There are few images more closely associated with the Maldives than a villa suspended above a turquoise lagoon. For travellers dreaming of the islands, the water villa has become an icon in its own right, a private place above the sea, where mornings begin with the sound of water and the lagoon is just a few steps away.

Against this backdrop, Baros Maldives has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, recognising its distinctive collection of overwater villas and the experience they offer above and within the lagoon.

At Baros, life over the water is wonderfully simple. The Water Villas are designed around a close connection with the sea, each with its own private deck and direct access to the lagoon. From here, guests can slip into the water for an early morning swim, snorkel across the reef or simply sit back and watch the changing colours of the Indian Ocean.

For those seeking a little more space and a private pool, the Water Pool Villas bring together the best of both worlds.

At 126 square metres, each villa offers generous space and privacy, with a private pool overlooking the lagoon and the sea stretching endlessly beyond.

But perhaps what makes the Baros water villa experience truly distinctive is what lies beneath.

Baros is a small island and its house reef is remarkably close to the Water Villas. Within minutes of leaving the villa, guests can find themselves among coral gardens and tropical marine life, discovering the underwater world that has always been at the heart of Baros. Overwater living is not simply about being above the sea, it is about being immersed in it.

It is this effortless connection between villa, lagoon and reef that makes the Water Villas at Baros so special. The setting is spectacular, but the experience is unhurried and deeply personal: barefoot mornings, afternoons spent in the water and evenings watching the sun disappear into the horizon.

The award was presented by the World Travel Awards, one of the travel industry’s most established international awards programmes, recognising excellence across hotels, resorts and travel businesses worldwide through votes from travel professionals and the public.

“We are very pleased to receive this award,” says Ibrahim Faisal, Sales Manager at Baros Maldives. “The water villas have always been an important part of the Baros experience and we are proud to see them recognised in such a competitive destination. The setting speaks for itself, but it is our team who bring the experience to life and make each stay memorable for our guests.”

At Baros, there is no need to look far for the sea. It is beneath your feet, beyond your deck and all around the island.

And perhaps that is the enduring appeal of a Baros Water Villa: the luxury of having the Indian Ocean as your backyard, your swimming pool and your view.

Life here remains intentionally uncomplicated. A small island to explore barefoot, a reef just moments away, a villa above the lagoon and time to simply enjoy being here.

For booking enquiries, please contact reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 2672.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort has received five nominations at the Luxury Childcare Association Awards 2026, with recognition spanning sustainable childcare, children’s programming, family experiences, childcare facilities, and baby and toddler care.

The nominations place particular focus on the breadth of Finolhu’s family offering, which has been developed to cater to different stages of childhood rather than centring on a single children’s programme. Alongside dedicated facilities for younger guests, the resort has separate spaces and activities for teenagers, as well as experiences designed for families to enjoy together.

The resort’s Kids Club forms the centre of its younger guests’ programme, combining indoor and outdoor spaces with a changing schedule of creative workshops, games, sports and island-inspired activities. Rather than being entirely removed from the destination, elements of the programme draw on Finolhu’s surroundings, introducing children to the natural environment through activities connected to the island and ocean.

Older children have their own dedicated space at the Teens Hut, conceived as a more independent and informal alternative to the Kids Club. Games, entertainment and social activities give teenagers a place to spend time together, while the separation between the two facilities allows programming to be adapted more closely to different ages and interests.

Provision for babies and toddlers is another element of the resort’s family infrastructure, with dedicated childcare services and age-appropriate facilities intended to make longer stays in the Maldives more practical for families with very young children. This is complemented by family-friendly amenities across the resort, allowing parents to balance time together with opportunities for children to take part in supervised activities.

Finolhu’s setting within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve also plays a role in its approach to younger guests. Marine education and environmental awareness are incorporated into selected activities, connecting children with the ecosystem surrounding the island. These experiences sit alongside the resort’s wider conservation work, including its coral restoration programme, which maintains two coral nurseries with more than 40 coral trees and has worked with thousands of coral fragments.

Beyond organised childcare, much of the family experience takes place outdoors. Finolhu’s two-kilometre sandbank, beaches and lagoon provide the setting for watersports and island activities, while creative workshops, recreational facilities and entertainment offer alternatives away from the water. The intention is to give families the flexibility to alternate between shared experiences and age-specific activities throughout their stay.

The five nominations at the Luxury Childcare Association Awards reflect this broader approach. Finolhu is nominated for Excellence in Sustainable Childcare, Excellence in Children’s Programming, Excellence in Family Experiences, Excellence in Childcare Facilities and Excellence in Baby & Toddler Care, covering areas that range from physical facilities and supervised care to programming and environmental engagement.

For a resort long associated with its “Island Playground” character, the nominations highlight how that concept extends to its youngest visitors, with dedicated spaces for children and teenagers alongside experiences shaped by the distinctive natural setting of Baa Atoll.

For more information and to learn more, please visit finolhu.com.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.

Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.

In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.

The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.

Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.

Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.

“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation

From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.

Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package

For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.