News
Conrad Maldives sets global standard for Over-Water Villa design at the World Travel Awards winning “World’s Leading Water Villas”
Maldives Promotion House – The recently renovated Water Villas at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island have been voted the “Leading Water Villas in the World” at the prestigious World Travel Awards, while the luxury resort also collected the award for the “Leading Resort in the Maldives”.
“These awards are the crowning achievement of the year,” said general manager Peter Nilsson. “We’re very proud that our renovated Water Villas have been chosen as the best in the world and would like to thank everyone who voted for us”.
These awards join the resort’s collection of new accolades. In November, the Over-Water Spa was voted Asia’s “Most Innovative Spa” at the annual Asia Spa awards, while in August the resort was voted the “Best Spa Hotel and Resort in Asia” by online travel magazine www.smarttravelasia.com. Also in 2012 its suites were called the “Best in the world” by Elite Traveler magazine and the influential German Welt Am Sonntag Newspaper nominated it one of the “10 Best Hotels in the World”.

The award-winning Water Villas at Conrad Maldives are set on stilts over a private lagoon and were completely rebuilt in late 2011 in a modern interpretation of traditional thatched-roof architecture. An ocean-view bath tub, a private terrace, an over-water plunge pool with water jets and art by Maldivian artist Eagan Badeeu are some of the features that make these villas such a stand out. The highlight of the architecture is the glass desk which is set over glass floor panels giving the impression that it is floating over the water below. The décor of the villas features elegant natural tones of wood and soft whites with gentle shades of lavender and green while understated, recessed lighting adds to the contemporary feel.
Each villa boasts a private sundeck with wooden sun loungers, umbrella and plunge pool making this an ideal spot for private sun bathing during the day, or star gazing at night. Steps leading from the sundeck into the welcoming waters of the lagoon below allow endless swimming and snorkelling options right in front of the villa.
The natural setting is complemented by the latest in modern design and amenities including flatscreen satellite TV, CD stereo with iPod connectors, DVD player, Nespresso coffee machine, TWG tea, air conditioning and ceiling fan, refrigerated mini bar and IDD telephones. In the spacious bathroom, toiletries are by Aromatherapy Associates.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.
Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.
The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.
Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.
Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.
Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
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.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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