Awards
SAii Lagoon Maldives wins prestigious Hilton Connie Award twice in 3 years
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, has once again been honoured with the Connie Award – the highest distinction awarded by Hilton Worldwide. This marks the second time in just three years that SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton received this rare recognition, reaffirming its place among the very best within the global Hilton portfolio and standing as the only Hilton property in the Maldives to receive this distinction both years.
The Connie Award, named after Conrad Hilton — the visionary founder of Hilton Hotels — is awarded to top-performing hotels that achieve outstanding scores in guest satisfaction, brand standards, and quality assurance. It is not simply an award for success, but a celebration of soul, of the values that have defined Hilton since its inception; hospitality from the heart, service with meaning, and a commitment to creating memorable stays that go far beyond the expected.
To receive the Connie Award is to be recognised as one of the finest expressions of Hilton’s global promise. Fewer than 1% of Hilton hotels earn this award annually, making it not just an honour, but a profound responsibility. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton has met this moment with warmth, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to delighting every guest who arrives not as a visitor, but as part of the SAii family.
“This is not a win for an establishment or a brand, it is a win for every SAiiLander who puts heart into everything they do,” mentioned Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and CROSSROADS Marina. “Our team brings their personalities, their stories, and their smiles to work every day. That energy is what our guests remember, and this award is a tribute to that team spirit.”
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton continues to shine as part of a growing Hilton presence in the Maldives, which includes the refined island experiences of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. While each property carries its own unique character, this second Connie Award solidified the deep connection guests feel with SAii’s playful, welcoming energy, a style of hospitality that is as heartfelt as it is unforgettable.
Awards
Finolhu earns five Luxury Childcare Association Awards nominations
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort has received five nominations at the Luxury Childcare Association Awards 2026, with recognition spanning sustainable childcare, children’s programming, family experiences, childcare facilities, and baby and toddler care.
The nominations place particular focus on the breadth of Finolhu’s family offering, which has been developed to cater to different stages of childhood rather than centring on a single children’s programme. Alongside dedicated facilities for younger guests, the resort has separate spaces and activities for teenagers, as well as experiences designed for families to enjoy together.
The resort’s Kids Club forms the centre of its younger guests’ programme, combining indoor and outdoor spaces with a changing schedule of creative workshops, games, sports and island-inspired activities. Rather than being entirely removed from the destination, elements of the programme draw on Finolhu’s surroundings, introducing children to the natural environment through activities connected to the island and ocean.
Older children have their own dedicated space at the Teens Hut, conceived as a more independent and informal alternative to the Kids Club. Games, entertainment and social activities give teenagers a place to spend time together, while the separation between the two facilities allows programming to be adapted more closely to different ages and interests.
Provision for babies and toddlers is another element of the resort’s family infrastructure, with dedicated childcare services and age-appropriate facilities intended to make longer stays in the Maldives more practical for families with very young children. This is complemented by family-friendly amenities across the resort, allowing parents to balance time together with opportunities for children to take part in supervised activities.
Finolhu’s setting within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve also plays a role in its approach to younger guests. Marine education and environmental awareness are incorporated into selected activities, connecting children with the ecosystem surrounding the island. These experiences sit alongside the resort’s wider conservation work, including its coral restoration programme, which maintains two coral nurseries with more than 40 coral trees and has worked with thousands of coral fragments.
Beyond organised childcare, much of the family experience takes place outdoors. Finolhu’s two-kilometre sandbank, beaches and lagoon provide the setting for watersports and island activities, while creative workshops, recreational facilities and entertainment offer alternatives away from the water. The intention is to give families the flexibility to alternate between shared experiences and age-specific activities throughout their stay.
The five nominations at the Luxury Childcare Association Awards reflect this broader approach. Finolhu is nominated for Excellence in Sustainable Childcare, Excellence in Children’s Programming, Excellence in Family Experiences, Excellence in Childcare Facilities and Excellence in Baby & Toddler Care, covering areas that range from physical facilities and supervised care to programming and environmental engagement.
For a resort long associated with its “Island Playground” character, the nominations highlight how that concept extends to its youngest visitors, with dedicated spaces for children and teenagers alongside experiences shaped by the distinctive natural setting of Baa Atoll.
For more information and to learn more, please visit finolhu.com.
Awards
Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.
The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.
For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.
“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.
Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.
Awards
The Standard, Maldives wins Best Family Resort title at Global Destination Awards
The Standard, Maldives has been named Best Family Resort in the Maldives at the Global Destination Awards by World Fashion Channel, recognising the resort’s distinctive approach to family travel, where island adventures, meaningful connections, and experiences for all ages come together in an unforgettable setting.
The award was presented during the Global Destination Awards ceremony held in Moscow, Russia, bringing together leading hospitality brands, travel professionals, lifestyle media, and industry figures from around the world. The annual awards celebrate destinations and travel experiences that continue to make an impact on the international hospitality landscape.

Located in the idyllic Raa Atoll, The Standard, Maldives offers a fresh take on family-friendly island escapes. While couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers all find their own rhythm on the island, families are equally at home with a wide range of experiences designed to bring generations together.

From spacious two-bedroom villas and family-friendly dining venues to thoughtfully curated activities for younger guests, the resort offers countless opportunities for both shared adventures and individual exploration. The Lil’ Shark Kids Club features a daily program designed to keep children engaged and entertained, while experiences such as snorkelling excursions, marine discovery sessions, sushi-making classes, soda-making workshops, water sports, beach games, and outdoor activities encourage families to connect and create lasting memories together. Adding to the family-friendly experience, the recently introduced Teen Arcade Lounge provides a dedicated space tailored for teenage guests. Equipped with popular gaming consoles and interactive entertainment, it offers a fun retreat where teens can unwind, socialise, and enjoy their own downtime, whether taking a break from the tropical sun or simply seeking a little independence during their island stay.

Beyond family-focused activities, guests can experience The Standard’s signature mix of relaxation, entertainment, and connection through six distinct dining venues, The Standard Spa, wellness programming, and a lively calendar of seasonal events and celebrations. As one of the Maldives’ most social island escapes, the resort is known for bringing guests together through signature experiences such as Not Your Standard Bingo Night and Music Quiz, both of which have become guest favourites at Todis Bar. These playful, interactive events often see families, couples, and friends gathering in the same space to connect, share laughs, and create memorable moments together. Combined with a diverse offering of dining, wellness, recreation, and cultural experiences, the resort provides something for every generation, making it an ideal destination for families travelling together.

The recognition also highlights the resort’s commitment to creating an environment where families can reconnect away from everyday routines. Whether enjoying time by the beach, exploring the surrounding ocean, sharing meals, or celebrating special occasions, guests are invited to experience the Maldives in a way that feels both engaging and effortlessly relaxed.
Covering contemporary trends in fashion, beauty, travel, technology, and lifestyle, World Fashion Channel is recognized for its coverage of major industry events and influential personalities. The international television network also serves as an official media partner of Moscow Fashion Week and other leading fashion and lifestyle events.

Receiving the title of Best Family Resort in the Maldives further strengthens The Standard, Maldives’ position as one of the destination’s most dynamic island resorts, offering experiences that bring together adventure, wellness, dining, and family connection in one extraordinary setting.
-
Cooking1 week agoPatina Maldives welcomes global, Maldivian talent for latest ‘Perpetual Journey’
-
Cooking1 week agoKuredhivaru Resort and Spa sets season of culinary experiences and island celebrations
-
Lifestyle1 week agoAnantara Kihavah’s SKY Edhurus turn the Maldivian night sky into a classroom
-
News1 week agoSun Siyam marks Golden Week across Iru Veli, Vilu Reef with dining and island experiences
-
Action1 week agoSwimming with giants: A Manta journey from Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
-
News5 days agoLe Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa celebrates World Wellness Weekend with three-day wellness programme
-
Family1 week agoReethi Faru Resort celebrates Halloween with family activities and costume party
-
Business1 week agoBBM’s ‘Studio of Culinary Excellence’ opens at MNU to bridge classroom, industry


