity to the group’s Maldivian portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is defined by its serene environment and castaway-artist concept, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect through nature, creativity and adventure. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, offering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, expansive villas and a long, natural island setting that appeals to both families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi delivers a more dynamic island escape, characterised by contemporary design and a lively social atmosphere that resonates with travellers drawn to shared spaces, movement and modern aesthetics. Together, the accolades reflect a carefully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travel moods and preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said the group was honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising the three resorts across distinct categories. He noted that the recognition reflects the company’s carefully curated experiences, shaped by a strong sense of product, space and genuine care, and credited the passion and commitment of the teams, as well as the continued trust of guests, for the achievement.
Central to these successes is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, which positions hospitality around care, generosity and attention to detail. This approach informs destinations that feel closely connected to their natural surroundings and supports bespoke experiences that anticipate guest needs. The result, the group says, is a style of hospitality that is welcoming, effortless and personal, creating meaningful moments that endure beyond the stay itself.
Awards
Fuvahmulah receives Tiger Shark Dive Award at DRT Expo KL
Fuvahmulah City Council participated in the Malaysia edition of the Diving, Resort & Travel (DRT) Expo held in Kuala Lumpur, promoting Fuvahmulah as a tourism and dive destination to international audiences.
The council took part in the expo through Discover Fuvahmulah, the official destination brand of Fuvahmulah City Council, which leads efforts to market the island to travellers and the global dive community. During the event, Fuvahmulah was recognised with the Tiger Shark Dive Award, highlighting the island’s global reputation for year-round tiger shark diving.
DRT Expo is one of Asia’s established dive and travel exhibitions, bringing together dive operators, tourism boards, resorts and travellers from across the region. The Kuala Lumpur edition attracts a large number of dive enthusiasts, travel professionals and specialised tourism operators, providing a platform for destinations to engage directly with key markets.

Through Discover Fuvahmulah, the City Council promotes the island as a distinct tourism destination via its official website, social media platforms and participation in international dive fairs. The branding focuses on Fuvahmulah’s unique positioning as a single-island destination, its marine biodiversity, and its growing appeal for niche tourism segments, particularly diving.
Fuvahmulah has gained international recognition in recent years for its consistent tiger shark encounters, which take place close to shore and throughout the year. The award received at DRT Expo KL reflects the destination’s standing within the global diving community and its continued efforts to strengthen visibility in international markets.
Awards
Kuramathi Maldives earns HolidayCheck Gold Award for consistent guest satisfaction
Kuramathi Maldives has once again cemented its status as one of the Maldives’ leading holiday destinations by earning the coveted HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This prestigious accolade recognises the resort’s enduring popularity and consistent excellence in hospitality, marking it as a top choice for travellers across the globe.
The HolidayCheck Gold Award is an exclusive honour reserved for hotels that have demonstrated remarkable consistency in guest satisfaction. To qualify for this distinction, a property must have received a HolidayCheck Award at least five times since 2019. This rigorous criterion ensures that only establishments delivering sustained high-quality experiences over several years are recognised.
Reflecting on this milestone award, General Manager Bertrand Margerie expressed immense pride: “We are thrilled to be recognised with the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional service. Knowing that this award comes directly from the positive feedback of our guests makes it even more meaningful, and we look forward to continuing to deliver world-class Maldivian hospitality.”
Located in the North Ari Atoll, Kuramathi stretches across 1.8 kilometres of lush, tropical beauty. This idyllic sanctuary, with its vibrant coral house reef that gently unfurls into a shimmering sandbank, is a perfect symbol of natural beauty. From its pristine beaches and lush vegetation to its diverse dining options and heartfelt service, Kuramathi continues to set the benchmark for Maldivian hospitality. The Gold Award serves as a testament to the thousands of positive reviews and recommendations shared by satisfied guests who have experienced the magic of the island firsthand.
Travellers seeking an award-winning escape are invited to discover why Kuramathi remains a perennial favourite. Whether looking for a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a diving getaway, the resort offers an exceptional environment that consistently exceeds expectations.
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