Awards
Kuda Villingili ranked 5th in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East’s top overseas leisure resorts 2025
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been ranked fifth in the Top Overseas Leisure Resort (Global Category) at the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The accolade, decided by readers across the region, is one of the most recognised distinctions in the luxury travel sector.
The resort also earned a place among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller US Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, marking its second Condé Nast recognition within the same year. Together, the awards underline Kuda Villingili’s growing international profile and its focus on consistent service delivery across different markets.
Commenting on the achievement, Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili, said: “To be recognised twice in a single year by two global editions of Condé Nast Traveller is a profound honour for us. Being voted among the world’s top leisure resorts by Middle Eastern readers is especially meaningful, as this region remains central to our guest community. These accolades reaffirm our dedication to delivering tailored luxury and unforgettable island experiences.”
The latest recognition further consolidates Kuda Villingili’s position as a preferred Maldivian destination for Middle Eastern travellers seeking privacy, space, and curated stays. The resort is located a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, which has contributed to its popularity among guests from the GCC due to direct international connections, short transfer times, and ease of access.
Kuda Villingili’s island layout and natural setting support a range of stay types, including privacy-focused holidays, multigenerational travel, couples’ escapes, wellness breaks, and family stays. Its accommodation portfolio includes a mix of overwater villas and spacious beach-based villas, residences, and retreats ranging from two to four bedrooms. These units are designed with generous indoor–outdoor living areas, private pools in selected categories, and direct access either to the beach or lagoon, offering flexibility for families and groups travelling together.
Dining is a central part of the Kuda Villingili experience, with eight signature venues serving twelve cuisines. Guests can choose from Mediterranean, Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei), Teppanyaki, contemporary Asian and surf-and-turf concepts.
SPICE, the resort’s Indian–Arabic restaurant, led in collaboration with the fifth-generation Qureishi brothers, has built strong appeal in the GCC market. Its menu is inspired by Indian, Middle Eastern and charcoal-grilled traditions and is designed around familiar flavour profiles presented with a refined approach. The overall culinary programme at Kuda Villingili combines range with attentive, personalised service.
The resort’s facilities extend beyond accommodation and dining to a variety of leisure and wellness experiences. Its 150-metre freshwater swimming pool, one of the largest in the Maldives, forms the focal point of the island. A dedicated private island spa with eight treatment villas provides a setting for restorative therapies and wellness-focused programmes.
Adventure and sports are also an important part of the offering. Kuda Villingili is located close to Chicken’s Break, one of the world’s best-known left-hand surf breaks, and has positioned itself as a surf-luxury destination for enthusiasts from the region and beyond. Additional experiences for families and couples include ocean excursions, watersports, and tailored activities that encourage time together.
Kuda Villingili has expressed its appreciation to Condé Nast Traveller Middle East readers for the 2025 recognition and to Condé Nast Traveller US readers for the parallel honour in the Indian Ocean category. The resort continues to invite new and returning guests to explore its “Time and Space Redefined” philosophy through its accommodation, service, and range of experiences.
Awards
Canareef secures Top Hotel Partner 2026 recognition from German tour operator
Canareef Resort Maldives has once again strengthened its position as a preferred destination for European travellers, earning the prestigious Top Hotel Partner 2026 recognition from Schauinsland Reisen, one of Germany’s leading tour operators.
This latest accolade reflects the resort’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly among the German market, where Schauinsland Reisen holds a strong presence. The recognition is awarded to top-performing hotel partners who consistently maintain high standards in service quality, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.
This achievement follows a successful partnership history between the two brands. In 2023, Canareef was honoured with both the Top Hotel Partner award and the distinguished Partner of Excellence title by Schauinsland Reisen. These recognitions highlighted the resort’s dedication to exceeding guest expectations and its strong collaboration with international travel partners.
Nestled in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Canareef offers a unique blend of untouched natural beauty, spacious beachfront villas, and authentic Maldivian experiences. Its tranquil setting, combined with diverse leisure activities and warm hospitality, has made it a favored choice among European travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The continued recognition from Schauinsland Reisen underscores the resort’s ability to maintain consistency in quality while evolving to meet the expectations of global travelers. It also reflects the growing demand for the Maldives as a premier long-haul destination in the German-speaking market.
Speaking on the achievement, the management of Canareef expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership and trust placed by Schauinsland Reisen and its valued guests. The resort remains committed to enhancing its offerings and delivering memorable stays that resonate with travellers worldwide.
As Canareef celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its position as a leading hospitality provider in the Maldives, dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and authentic island experiences.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives ranked among DestinAsian’s Top 10 Maldives resorts
Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, an elegant island retreat, has been recognised among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, celebrating its refined hospitality, tranquil island setting, and thoughtfully curated experiences that continue to resonate with travellers across the region.
Set amidst turquoise lagoons, the resort offers a tranquil island setting shaped by refined elegance and a deep connection to its surroundings. Its collection of beachfront and overwater villas and two- and three-bedroom residences haven been thoughtfully designed for travellers seeking privacy, comfort, and space to unwind in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Contemporary architecture is softened by organic textures, calming palettes, and subtle Thai-inspired touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and serene.
Across the island, every experience is designed to immerse guests of all ages in the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. Private decks overlooking the lagoon provide quiet moments of reflection, while a vibrant selection of water sports and marine adventures invites exploration beneath and beyond the waves. The resort’s holistic wellness philosophy is anchored by SPA Cenvaree Retreat, a tranquil sanctuary dedicated to holistic renewal. Inspired by time-honoured Thai healing traditions, the spa offers signature treatments, restorative rituals, and rejuvenating therapies designed to restore harmony and awaken the senses.
Dining is another highlight of the experience, with culinary outlets that celebrate flavour, craftsmanship, and atmosphere. Guests can explore vibrant tandoor and teppan live-cooking stations at The Gallery, savour Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, or enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the lagoon at Sunset Social. For elevated indulgence, The Club offers refined culinary experiences and curated selections throughout the day, while Coco Drift provides relaxed poolside refreshments in a laid-back island setting.
The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards recognise excellence across the travel and hospitality industry, with winners selected by the publication’s discerning readership of frequent travellers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Being named among the Maldives’ top resorts underscores Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives’ commitment to delivering meaningful, memorable stays defined by thoughtful hospitality and a strong sense of place.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the readers of DestinAsian,” said Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team in creating experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the natural beauty of the Maldives. It is incredibly rewarding to know that these moments of serenity, connection, and discovery resonate with our guests.”
As Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes travellers from around the world, this recognition reinforces its position as a destination defined by elegance, curated experiences, and island moments that linger long after every stay.
Awards
Baros Maldives honoured with Agoda Gold Circle Award 2025
Baros Maldives has received the 2025 Agoda Gold Circle Award, recognising outstanding performance, service excellence and strong partnership with Agoda.
Presented annually, the award celebrates properties that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining competitive value and reliable availability. It recognises hotels that continue to adapt and innovate while upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
For Baros, this recognition reflects the dedication of its team, whose commitment to genuine Maldivian hospitality continues to shape memorable stays for guests from around the world.
“This recognition is a testament to the passion and professionalism of our team,” said Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives. “We are honoured to be acknowledged by Agoda and remain deeply grateful to our guests and partners whose trust inspires us to continually refine the Baros experience.”
The Agoda Gold Circle Award celebrates excellence in three key areas—superior service, competitive value and responsive availability—qualities that remain central to the Baros philosophy of hospitality.
Among the Maldives’ most iconic island resorts, Baros welcomes travellers seeking an intimate retreat defined by natural beauty, authentic service and timeless elegance.
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