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Maldives ranked no. 1 island in Africa and Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller
Maldives has once again affirmed its position as a leading global island destination, being ranked No. 1 in Africa and the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, announced on 7 October 2025.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards, among the most respected accolades in the travel industry, celebrate the best destinations, hotels, resorts, islands, and experiences as voted by the magazine’s international audience of travellers. This year, the Maldives achieved an outstanding score of 97.50, securing the top spot ahead of Madagascar, the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya, and Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Top Islands in Africa and the Indian Ocean – 2025
- Maldives – 97.50
- Madagascar – 92.42
- Lamu Archipelago, Kenya – 92.38
- Zanzibar, Tanzania – 91.43
- Seychelles – 85.71
- São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe – 80.71
- Réunion, France – 79.49
- Pemba Island, Tanzania – 78.94
In its write-up on the Maldives, Condé Nast Traveller noted:
“Sometimes only the Maldives will do – a place where the sand is eye-searingly white, the water is as swimming-pool blue as it looks on the postcards and the deliciously reliable weather makes it a winter-sun showstopper. The archipelago is thrilling to fly over – that seaplane view of the pancake-batter atolls blasts away any long-haul fogginess. And while the perfect beaches, colour-popping coral reefs and hammocks under swaying palm trees come as standard, it’s the hotels that give each one of these islands something different to offer.”
Highlighting two of the country’s standout properties, the publication spotlighted Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi for their exceptional hospitality, design, and guest experiences.
At Constance Halaveli in North Ari Atoll, Condé Nast Traveller praised the resort’s balance of indulgence and relaxation, citing its refined dining experiences, family-friendly atmosphere, and world-class wellness offerings. The resort’s holistic spa treatments, extensive wine cellars, and world-renowned diving opportunities—where manta rays and reef sharks can even be spotted from the terrace—were among the noted highlights.
Meanwhile, Constance Moofushi, described as a “proper all-inclusive retreat made even smarter after a recent renovation,” was commended for its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and seamless blend of luxury and laid-back charm. The publication noted that guests can enjoy high-quality wines, exceptional cuisine, and beautifully designed villas that maintain an intimate, welcoming ambience.
The recognition of the Maldives as the best island destination in Africa and the Indian Ocean reinforces its global reputation for luxury travel, world-class resorts, and natural beauty. From pristine lagoons and overwater villas to innovative wellness concepts and sustainable tourism initiatives, the Maldives continues to set benchmarks for island hospitality.
As travellers seek meaningful, immersive experiences, the Maldives remains a symbol of paradise perfected—where each island tells its own story and every resort captures the essence of barefoot luxury.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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