Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, Meemu Atoll, Maldives, has been named a finalist for Eco-Spa of the Year at the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards 2026, recognising the spa’s thoughtful approach to sustainability and wellness in one of the world’s most remarkable island destinations.

As travellers become increasingly mindful of how their journeys impact the places they visit, sustainability has become an important part of the wellness experience. Around the world, guests are seeking destinations that not only provide moments of relaxation and renewal, but also demonstrate genuine care for the environment and local communities. This shift continues to inspire the hospitality industry to reimagine luxury through more responsible and meaningful experiences.

The Destination Deluxe Awards celebrate excellence across the global wellness and hospitality industry, recognising destinations, spas, clinics, programmes, and treatments that continue to inspire through innovation, purpose, and exceptional guest experiences. The Eco-Spa of the Year category honours properties that successfully integrate environmental responsibility into their wellness philosophy while creating experiences that are authentic, memorable, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Wellness Inspired by Nature

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of Meemu Atoll, Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers an experience shaped by the rhythms of island life and inspired by Balinese healing traditions. Every treatment invites guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and appreciate the tranquillity of one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.

Sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the guest experience through a conscious effort to minimise the spa’s environmental footprint, including the use of natural and organic ingredients wherever possible and practices that support a lower-impact approach to wellness. Rather than viewing sustainability as a single initiative, Mandara Spa believes it is reflected through everyday choices that respect the island environment while delivering the warm, personalised hospitality that guests have come to expect. This philosophy reflects a simple belief that caring for people’s wellbeing should also include caring for the places that make those moments of wellbeing possible.

A Recognition Shared by Many

Being recognised as an Eco-Spa of the Year finalist is a proud moment for Mandara Spa and a reflection of the people behind every guest experience. From the therapists whose skilled hands deliver every treatment to the resort teams who create a welcoming atmosphere each day, this recognition celebrates a shared commitment to thoughtful hospitality and genuine care.

It also recognises the trust placed in Mandara Spa by guests and partners who continue to support the brand’s journey. Their encouragement has helped Mandara Spa continue to evolve while remaining true to the Asian traditions that have guided the brand since it was founded in 1996.

As the wellness industry continues to evolve, Mandara Spa remains committed to creating experiences that honour nature, celebrate authentic healing traditions, and encourage guests to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. This finalist recognition serves as both a celebration of what has been achieved and an inspiration for the journey ahead.

Celebrating Together

Alongside its Eco-Spa of the Year finalist recognition, Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa has also been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the Spas, Clinics, Programmes & Treatments category.

Mandara Spa warmly invites guests, partners, friends, and the global wellness community to join this celebration by casting their vote in support of the dedicated team behind this achievement. Every vote is a meaningful expression of encouragement for the therapists and resort teams whose passion continues to create memorable wellness experiences in the Maldives.

Voting is now open here.

This July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reaffirm their long-standing commitment to protecting the Maldives through a month of conservation initiatives that inspire guests to become active stewards of the ocean.

Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives’ Blue Heart

As per UNDP, each year, the Maldives generates more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to the weight of approximately 215 blue whales and nearly 120 tons per day. For a country whose future depends on healthy oceans, reducing plastic pollution is essential to protecting marine biodiversity, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the Maldives.

Throughout July, guests are invited to take part in weekly Sunset Island Beach Cleans and Reef Cleans with our Marine Lab, helping remove marine plastic trash while learning about the importance of protecting the fragile coastal and reef ecosystems. The programme also includes a collaboration with a local sustainable NGO, showcasing how discarded plastic can be transformed into artwork, jewellery, and other meaningful products through creativity and circular design.

Shark Awareness Day: Why Sharks Matter

On 14 July, the resorts will mark Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research and conservation NGO. While sharks are often portrayed as dangerous, they are in fact among the ocean’s most important guardians.

By naturally regulating fish populations, sharks help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy and balanced. Without them, the delicate food chain can be disrupted, affecting everything from reef fish and coral health to the countless marine species that depend on these habitats. Healthy shark populations are also a sign of a thriving ocean—one that supports local fisheries, protects biodiversity, and sustains the world-renowned diving and snorkelling experiences that make the Maldives so unique.

Through engaging talks with Miyaru’s marine experts, guests will discover fascinating facts about Maldivian sharks, understand the challenges they face, and learn how conservation efforts are helping protect these often misunderstood guardians of healthy oceans.

Mangrove Conservation Day: 26 July

As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also celebrate the International Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July through a community mangrove planting and cleanup initiative with Huraa Council.

Mangroves are among the Maldives’ most valuable natural ecosystems, serving as nurseries for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and strengthening resilience against climate change. Together with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the initiative reinforces the importance of protecting every part of the marine ecosystem—from the shoreline to the reef.

More than a month of activities, Plastic Free July reflects Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru’s enduring commitment to preserving the Maldives’ rich marine heritage – bringing together guests, local communities, and conservation partners to protect the ocean through collective action.

Angsana Velavaru has announced that it has been honoured with two prestigious titles in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Award Asia Pacific 2026, a distinction reflecting the resort’s continued commitment to exceptional service, leadership, and guest experience.

General Manager Ahmed Zahir was named the Maldives’ 4th Best Hotel General Manager, a recognition of his leadership in driving the resort’s operational excellence and guest satisfaction standards. Angsana Velavaru was further celebrated as the Maldives’ 9th Best Resort Pool, highlighting the resort’s stunning overwater and beachfront pool experiences that have become a hallmark of its guest offering.

The Travel + Leisure Awards Asia Pacific recognise the region’s most outstanding hotels, resorts, and hospitality professionals, a voted by discerning travellers and industry experts across the Asia Pacific region. Being named among this year’s honorees places Angsana Velavaru alongside some of the most celebrated properties and leaders in Maldivian hospitality.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal has always been to create meaningful, memorable experiences for every guest who visits us, and this award reflects the passion and hard work that goes into achieving that every single day.”

Set on a private island in the South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru has built its reputation on an experience that feels both intimate and effortlessly luxurious. The resort’s overwater and beachfront pool villas open directly onto the turquoise lagoon, while its house reef, just steps from the shore, offers guest some of the most accessible snorkelling in the Maldives without the need for a boat excursion.

Beyond its pool and reef, the resort’s appeal lies in a collection of signature experiences designed to set it apart from other island destinations. The award-winning Angsana Spa offers treatments inspired by regional wellness traditions in secluded overwater pavillions. A range of dining venues, from beachfront grills to overwater fine dining. Showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views at every meal.

For families and couples alike, the resort balances adventure with relaxation, offering everything from dolphin cruises and sunset fishing trips to quiet, private moments on its powder-white beachfront villas.

Sustainability remains central to the Angsana Velavaru experience as well. As part of Banyan Group’s broader commitment to responsible tourism, the resort integrates eco-conscious practices into its operations, from marine conservation initiatives protecting its house reef to community engagement programs that support the local Maldivian population. This combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality has helped the resort build a loyal following among discerning travellers seeking a luxury escape rooted in authenticity.

The resort’s recognition in this year’s Luxury Awards underscores a broader trend across the Maldives, where properties are increasingly distinguished not only by their physical amenities but by strength of the leaership team behind them. Ahmed Zahir’s individual honour reflects this shift, highlighting the growing importance placed on operational leadership as a defining factor in the guest experience, alongside the more traditional hallmarks of luxury such as design and location.

To discover more about Angsana Velavaru’s award-winning experiences, please visit the resort’s website.