Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.

The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.

Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:

• Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
• Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
• Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot

The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.

RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”

Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.

The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.

Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has won the Excellence in Sustainable Childcare award at the Luxury Childcare Association (LCA) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s approach to incorporating environmental education and sustainability into experiences for younger guests.

The award was among five categories announced by the association following a voting process held last month. The awards recognise luxury hotels and resorts that provide childcare facilities, programmes and family experiences, with winners selected through votes cast by families, guests and industry leaders.

Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi received the recognition for The Den, its children’s club, where activities are designed to introduce younger guests to environmental responsibility through play and learning.

The programme includes tree planting, environmental scavenger hunts, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and recycled paper-making. Children can also visit the resort’s Eco Centro, where waste materials are separated, composted, reused or transformed into new products.

Beyond The Den, the resort offers guided nature walks, marine conservation activities and opportunities to learn about the island’s wildlife. These experiences aim to help children develop an understanding of the natural environment and the importance of conservation.

The Excellence in Sustainable Childcare category recognises properties that integrate environmental responsibility into their childcare programmes, encouraging young guests to develop respect for nature through practical activities and everyday experiences.

Soneva Fushi was the only resort in the Maldives among the five category winners announced for 2026.

Other winners included JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa in Greece, which received the Excellence in Children’s Programming award, and The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in Mauritius, which won Excellence in Family Experiences.

Paradisus by Meliá Bali in Indonesia received the Excellence in Childcare Facilities award, while MarBella, part of the Mar-Bella Collection in Greece, won Excellence in Baby & Toddler Care.

The 2026 awards follow the association’s inaugural awards in 2025. The five categories were developed to recognise different aspects of family hospitality, including childcare facilities, programming, environmental responsibility and services for younger children.

The Luxury Childcare Association is a membership organisation that accredits luxury hotels and resorts providing professional childcare services and family experiences. Its membership includes more than 70 properties, with the association promoting standards in childcare safety, professionalism and guest experiences across the luxury hospitality sector.

Heritance Aarah has won Gold in the Leading All-Inclusive Hotel/Resort category at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising its Premium All-Inclusive offering in the Maldives.

Located in Raa Atoll, Heritance Aarah offers beach and overwater accommodation alongside dining, wellness, marine activities and cultural experiences. The resort’s Premium All-Inclusive concept focuses on providing guests with a range of experiences and personalised services throughout their stay.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, attributed the achievement to the resort’s team.

“This award is a tribute to our team, whose commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences brings together the very best of Heritance Aarah while celebrating the beauty and character of the Maldives,” Jayawardena said.

Susith Jayawickrama, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, said the award recognised the resort’s approach to hospitality and the efforts of its employees.

“This recognition is a proud moment for everyone at Heritance Aarah. Our Premium All-Inclusive experience has always been about going beyond the expected, delivering thoughtful service, exceptional dining, and moments that profoundly connect our guests with the Maldives. This award is a reflection of the passion, commitment and consistency of our team, who continue to raise the bar every day,” Jayawickrama said.

Dining forms a central part of the resort’s offering, with seven restaurants and five bars serving international and Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and overwater dining experiences.

Among its dining venues is Ambula, which combines Sri Lankan and Maldivian culinary traditions through a specially developed menu. Ralu Lounge features one of the largest rum collections in the Maldives.

The resort has also introduced new dining concepts, including Fehi Raha, a garden-to-table experience set within its organic garden. The concept incorporates seasonal produce grown on the island into its menus.

For families, the Ufa Ghadhiya ice cream truck offers ice cream, sundaes and tropical popsicles.

Beyond dining, Heritance Aarah provides a range of recreational and wellness activities, including snorkelling, diving and ocean excursions in Raa Atoll. Guests can also access treatments at IASO Medi Spa and explore Maldivian traditions, craftsmanship and cultural heritage through the resort’s Maldivian Village.

The resort’s adults-only Ocean Suite Wing caters to couples seeking greater privacy, offering overwater accommodation, butler service, private leisure spaces and exclusive dining options. The main island accommodates couples, families and multigenerational travellers.

According to the resort, the SATA 2026 recognition reflects the contribution of its employees across culinary operations, wellness, guest services and recreational activities, as well as its continued focus on developing its Premium All-Inclusive offering.