Awards
.Here Baa Atoll earns four AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist nominations
.Here Baa Atoll, the ultra-luxury private island retreat from Seaside Collection, has been named as a finalist at the AHEAD Asia 2026 Awards, earning recognition across four distinguished categories: Resort, Restaurant, Spa & Wellness and Suite.
The achievement places .Here Baa Atoll among Asia’s most exceptional hospitality design destinations and celebrates a project where architecture, interiors, landscape, and guest experience have been conceived as a singular, harmonious vision.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll presents a bold new interpretation of luxury in the Maldives. Comprising just nine extraordinary residences across two private natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The retreat is defined by its commitment to privacy, spatial generosity, and an immersive connection with nature. Eschewing scale in favour of exclusivity, the resort offers an experience where tranquillity, design, and the natural environment exist in perfect balance.
At the heart of the project is a remarkable collaboration between internationally acclaimed architecture practice KulörGroup, London-based interior design studio Muza Lab and landscape architects Topo Design Studio. Together, they have created a destination that reimagines contemporary island living through thoughtful design and a profound sense of place.
KulörGroup’s architectural vision embraces the natural contours of the islands, positioning each residence to capture both sunrise and sunset while maximising uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean. Designed with a strong commitment to environmental sensitivity, the architecture incorporates passive cooling strategies, responsibly sourced materials and a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living. Expansive private residences, each complete with generous living spaces and infinity pools, are carefully situated to preserve the islands’ pristine beauty while offering unparalleled comfort and seclusion.
Inside, Muza Lab has crafted a sophisticated design narrative inspired by the Maldives’ rich maritime heritage. Through bespoke furnishings, artisanal craftsmanship, and a refined palette of natural textures, the interiors evoke the spirit of traditional dhonis, celestial navigation, and the ever-changing hues of the ocean. The result is an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Completing the vision, Topo Design Studio has seamlessly integrated landscape and architecture, preserving native vegetation while creating immersive outdoor environments that encourage meaningful engagement with the natural world. Every pathway, garden, and communal space has been carefully curated to strengthen the relationship between land, sea, and sky.
The AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist recognition reflects not only the excellence of the individual design elements, but also the strength of the collective vision that defines .Here Baa Atoll. From its expansive residential suites and transformative wellness offerings to SAFAR, the resort’s signature culinary destination, every aspect of the retreat has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a new benchmark in contemporary luxury hospitality.
As the newest addition to the Seaside Collection portfolio, .Here Baa Atoll represents a significant milestone in the evolution of ultra-luxury travel in the Maldives. This recognition celebrates the extraordinary collaboration between Seaside Collection and its creative partners, affirming a destination that continues to redefine luxury through exceptional design, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to place.
To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.
Awards
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives wins Best Luxury Resort Award at Asia Hotel Awards 2026
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has been recognised as Best Luxury Resort at the Asia Hotel Awards 2026, marking a significant accolade for the resort and recognising its distinctive interpretation of contemporary Maldivian luxury, where an exceptional lagoon setting, considered design and highly curated experiences come together to shape a refined island experience.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels and Resorts in North Malé Atoll, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives brings together an expansive lagoon setting, refined architecture and a collection of beachfront and overwater residences designed to offer a more contemporary interpretation of island living. Since opening in April 2025, the resort has established a distinct position within the Maldives luxury landscape, with its design, culinary experiences, wellness offering and carefully curated island experiences forming an integrated guest journey.

With 142 villas and residences, including spacious two- and three-bedroom residences with private pools and Jacuzzis, the resort offers a choice of sophisticated beachfront and overwater living. Across the island, guests can discover a world class gastronomic journey spanning diverse flavours and culinary expressions, complemented by dedicated holistic wellness experiences and a considered collection of activities shaped by the natural character of the destination.

“This recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the philosophy behind Centara Grand Lagoon from the very beginning. We did not set out to create luxury through scale alone, but through a sense of place, thoughtful design and the quality of every experience. The lagoon is at the heart of the resort, shaping how guests arrive, stay, dine and experience the destination. From the architecture and residences to our culinary and wellness offerings, every element has been considered to create a contemporary expression of Maldivian luxury. We are honoured that the Asia Hotel Awards has recognised this approach, and grateful to our team and partners whose commitment brings the vision to life every day,” stated Jorge Fernandez, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
The 15th Asia Hotel Awards 2026 recognition adds to a growing portfolio of accolades for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, reflecting its emerging position as one of the Maldives’ distinctive contemporary luxury resorts.
Awards
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La recognised for business and urban hospitality at SATA 2026
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La is celebrating a double win at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, earning two prestigious accolades: Leading Business Hotel and Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above).
The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey, reaffirming its position as a distinguished hospitality destination in the heart of Malé. It also reflects the hotel’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, thoughtfully curated services, and the warmth of Shangri-La’s Asian hospitality.
Situated in the vibrant capital of the Maldives, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La offers a welcoming urban retreat where contemporary comfort meets genuine hospitality. Catering to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, the hotel brings together stylish accommodation, versatile meeting facilities, and distinctive dining experiences, creating an inviting space for guests to connect, unwind, and discover the city.
The Leading Business Hotel accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to providing a seamless and rewarding experience for today’s business travellers, combining convenience, efficiency, and attentive service. Meanwhile, the Leading City Hotel (40 Rooms and Above) award celebrates its continued excellence in urban hospitality, where thoughtful touches and personalised experiences transform everyday stays into memorable moments.
At the heart of these achievements are the people who bring the JEN experience to life. Guided by Shangri-La’s purpose to deliver the art of joy and Asian hosting, the dedicated team at JEN Maldives continues to create an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to service excellence remain the driving force behind the hotel’s success.
JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La extends its heartfelt appreciation to its valued guests, trusted business partners, and dedicated colleagues whose continued confidence, loyalty, and support have made these accomplishments possible.
As the hotel celebrates this proud milestone, it looks ahead with renewed inspiration to further elevate its offerings, strengthen meaningful connections, and continue creating memorable experiences. Rooted in the timeless values of Asian hospitality and the spirit of Shangri-La, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La remains committed to delivering hospitality that goes beyond expectations, ensuring every guest feels a true sense of belonging.
Awards
Fushifaru Maldives recognised among Indian Ocean’s best resorts in Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Some places are remembered for their beauty. Others are remembered for how they make you feel. At Fushifaru Maldives, the two are inseparable
Set in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll, Fushifaru Maldives has been recognised as the No. 4 Resort in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition is a meaningful milestone for the award-winning boutique resort, reflecting the experiences, emotions and lasting memories that guests carry home long after their island escape comes to an end.
“Being recognised as the No. 4 resort in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is a truly proud and meaningful moment for all of us at Fushifaru. This achievement belongs first and foremost to our guests, whose trust and support inspire us, and to our dedicated team, whose passion, genuine hospitality and countless thoughtful gestures bring the spirit of Fushifaru to life every day. At Fushifaru, we believe that what makes a place truly special goes beyond its natural beauty. It is the connections we create, the kindness we share and the memories that stay with our guests long after they leave our shores. This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful experiences that celebrate our island, our Maldivian heritage and the people who make it feel like home,” said Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, BeKind Hotels & Resorts.
For Fushifaru, this achievement is more than a place on a list. It is a celebration of the people, the natural environment and the distinctive sense of place that make the island what it is.
Every island has a story. Fushifaru is home to the largest natural sandbank in Lhaviyani Atoll, a breathtaking stretch of white sand that emerges from the sea like a pathway into the Indian Ocean. Just a short boat ride away, the sandbank offers a rare opportunity to experience the Maldives in its most elemental form, with nothing but endless horizons, gentle sea breezes and the feeling of being somewhere wonderfully removed from the everyday world.
Yet the island’s beauty extends far beyond its shores. Located within a Marine Protected Area, Fushifaru is surrounded by a thriving underwater world where marine life flourishes beneath the surface. Just a short boat ride away lies Fushifaru Thila, one of the area’s remarkable underwater treasures and a renowned manta ray cleaning station. From graceful manta rays and sea turtles to dolphins, reef sharks and vibrant coral ecosystems, each encounter offers a reminder that the ocean is not simply the setting for an island holiday, but the very heart of its identity.
For diving enthusiasts, the surrounding waters open the door to extraordinary underwater adventures, with opportunities to discover diverse marine life and captivating reef formations. Meanwhile, snorkelling offers a more intimate way to explore the colourful world beneath the surface, from the resort’s house reef to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Here, every journey beneath the waves reveals another chapter of the island’s story, inviting guests to experience the Maldives not only through its breathtaking beauty above the water, but also through the remarkable life that thrives below.
The resort’s distinctive underwater playground brings a sense of wonder to the water, creating a playful and memorable expression of island living. Meanwhile, its modern Maldivian design draws inspiration from the destination’s cultural heritage, blending contemporary comfort with the natural textures, colours and character of the Maldives.
At Fushifaru, authentic Maldivian hospitality is expressed through thoughtful gestures, heartfelt welcomes and the little moments of kindness that make each stay unique. From sharing local traditions and cultural heritage to helping guests discover hidden corners of the island, the team creates experiences that feel less like a planned itinerary and more like a collection of meaningful memories.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards recognition is therefore a tribute to everyone who contributes to that experience — the team working behind the scenes, those welcoming guests each day, and the people who make the island feel like a home away from home.
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