News
Starwood Preferred Guest members choose W Maldives and Sheraton Maldives as one of their favorites in 2013
Maldives Promotion House – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) program today announced the winners of the 2013 Member Favorite Resorts list. Selected by members worldwide, SPG’s third annual survey identifies their favorite Starwood worldwide resorts across nine categories. Seventy one unique destinations from the Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai to the W Singapore-Sentosa Cove made the list with 11 resorts appearing on the list for the first time ever.
W Retreat & Spa – Maldives earned the most votes and appeared in five categories, the most of any resort which included Most Romantic Retreat, Best Island Paradise, Best Exotic Escape, Best Small Wonder and Best Spa Indulgence. Sheraton Maldives made it in three categories which included Most Romantic Retreat, Best Island Paradise and Best Beach Resort.
“The SPG Member Favorites List represents some of the most luxurious destinations worldwide. We are delighted that Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives have been selected by our members and are deeply honored to be recognized with this distinction in so many categories.” said Peter Foreman, Director of Sales & Marketing for Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives.
The annual list recognizes the most loved luxury resorts chosen from more than 200 properties as part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of more than 1,100 destinations globally including The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels, Westin, Le Méridien and Sheraton resorts. Members vote on the resorts they adore most from the Maldives, to Costa Rica, Hawaii, Phuket and beyond each year to curate a list of must-see destinations of – Best Beach Resorts, Most Romantic Retreats, Best Exotic Escapes, Best Family Experiences, Best Golf Getaways, Best Island Paradise, Best Spa Indulgences, Best Winter Adventures and Best Small Wonders.
“The list allows our well-traveled members to identify their most beloved resorts around the world,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President of Starwood Preferred Guest. “Being recognized by our members as a part of this distinguished list is a true honor for our resorts.”
Among the highlights for the 2013 SPG Member Favorites list:
- In its very first year, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach has enamored our members so much it found its place in two categories – Best Beach Resorts and Best Spa Indulgences.
- The W Retreat & Spa – Maldives earned the most votes and an appearance in five categories, the most of any resort.
- The W Retreat Koh Samui, Thailand and The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai followed with placement in four unique categories.
The full 2013 SPG Member Favorite Resorts list can be found at SPG.com/memberfavorites and for more information about Sheraton Maldives and W Maldives, visit starwoodhotels.com/maldives
Cooking
From pizza to pasta: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Pibati Sul Mare
“Pibati” in Sanskrit translates to “to drink, absorb, or imbibe,” reflecting a profound connection to savouring and enjoying sensory experiences such as food and drink. Guided by this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled a refined concept for its beachside restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen. The newly reimagined dining destination invites guests to explore Italy’s cherished culinary traditions.
Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.
Nestled against the backdrop of stunning ocean views, Pibati Sul Mare offers a serene retreat for diners seeking a memorable culinary experience. The setting combines coastal charm with contemporary elegance, featuring airy, open spaces designed to immerse guests in the scenic surroundings. Soft, earthy tones and natural materials contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance, while exceptional service ensures every guest feels cared for and attended to.
Whether enjoying a gathering with family or savouring a moment of tranquility, Pibati Sul Mare provides an unforgettable dining experience. It promises to captivate the palate and create cherished memories that linger long after the visit.
Featured
Tripadvisor names Ayada Maldives Best of the Best Resort for luxury and excellence
Ayada Maldives has been recognised as the No. 1 Traveler-Ranked Best of the Best Resort in the Maldives by Tripadvisor for 2024. This prestigious accolade, based on authentic guest reviews, highlights the resort’s dedication to unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement reinforces Ayada Maldives’ status as a premier destination for discerning travellers. The resort has also received acclaim for its exquisite overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class culinary offerings, earning additional recognition across categories for hospitality excellence and sustainability.
Renowned for its timeless beauty and immersive luxury, Ayada Maldives continues to redefine the art of indulgence. The resort acknowledges the trust and support of its esteemed guests, which inspire ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in luxury travel.
Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is a luxury resort offering an authentic Maldivian retreat. With a selection of opulent villas and suites, world-class dining options, and a wide range of recreational activities, the resort provides a personalised experience for every guest. Globally celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant social media presence, Ayada Maldives remains a standard-bearer for luxury travel in the Maldives.
Family
Week-long Easter celebration awaits at NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort invites you to celebrate Easter like never before, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Maldives. From 14 April to Easter Sunday, 20 April, immerse yourself in a week-long festivity filled with joyful experiences, gourmet dining, and the serenity of our tropical paradise.
The celebrations kick off on 14 April with a vibrant lineup of activities designed to delight guests of all ages. Adults can indulge in cocktail-making classes, learn the secrets of cuisines from all around the world in interactive cooking sessions, or set sail on peaceful sunset cruises as the sun dips below the horizon.
For our younger guests, the excitement begins with creative workshops, including themed crafts and Easter egg decorating, offering a week full of fun and inspiration. Families can bond over engaging activities that bring everyone together, creating cherished moments in the heart of the Maldives.
On 20 April, the festivities conclude in a spectacular day of celebration. Young guests will enjoy the thrill of an Easter Egg Hunt and the joy of crafting unique creations with themed activities. Adults can raise a toast at an exclusive cocktail class, followed by a decadent Easter feast that combines different flavors with international culinary delights. The day ends with a magical sunset cruise, offering the perfect farewell to a week of extraordinary experiences.
Whether you’re seeking family adventures, tranquil relaxation, or a unique holiday experience, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has curated the perfect Easter escape. Let the beauty of the Maldives and the warmth of our hospitality make this Easter one to remember.
This Easter, escape to paradise. Discover more and book your Easter celebration at NH Collection Maldives Havodda.
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