News
Centara launches its first loyalty programme with theme ‘Loyalty from the heart’
Maldives Promotion House – Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched a new loyalty programme under the theme, “Loyalty from the Heart”.
Centara – The 1 Card is a newly created recognition and rewards programme for those who love travelling and staying in the best hotels.
By accruing points, members will be able to enjoy a free stay in a Centara hotel or resort, anywhere in Thailand or overseas, with no blackout dates.
“St Valentine’s Day is, we feel, the perfect time for us to launch Centara – The 1 Card,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
“We feel it will be of great value to our guests and customers, and a very heart-warming and giving way in which we can show how much we value them and how much we appreciate their loyalty.”
There are four tiers to membership, namely Classic, the entry level; Silver; Gold; and Platinum Elite.
Members progress upwards through the tiers simply by earning more points.
At each level the rewards increase, with free room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout, pre-registration, guaranteed room availability, and much more.
Mr Thirayuth said that members of the programme would find it very easy to earn points that go towards a free hotel stay.
“They will earn five points for every 30 baht they spend when staying with Centara Hotels & Resorts, dining in a Centara restaurant, or relaxing in a Centara spa.
“Book direct through the Centara website and they will earn double these points.
“Members will also earn points when dining in a Centara restaurant or enjoying a Centara spa, even if they are not actually staying in a Centara property.
“They will also earn points when they shop at any Central Retail Corporation store.
“As members progress through the membership tiers, their points carry a bonus rating, enabling fast progress upwards to the maximum rewards level.”
Membership of Centara – The 1 Card is free.
Centara – The 1 Card is also fully compatible with The 1 Card, the very successful loyalty programme that is operated by Central Retail Corporation Ltd.
“We at Centara Hotels & Resorts are very much aware that there are many loyalty programmes in the market, but we have created what we feel is a perfect blend of benefits for those who wish to call Centara their second home,” said Mr Thirayuth.
“We also feel that the combined benefits of Central Group add up to Centara – The 1 Card being the only card that anyone will need.”
The Centara – The 1 Card will be promoted under the campaign Life Should Be Rewarding.
Chris Bailey, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts, said that the company feels the basic premise of membership will itself be a powerful marketing tool.
“A member will accrue points simply by doing something he or she would normally be doing, by staying in a hotel or resort, dining, using a spa, or shopping, and these points can then be redeemed for a free hotel stay.
“So membership, and use of membership, carries tangible rewards without any great shift in lifestyle patterns.”
Centara – The 1 Card will be promoted in a variety of ways, via advertising campaigns, online and social media marketing, database marketing, and point-of-sale.
“We shall also be marketing through Central Retail’s The 1 Card, and we see that as being an exceptionally strong marketing tool, as there are in excess of 4 million members of The 1 Card in Thailand, and the number is continually growing,” said Mr Bailey.
Members of Central Retail’s The 1 Card will be able to redeem their existing points for free hotel stays by taking membership of Centara – The 1 Card.
Centara – The 1 Card can be used at Centara hotels and outlets throughout the world, and points can be redeemed for free rooms.
“We believe that once members see how quickly they can earn points, and how the value of the points increases as they pass upwards through the membership tiers, that Centara – The 1 Card will become an indispensable part of their lifestyles,” said Mr Bailey.
“Building up points to take yourself, your partner or your family away for a holiday in which your hotel room is free of charge will become an exciting part of your everyday life, and a challenge to see how quickly the necessary points can be achieved.”
Centara Hotels operates Centra Grand Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in Maldives. Their third resort in Maldives is under construction.
For more information about Centara The 1 Card, please visit website www.centara1card.com
Awards
Ellaidhoo Maldives secures HolidayCheck Gold Award for second consecutive year
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has been honoured with the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 for the second consecutive year, reaffirming its continued popularity among global travellers. The Gold Award is presented exclusively to accommodations that have won a HolidayCheck Award at least five times since 2019 and is reserved for only the 10 most popular hotels within each region.
Located in the North Ari Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a resort widely recognised for its exceptional house reef and vibrant marine ecosystem. The island offers direct access to over 50 dive sites, alongside 24-hour diving opportunities, making it a sought-after destination for enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike. Its thriving reef has also earned international recognition from Lonely Planet as a premier diving destination, celebrated for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.
Accessible via a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey or a 90-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the resort combines effortless connectivity with an immersive island experience. Beyond diving, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is equally valued for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, offering guests the opportunity to experience both relaxation and adventure within a compact and naturally rich island setting.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, stated “Receiving the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026 for the second consecutive year is a significant milestone for Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. This recognition speaks to the consistent dedication of our team and the continued support of our guests. Maintaining strong recommendation rates over several years is built on attentive service, environmental responsibility, and delivering memorable experiences centred around our house reef and diving offerings.”
To discover award-winning diving, vibrant marine life, and an island stay shaped by consistent guest acclaim, make your booking today and take advantage of the resort’s exclusive Book Direct Summer offer, which includes complimentary speedboat transfers for stays until 31st October 2026.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort recognised with HolidayCheck Award 2026
Reethi Faru Resort has been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, a recognition presented to hotels that consistently earn high levels of guest satisfaction and positive feedback.
HolidayCheck is regarded as a leading global platform for verified guest reviews, and the award reflects sustained performance based on authentic traveller experiences. The recognition highlights the resort’s continued focus on service standards and the delivery of consistent guest experiences.
In a statement, the resort expressed appreciation to its guests for their support and favourable reviews, noting that the award is a direct reflection of guest trust. The management also acknowledged the contribution of its team members, whose efforts underpin the resort’s day-to-day operations and overall guest journey.
The HolidayCheck Award 2026 underscores Reethi Faru Resort’s ongoing commitment to hospitality standards and guest satisfaction within the Maldives tourism sector.
Awards
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands secures Forbes Five-Star rating for fourth consecutive year
Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, has announced its 2026 Star Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and is showcased with other honourees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
In addition to this distinguished recognition, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Summer Pavilion each received Four-Star honours, while IWAU earned a Recommended rating, further underscoring the resort’s commitment to excellence across hospitality, wellness and culinary experiences.
Located in the Fari Islands of the North Malé Atoll and designed by Kerry Hill Architects, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is defined by its iconic spherical architecture, inspired by the circular forms of the turquoise lagoon and the movement of ocean breezes. Nestled along white-sand beach coves and set above vibrant azure waters, the resort’s luxury villas seamlessly blend island living with modern design. Each villa features panoramic water views, an infinity pool, a spacious sundeck, and the dedicated attention of an Aris Meeha, island butler. A dynamic culinary scene unfolds across seven restaurants and bars, located on the resort’s dedicated Culinary Island and at Fari Marina Village. Guests may also enjoy a range of curated recreational experiences or unwind at The Ritz- Carlton Spa, which exclusively features Bamford organic products.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious, globally recognised accolade and to be named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel for the fourth consecutive year,” said Oscar Postma, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. “This achievement truly belongs to our Ladies and Gentlemen, whose artistry, dedication and quiet mastery bring our island to life each and every day. Since opening in June 2021, their commitment to refined, thoughtful hospitality has defined our journey. Together, they continue to shape meaningful experiences for our guests, guided by our promise to Embrace the Circle of Island Life and deliver service that is both personal and enduring.”
Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers 100 countries.
“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognise their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”
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