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Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

Awards

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru celebrated as a top 4 resort in Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler 2025

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has announced its recognition as one of the Top 4 Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The accolade serves as a meaningful tribute to the resort’s 30th anniversary — celebrating three decades of barefoot eco-luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality, values that remain at the core of Banyan Tree’s philosophy of a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Since 1995, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has defined the essence of the Original Maldives — a serene haven where turquoise waters meet soft white sands and architecture breathes in harmony with nature. Each of its 48 all-pool villas is a reflection of the island’s deep connection to local culture and sense of place, thoughtfully crafted with eco-conscious, sustainable design that celebrates the natural beauty of the Maldives. More than a destination, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a barefoot sanctuary for the senses, rooted in sustainability and local heritage — a place where nature, culture, and a deep sense of belonging come together to craft an unforgettable Maldivian journey.

This recognition follows the resort’s recent success at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, where it was named Leading Eco-Friendly Resort — reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainability from design to daily operations. From renewable-energy practices and eco-conscious, sustainable architecture to its pioneering Marine Lab, the first resort-based facility of its kind in the Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains a symbol of environmental stewardship and dedication to marine conservation across the region.

Together with its award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, recognised by Travel + Leisure Asia Awards 2025, the resort continues to champion holistic wellbeing — weaving mindfulness, nature, and Maldivian heritage into every guest experience.

As the resort marks this significant milestone, the honour stands as a celebration of its people, its purpose, and its promise — a living legacy of sanctuary, sustainability, and belonging that has defined Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for 30 years.

For more information about the resort, explore here.

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Maldives wins Best Beach Destination title at 2025 World Tourism Awards

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Maldives has been honoured with the Best Beach Destination Award at the World Tourism Awards 2025 today being held in Brussels, Belgium.

This prestigious award honours the Maldives for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

The award was accepted on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu by Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, former President and Special Envoy of the President, during the award ceremony held as the culminating event of the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025.

In his remarks, Dr Waheed conveyed the President’s gratitude for the international recognition

The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World,” brings together global tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to shape the future of the sector through innovation and collaboration.

This latest accolade reaffirms the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most admired destinations and recognises its dedication to preserving its coastal environment.

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Maldives secures spot in Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 countries for food

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The Maldives has been ranked among the Top 10 Countries for Food in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, securing the 10th position with a score of 94.55.

The prestigious annual list, curated from thousands of reader votes worldwide, celebrates destinations that have delighted travellers with their culinary offerings and dining experiences. This year’s results highlight the Maldives’ growing global reputation not only as a luxury holiday destination, but also as a rising culinary powerhouse.

Condé Nast Traveller writes: “The Maldives is abundant with dreamy island resorts, all of which have their own even dreamier restaurants. It’s not every day that you glide straight onto the supper table, but at Soneva Fushi, your journey to its treetop private dining space involves a breathtaking, 200-metre zipline. Plus, with most of the gorgeous Maldives hotels offering extensive all-inclusive packages, there’s never a moment spare to go hungry. Scattered across almost 1,200 beautiful coral islands, the Maldives is a master of all things seafood, so expect the catch of the day to make an appearance in breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Don’t worry if a tuna flatbread doesn’t excite your morning taste buds either, as the myriad of coconut, mango, and papaya trees here make a wonderful fruit salad too.”

The recognition places the Maldives alongside globally celebrated culinary destinations such as Italy, Japan, and France, reaffirming its unique appeal where world-class dining meets unparalleled natural beauty. From underwater restaurants and treetop tables to island-inspired tasting menus, Maldivian resorts continue to innovate in gastronomy — blending international techniques with local ingredients such as reef fish, coconut, and tropical fruits.

Resorts such as The Nautilus Maldives, Soneva Fushi, JOALI Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and Velaa Private Island have become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences that redefine island cuisine. Many of these properties feature Michelin-starred collaborations, sustainable sourcing practices, and culinary concepts that celebrate both global diversity and Maldivian heritage.

The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in the travel industry, reflecting the opinions of discerning travellers around the world.

The full list of Best Countries for Food in the World 2025 can be found on Condé Nast Traveller’s official website.

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