Awards
Vilamendhoo Island Resort: A 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winner
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, a leading luxury resort in the Maldives, has earned an esteemed position in the top 10% of hotels worldwide according to the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This recognition is a testament to the resort’s continued excellence in hospitality, sustainability, and guest experience, making it a premier destination for travelers seeking a tropical escape in the Indian Ocean.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards, are among the most prestigious awards in the travel industry, honoring the best hotels, resorts, and destinations based on millions of traveler reviews, opinions, and ratings on TripAdvisor. Vilamendhoo’s placement in the top 10% reflects its consistent commitment to offering unparalleled service, exceptional facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere that continues to inspire travelers from around the globe.
“It’s an incredible honor for Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa to be recognized in the top 10% of hotels worldwide,” said Mohamed Zahir, General Manager of Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa. “This award is not just a reflection of our natural surroundings and luxurious amenities but a direct result of the dedication and passion displayed by our team. Each member of our team is committed to providing personalized service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is known for its vibrant house reef, which draws nature lovers and marine enthusiasts alike. The resort’s eco-conscious practices, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, have played a vital role in maintaining the natural beauty of the island and ensuring that guests can connect with nature in an authentic way.
“We are deeply grateful for the heartfelt reviews from our guests,” said Mohamed Solah, Chief Executive Officer of Crown & Champa Resorts. “This multitude of awards is a testament to the passion, dedication, and exceptional service delivered daily by our resort teams. To have our properties recognized by travelers from around the world consecutively year after year is a remarkable achievement and reflects our ongoing mission to craft unforgettable Maldivian holidays.”
Located in the scenic South Ari Atoll, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. With a stunning house reef that surrounds the island, it is a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The resort’s idyllic beaches, azure waters, and lush vegetation create an unforgettable tropical experience that combines natural beauty with ultimate comfort.
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa has a long-standing reputation for excellence, as evidenced by its numerous accolades over the years. The resort has been a consistent winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with recognition in 2024, 2023, 2021, and 2020 for its outstanding service and guest experiences. This achievement highlights the resort’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and guest satisfaction.
In addition to being a recipient of the Travellers’ Choice Award, Vilamendhoo has also earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame in 2019, a prestigious recognition given to businesses that have earned five consecutive Certificate of Excellence Awards. Other past accolades from TripAdvisor include:
- 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner
- 2023 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner
- 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner
- 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner
- 2019 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame
- 2019 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award
- 2016-2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards (UK)
- 2014-2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards (UK)
- 2013 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice – Top Hotels & Luxury Hotels
These accolades highlight Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa’s dedication to consistently providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for its guests year after year.
Discover paradise at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives. With its pristine beaches, azure waters, and luxurious accommodations, Vilamendhoo offers the perfect retreat for relaxation and oceanic exploration. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, this resort follows the cherished ‘One Island, One Resort’ concept, providing guests with a true tropical escape. Experience the magic of the Maldives with a scenic 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, and indulge in 184 rooms adorned in natural island style.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition
.Here Baa Atoll has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition, affirming the resort’s commitment to responsible luxury and its dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences while embracing sustainable and ethical hospitality practices.
Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality, the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality programme recognises hotels and resorts that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, employee wellbeing and responsible operational practices. The recognition is awarded following an independent assessment of more than 100 standards designed specifically for the luxury hospitality sector.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll has been conceived around the philosophy of The Art of Duality—bringing together immersive luxury and a profound respect for the natural world. Across its two private islands connected by a pristine sandbank, the resort integrates thoughtful design, personalised experiences and responsible practices that aim to preserve the destination for generations to come.
The recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact while creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the unique marine ecosystem and cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through responsible resource management, conservation initiatives, local partnerships and a continued focus on guest and team wellbeing, .Here Baa Atoll strives to demonstrate that exceptional luxury and responsible hospitality can exist in harmony.
“This recognition represents an important milestone for .Here Baa Atoll and reflects the collective commitment of our team to creating experiences that are both meaningful and mindful,” said Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll. “Responsible hospitality is embedded in every aspect of the guest journey, from the way we design experiences to how we care for our people, our community and the remarkable environment that surrounds us. We are honoured to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for this commitment.”
As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition reinforces .Here Baa Atoll’s position among the world’s leading ultra-luxury resorts, offering guests the confidence that their stay supports a property committed to responsible operations without compromising on service, comfort or exclusivity.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for the resort as it continues to establish itself as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive luxury destinations, where contemporary design, personalised hospitality and a deep respect for nature come together to create extraordinary experiences.
To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere recognised at International Sustainability Awards 2026
RAAYA by Atmosphere has announced its recognition as a winner at the International Sustainability Awards 2026, celebrating the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.
At the heart of the award is RAAYA by Atmosphere’s on-site composting programme, introduced in April 2024. All wet organic waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, is processed on the island and converted into nutrient-rich compost for landscaping. Garden waste such as leaves, grass cuttings and plant trimmings is also composted instead of being discarded.
Today, approximately 600 kilograms of organic waste is converted into compost each month, with no food waste leaving the island. This has reduced the need for off-island transportation and disposal, saving approximately USD 2,400 each month while lowering the emissions associated with waste transfers. Most of RAAYA by Atmosphere’s waste is now sorted and managed in-house, with a garbage transfer vessel required only once every two months to transport recyclable materials.

Commenting on the achievement, Mario Stanic, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition at the International Sustainability Awards 2026. Sustainability is deeply embedded in our vision and guides every decision we make, from protecting our natural surroundings and embracing responsible operations to creating meaningful experiences for our guests. This award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our entire team, whose dedication enables us to make a lasting positive impact while delivering exceptional Maldivian hospitality.”
The initiative is part of a wider commitment to sustainability across RAAYA’s operations. The resort’s solar power production increased from 382,856 kWh in 2024 to 1,541,286 kWh in 2025. Solar energy now accounts for 21% of the island’s total energy needs, up from 8% the previous year. The resulting reduction in carbon emissions nearly doubled, rising from 541 metric tonnes to 1,097 metric tonnes.

As a Green Globe Certified resort, RAAYA by Atmosphere continues to build on this progress through responsible waste management and resource conservation. Future plans include introducing a glass crusher to repurpose waste glass for construction and a green waste shredder to strengthen the island’s circular waste-management system.
The award recognises a team effort that turns everyday operational decisions into measurable results. For RAAYA by Atmosphere, sustainability is a part of the island experience, in how the island operates, grows and protects its natural environment.
RAAYA by Atmosphere is a 167-key private island resort in the pristine Raa Atoll, offering a distinctive blend of adventure, creativity and authentic Maldivian hospitality. The exclusive RAAYA Plan™ seamlessly blends the stay with the finest world cuisine, premium beverages, spa and wellness therapies, ocean experiences and curated artistic interludes. Balancing indulgence and relaxation with an engaging island lifestyle that encourages outdoor fun, nature exploration and immersive experiences for couples, families, and friends alike.
Awards
Three Cinnamon Maldives resorts ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
Multiple resorts within Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards 2026, with Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon ranking among the top 10% of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews.
Presented annually by Tripadvisor, the Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences, based entirely on authentic reviews and ratings shared by travellers over a 12 month period. As one of the travel industry’s most respected accolades, the awards reflect the genuine experiences of millions of guests from around the world.
Together, the three resorts showcase the breadth of experiences available across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, from surfing and family holidays to contemporary island escapes and some of the Maldives’ most celebrated diving experiences.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, said: “Receiving recognition through the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the guests who have experienced our resorts. I would like to sincerely thank our guests for choosing Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives and for taking the time to share their experiences, as well as our colleagues whose commitment to excellence has made this achievement possible.”
Spanning four distinctive island experiences across the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers guests the opportunity to discover the destination in different ways, from world renowned surf breaks and family adventures to tranquil luxury escapes and exceptional diving experiences. This latest recognition further reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering authentic hospitality, personalised service and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most sought after destinations.
Further strengthening its global presence, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) through Cinnamon DISCOVERY, giving guests access to an extensive network of hotels, exclusive member rewards and meaningful travel experiences while connecting international travellers to the brand’s distinctive collection of resorts across the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
With the upcoming winter season offering the perfect time to experience the Maldives, guests can also take advantage of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ latest Winter Offer, which includes complimentary return transfers for two on stays of seven nights or more when booking directly.
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