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Gili Lankanfushi wins Best Honeymoon Resort title at UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards 2026

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, has been awarded ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. In a glittering ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 5th February 2026, Gili Lankanfushi collected the coveted award, a recognition of its outstanding honeymoon offering.

Each year, the United Kingdom Weddings & Honeymoons Awards (UKWHA) brings together the very best of the weddings and honeymoons industry for Europe’s largest and most anticipated awards event. Hosted at the iconic Dorchester Hotel, the 2026 edition of the black-tie gala welcomed a vibrant audience of leading wedding professionals, industry innovators, award nominees and engaged couples for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and excellence.

Commenting on the win, Gili Lankanfushi General Manager Rodrigo Buanafina said: “We were thrilled to receive the ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ Award at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. We are incredibly proud of our honeymoon offering here at Gili and it is wonderful to gain this recognition from the industry’s most prestigious bridal awards. From supper under the stars to traditional Dhoni boat rides, our island paradise promises a true castaway honeymoon experience that will have couples falling in love all over again.”

Gili Lankanfushi recently unveiled a spoiling array of honeymoon packages and offerings, which include:

Romantic Retreats at Meera Spa

Couples will feel the weight of the world float away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. The ‘couples’ journeys’, which are all complimented with a bubble bath therapy session for two overlooking the lagoon, include:

Gili Honeymoon BlissGuests will start their romantic journey together with a foot ritual to relax the feet before being pampered from head to toe with a full body Aromatherapy couples massage. A mini facial and scalp massage will revive guests from their tranquil state as an aromatic bath awaits, with Champagne and spa refreshments on ice. From $499++ per couple.

Wonders of Gili

Designed to awaken and lift all five senses, this treatment sees couples enjoy a blissful massage by candlelight as they enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This is followed with an ‘ocean therapy’ incorporating a Seaweed Body Buff & Detox Seaweed Mud Wrap to deeply clean and revitalise the skin and a gentle scalp massage. The journey completes with a candlelit desert rose Aroma Bath for two accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, chocolates and fresh fruit.

From $699++ per couple.

Traditional Dhoni à Deux

The perfect pick for those who like their romance served with a side of local culture, the Dhoni à Deux experience sees couples set sail on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat at sunset. Guided by a private skipper, guests will float around the island’s turquoise lagoon enjoying champagne and canapés before returning to the jetty for supper. The most indulgent aperitif on-island and an incredible photo opportunity!

From $180++ per person.

Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Sealife lovers will delight in this bucket-list opportunity to spot dolphins, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two as they enjoy this two-hour sunset experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphins from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, couples will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this very special cruise.

From $115++ per person.

Private Dinner in the Wine Cellar

The ultimate follow-up to a sunset cruise, lovebirds can opt for a private dinner in Gili Lankanfushi’s intimate wine cellar. As Gili Lankanfushi Maldives boasts 3 sommeliers available at all times, couples can enjoy daytime tastings in the cellar or at a chosen location on the island. With a delectable gourmet menu that changes on a monthly basis, guests can expect four sumptuous courses paired with the finest wines from around the world.

From $230++ per person dinner only/$290++ per person with wine pairing.

Supper Under the Stars

Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to their tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk lovers away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting.

From $275++ per person.

Slumber Beneath the Stars

For a truly romantic experience, couples have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne on ice and strawberries.

Gili Romance Story Package

For couples who want to go all out for their honeymoon, the Gili Romance Story full package is the only way to go! The indulgent half-board package is available all year round and includes:

  • Choice of villa accommodation with a minimum 4-night stay
  • Return speedboat transfers
  • Daily gourmet breakfast and dinner at Kashiveli restaurant
  • A choice of 60 minutes of Ayurvedic therapy or Kahnuma Lomi Lomi
  • Private in-villa couples’ yoga
  • A tropical flower bath with candlelight, champagne, and strawberries
  • Meera “Better Sleep” Spa Gift (Pillow Mist)
  • Dine in the Dark – A blinded dinner experience for the senses during guests’ stay
  • Sleeping under the stars experience

Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.

Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.

Awards

Tripadvisor places The Standard, Maldives among global top 10% hotels

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The Standard, Maldives, by Hyatt has earned the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, placing it among the top 10% of hotels globally, based on authentic guest reviews and ratings collected over the past 12 months. Unlike industry-judged accolades, this recognition is shaped entirely by guest feedback, reflecting genuine experiences, meaningful interactions, and the moments that leave a lasting impression long after the journey ends.

Located in the untouched beauty of Raa Atoll, surrounded by turquoise waters and a rich marine ecosystem, The Standard, Maldives offers a distinctive blend of contemporary lifestyle luxury and immersive island experiences. As part of Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio, the brand brings a vibrant, social energy to the destination, where memorable stays are defined not only by place, but by people.

Guest reviews frequently highlight that while the island’s natural setting is undeniably stunning, what resonates most deeply is the heartfelt service delivered by the team. Personal interactions, intuitive gestures, and a genuine sense of care consistently stand out, reinforcing that true luxury lies in how guests feel throughout their stay.

Culinary experiences have also played a key role in guest satisfaction, particularly with the recent debut of Onda, the resort’s Mediterranean restaurant. Since its launch earlier this year, Onda has received strong praise for its fresh flavours, lively atmosphere, and distinctive dining concept, adding a new dimension to the resort’s culinary offering.

At the same time, the island’s vibrant house reef continues to captivate guests, with many noting the ease of access directly from the overwater villas. Snorkelling experiences just steps from their accommodation reveal encounters with tropical fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life, creating moments that are both effortless and unforgettable. This recognition follows the resort’s Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award last year, further strengthening its position as one of the Maldives’most dynamic lifestyle destinations.

“We welcome new guests every day, while also cherishing those who return to us time and time again. Many of our loyal guests have come to know the resort and our team by heart, choosing to make The Standard, Maldives part of their ongoing journeys. Our Guest Experience Makers, or GEMs, truly embody their name. They are the individuals who bring personality, warmth, and authenticity to every stay, rare qualities that our guests deeply value. We take great pride in our team, as they are the true essence of what defines us as The Standard. It is these meaningful, personal interactions that ultimately shape and elevate the guest experience,” said Naseef Abdulla, Front Office Manager.

“At The Standard, Maldives, we believe that memorable stays are not only about beautiful villas or idyllic locations, but about creating moments that feel personal and effortless. As part of Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio, we aim to deliver an experience that is both elevated and approachable, where guests can connect, unwind, and express themselves freely, while maintaining a level of excellence and consistency that our guests can always rely on,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives.

Drawing inspiration from guest feedback, The Standard, Maldives continues to evolve, enhancing its offerings while staying true to its vibrant personality, strong service culture, and connection to its natural surroundings. More than just a place to visit, the resort aspires to create explorative yet playful experiences that guests carry with them, and often inspiring them to return.

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Awards

Five Marriott Maldives resorts recognised across all seven Travel + Leisure Award categories

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Marriott International has announced that five properties from its Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in the Maldives have been recognised in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. Curated by the editors of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau and voted on by discerning readers worldwide, the annual awards celebrate the very best in luxury travel across the region.

Among this year’s distinguished winners, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa garnered accolades across all seven award categories, underscoring their exceptional standards in private island sanctuaries, world-class spa experiences, exquisitely designed villas, iconic Instagram-worthy pools, vibrant house reefs, and exemplary hospitality leadership.

“We are deeply honoured that our resorts in the Maldives have been recognised across all seven categories in this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific,” said Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International. “This recognition reflects the strength and diversity of our portfolio, as well as the passion and dedication of our teams in creating exceptional, immersive experiences that resonate with today’s luxury traveler. We are grateful to our guests for their continued trust and to our associates, whose commitment to excellence brings these extraordinary destinations to life every day.”

W Maldives: A Bold and Unscripted Island Escape

Following its bold transformation in 2025, W Maldives continues to make waves, earning the title of Best House Reef in the Maldives for the third consecutive year, while also ranking #4 among the Best Resorts in the Maldives. Home to one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs, the resort offers direct access to exceptional house reef snorkeling just steps from the beach and overwater villas. Suitable for snorkelers of every experience level, the thriving reef is home to abundant marine life, including reef sharks, tropical fish, and the island’s beloved resident sea turtle, Bob, making every underwater adventure memorable.

For more information, please visit wmaldives.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands: Embrace the Circle of Island Life

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to set the benchmark for refined island luxury. Designed by the renowned architect Kerry Hill, the resort’s striking circular architecture embraces the duality of island life, drawing inspiration from the harmony of the open ocean and tranquil lagoon, sunlight and shade, and the expansive Maldivian sky. At its heart, the iconic ring-shaped The Ritz-Carlton Spa appears to float above the turquoise lagoon, offering holistic wellness experiences inspired by the healing energy of water and the cardinal directions. This distinctive philosophy is reflected in its accolades, with The Ritz-Carlton Spa named the Best Resort Spa in the Maldives, and the resort ranked #7 among the Best Resorts in the Maldives.

For more information, please visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: A Multigenerational Luxury Family Resort

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa secured #3 in the Best Resorts for Families and Best Pools categories, in addition to #9 the Best Resort Spas in the Maldives. Set on a natural island, the resort brings generations together with dedicated spaces for every age. Younger guests can enjoy more than 100 engaging activities at Family by JW™ Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives, while adults can embrace moments of calm at the overwater Spa by JW. Families can unwind at the expansive Horizon Pool, overlooking uninterrupted ocean views, while adults seeking tranquility can retreat to the adults-only infinity Pool 18.

For more information, please visit jwmarriottmaldives.com.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: The Maldives’ Finest Address

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort received two accolades, ranking among the Best Resorts in the Maldives, while the John Jacob Astor Estate was recognised in the Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives category, with both securing the #10 position. Nestled on a lush natural island, the resort continues to redefine ultra-luxury island living through elevated experiences, from the newly expanded Two-Bedroom Family Villa and the reimagined culinary journey at Cargo to a world-class padel court and a transformed Technogym-equipped fitness centre. A masterpiece of design, the John Jacob Astor Estate spans 1,726 square meters across two levels, making it one of the largest overwater villas in the Maldives. This three-bedroom overwater residence features a private gym, cinema, three spa treatment rooms, a kitchenette, plunge pools, a sweeping infinity pool, and an oceanfront terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. With the signature St. Regis Butler Service and a private buggy, the John Jacob Astor Estate sets a new benchmark for bespoke island luxury.

For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon & Spa: Greg Allan, Best General Managers in the Maldives

For the second consecutive year, Greg Allan has been named among the Best Resort General Managers in the Maldives. Under his leadership, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to elevate guest experiences while advancing sustainability, talent development, and product innovation. As part of its marine conservation efforts, more than 800 coral colonies have been successfully relocated to help protect the reef ecosystem. Greg Allan is also a passionate advocate for developing local hospitality talent through the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program, while championing greater female representation in operational roles.

For more information, please visit sheratonmaldives.com.

To know more about Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, please visit marriott.com/maldives.

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Awards

InterContinental Maldives earns second consecutive Travel + Leisure family resort honour

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been recognised among the Top 10 Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, marking the second consecutive year the resort has received this distinction.

Set within the pristine blue of Raa Atoll, the resort continues to be a meaningful island address for families seeking space, ease and time together. From beach and overwater villas to thoughtful programming for children and teens, InterContinental Maldives creates moments for every generation. Younger guests are invited into the world of Planet Trekkers, while teens can enjoy their own rhythm

on the island, from spa specials and games to time on the water and relaxed moments with new friends. Families can spend their days exploring the lagoon, learning about the marine life that surrounds Maamunagau, or sharing quiet evenings as the sky softens over the Indian Ocean. It is this balance of discovery, calm and togetherness that makes each stay feel deeply personal.

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as one of the Maldives’ leading family resorts for two consecutive years,”said Reinhold Johann, General Manager of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.“Family travel is central to our purpose here at InterContinental Maldives, and this award shines a light on our incredible team, whose genuine care consistently earns the highest praise from our guests. From curated experiences for all ages to multigenerational island adventures, we remain committed to making every family feel completely at home in our little slice of paradise.”

The T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific celebrate exceptional hotels, resorts and travel experiences across the region, with winners selected by readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau.

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