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.
News
Shangri-La Circle offers dining benefits at JEN Maldives Malé
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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