Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort earns highly commended honour at Family Traveller Awards
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been named Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay in the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s thoughtful approach to family and multigenerational travel, where considered design, generous space and experiences for every generation allow families to holiday together while enjoying the freedom to create their own time and space.
Organised by Family Traveller, the UK’s leading family travel publication, the awards attracted hundreds of entries across 19 categories. An independent panel of expert family travel journalists selected the finalists before thousands of public votes determined the winners and highly commended properties, announced at an awards ceremony in London on 11 September 2026.

Just 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili combines easy accessibility with an island experience thoughtfully designed for families. Its 75 private-pool villas and residences include spacious multi-bedroom Villas, Residences and Retreats particularly suited to extended and multigenerational stays. Individual bedrooms and living areas feature separate external entrances alongside internal connecting doors. This allows families to stay together while retaining a sense of privacy and independence – particularly useful for grandparents, parents, couples and older children travelling together.
For younger guests, Kuda Fiyo Kids Club offers its own expansive beach beside the island’s shallow lagoon, giving children space to explore while parents enjoy time of their own. With supervised outdoor adventures, creative activities, games and island discoveries, the programme encourages young guests to experience the island independently. The daily Kuda Villingili train ride has become a much-loved ritual for little explorers.

Family-friendly thinking continues throughout the island. The resort’s spectacular 150-metre swimming pool features dedicated shallow areas for younger swimmers, while the surrounding lagoon opens the door to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and other ocean adventures.
Budding surfers can also take their first steps into the sport with certified surf instructors at Baby Chickens, the beginner-friendly section of the island’s renowned Surf Chickens break, where they can gradually build their confidence and skills in the ocean.
Older children and teenagers are equally considered, with tennis, padel, pickleball, futsal, volleyball, watersports, diving and other recreational experiences offering plenty of independence and adventure beyond the Kids Club years. Across eight distinctive restaurants, diverse cuisines provide something for every generation, with children under 12 dining complimentary, while parents can retreat to the overwater Spa or enjoy time of their own as younger guests explore the island.

This balance between togetherness and individuality lies at the heart of Kuda Villingili’s family experience. Families can share a villa without sacrificing privacy, pursue different experiences during the day, and come together again over dinner, beside the pool or for a Maldivian sunset – allowing each generation to experience the island in their own way.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, said: “We are incredibly proud to be Highly Commended for Best Long-Haul Family Stay by Family Traveller. At Kuda Villingili, we have always believed that a family holiday should give everyone the freedom to enjoy the island in their own way – whether that means children discovering new adventures, parents finding time to unwind, or several generations coming together to share memorable experiences. This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of our team and the experiences we strive to create for every family who stays with us.”
The accolade further highlights Kuda Villingili’s family-focused offering in the Maldives, where “Time and Space Redefined” takes on a special meaning: more time to reconnect, space for every generation, and experiences designed to become part of the family story.
For more information and reservations, visit www.kudavillingili.com or contact reservations@kudavillingili.com.
Awards
ELE|NA recognised for excellence in wellness hospitality at SATA 2026
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Awards
Atmosphere Core wins Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Hospitality Development Company titles at SATA 2026
Atmosphere Core has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, receiving the titles of Leading Resort/Hotel Brand and Leading Hospitality Development Company.
The recognition reflects Atmosphere Core’s continued contribution to the hospitality landscape across the Maldives and beyond, and its commitment to creating distinctive guest experiences through thoughtful hospitality, strong brand identities and responsible development.
With a growing portfolio spanning the Maldives and international destinations, Atmosphere Core continues to build a diverse collection of hospitality brands, each shaped by its own identity and approach to guest experience. As its brands expand, the company continues to evolve its portfolio while staying grounded in its philosophy of delivering heartfelt hospitality.

The Leading Hospitality Development Company title further recognises Atmosphere Core’s development journey, which has expanded beyond its established Maldivian portfolio into new destinations and concepts. Most recently, the company marked its debut in Europe with the opening of BORGO MONCHIERO HERITAGE by Atmosphere in Italy, while continuing to develop its pipeline of new hospitality projects across key markets.
Commenting on the recognition, Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director at Atmosphere Core, said: “We are honoured to receive these two recognitions at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026. They reflect the dedication of our teams across our resorts, offices and development projects, and the trust of our guests, partners and industry colleagues. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating meaningful hospitality experiences while developing brands and destinations with a clear sense of identity and purpose.”

The South Asian Travel Awards are among the region’s recognised platforms celebrating achievements across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. The 2026 awards recognise organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence and contribution to the industry across South Asia.
The two SATA 2026 recognitions add to Atmosphere Core’s growing list of industry accolades and mark another milestone in the group’s continued development as an international hospitality company.
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.
-
Action1 week agoFrom zero experience to professional careers: Atmosphere Foundation celebrates Divemaster graduates
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives celebrates 10 years with global chefs, bartenders and artists
-
News1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces complimentary upgrade to new Ocean Reef Pool Villas
-
News1 week ago‘Circle of Light’ to illuminate RAH GILI MALDIVES’ first festive season
-
News1 week agoWomen’s football stars Lucy Bronze, Ona Batlle join Kandima Maldives festive line-up
-
Awards1 week agoCondé Nast Traveler names .Here Baa Atoll among Indian Ocean’s top resorts
-
News1 week agoKaran Tacker shares Maldives family escape at Centara Grand Lagoon
-
Awards1 week agoJOALI Maldives named Indian Ocean’s best resort as Maldives claims 20 of top 25


