News
Maldives win major accolades at World Travel Awards, Indian Ocean 2013

Maldives Promotion House – The industry’s elite, including CEO’s and SVPs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs, attended the idyllic island gala event hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”. World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.
Air Mauritius was one of the shining stars on the night, capturing Indian Oceans Leading Airline. Other Award winners from across the region, saw Indian Oceans Leading New Hotel going to Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Indian Oceans Leading Resort to One&Only Reethi Rah, Leading Water Villa Resort and Most Romantic Resort went to Baros and Leading Luxury Resort to Gili Lankanfushi with Lets Go Maldives taking Leading Luxury Tour Operator and a new Award went to SriLankan Airlines for Outstanding services to the Tourist Industry, Indian Ocean.
The Maldives continuing rise to tourism stardom was rewarded too, as it took home top honours for best Airport awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited for Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Indian Oceans Leading Tourist Board and Indian Oceans Leading Destination.
Graham E Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said: “The Indian Ocean continues to serve as an example of a responsible eco-tourism region whilst offering the most unique hospitality products and services. It strives to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honour to hold the first ever Indian Ocean World Travel Awards here.”
Winners
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Air Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport – Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort – LUX* Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel – Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Car Hire – Avis
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Conference Hotel – Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Port – Port Victoria, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination – Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort – Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Golf Resort – Le Touessrok, Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination – Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand – Hilton Hotels
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite – Ocean Haven at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Leisure Hotel Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort – Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator – Lets Go Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Water Villa – Ocean Suites at Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort – Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Private Island – Resort Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort – Baros Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort – Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board – Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency – Atoll Paradise
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort – Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort & Spa – Ayada Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort – Baros Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort – Huvafen Fushi Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Family Resort – Paradise Island Resort & Spa
- Maldives’ Leading Green Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa
- Maldives’ Leading Leisure Hotel Brand – Villa Hotels
- Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort – Gili Lankanfushi
- Maldives’ Leading Luxury Tour Operator – Lets Go Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Resort – One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah
- Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort – Ayada Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort Brand – Villa Hotels
- Maldives’ Leading Tour Operator – Atoll Paradise
- Maldives’ Leading Travel Agency – Get Into Maldives Travels
- Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort – Baros Maldives
Featured
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar

SO/ Maldives, the avant-garde private island retreat nestled in the Emboodhoo Lagoon, has announced a deeply restorative wellness journey for the wet season. This immersive experience is spearheaded by renowned Certified Holistic Healer, Karan Kumar, in collaboration with the resort’s resident wellness team.
Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives blends high fashion with holistic living, offering a bold and stylish take on island luxury. The resort comprises 80 individually designed villas—ranging from beachfront sanctuaries to overwater havens—all boasting panoramic views, complete privacy, and vibrant marine surroundings. Every element of the property is curated to appeal to modern travelers seeking indulgence, creativity, and connection.
At the heart of the resort lies the SO/ Wellness Camp, a sanctuary where cutting-edge design meets nature to provide a transformative escape. More than a traditional spa, this tranquil retreat delivers a full-body and mind experience. Guests are invited to unwind in contemporary, organic-inspired treatment rooms featuring amenities such as a Vichy rainforest shower, steam and sauna rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sweeping ocean views. The spa’s architectural design is inspired by the gentle movement of water and the island’s natural contours, creating a space that is simultaneously grounding and ethereal.
Central to the wellness offering is a curated selection of therapies that balance ancient practices with modern innovation. Programming includes sound therapy using full moon singing bowls, high-tech facials that combine astrology with skincare, and other bespoke rituals designed to restore and inspire. Whether seeking deep relaxation or a revitalizing boost, SO/ Spa offers guests a chance to reconnect with themselves in an environment that’s as stylish as it is serene.
As part of this season’s programming, guests can access personalised healing sessions at the SO/ Wellness Centre led by Karan Kumar. With over six years of experience, Kumar brings together Ayurveda, Reiki, Energy Healing, and mind-body therapies in a powerful integrative approach. His one-on-one sessions aim to address physical pain, emotional trauma, and energetic imbalances while unlocking each guest’s potential for joy, clarity, and inner strength.
Each session is intuitively tailored, creating a compassionate space for healing and introspection. Guests are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover a vibrant sense of balance and wellness.
Featured
Yoga Day marked with soulful island practice at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

In honour of International Yoga Day, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives hosted a serene yoga session on its pool deck, inviting both in-house guests and resort colleagues to begin their day with mindfulness, movement, and meaning. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the session offered participants a chance to embrace the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga in a uniquely immersive natural setting.
Led by resident yoga instructor Malvika Pant, the morning session encouraged attendees to step away from their daily routines and reconnect with themselves through breathwork and gentle movement. “Yoga isn’t just a practice,” said Malvika. “It’s a way of returning to yourself. Here at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, with the sea breeze in your hair and the sound of the waves close by, even a few mindful stretches can feel like a profound reset. Nature supports the journey inward.”
The session drew participants from around the world, including both seasoned yoga enthusiasts and first-time practitioners. One guest shared, “I’ve done yoga before, but this was different—more peaceful, more connected. Doing sun salutations with the ocean in front of you and no distractions around is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave.”
Beyond marking the global celebration of yoga, the event showcased the resort’s ongoing commitment to wellness. Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a variety of well-being experiences throughout the year, from early morning yoga flows and sunset meditations to personalised one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs.
As holistic wellness continues to shape global travel trends, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a distinctive retreat where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world—one breath at a time.
Featured
Sun Siyam Iru Veli debuts Wellness in Motion Week with beach runs and expert-led yoga

Sun Siyam Iru Veli recently hosted its inaugural ‘Wellness in Motion Week,’ welcoming guests, local wellness leaders, and global experts for a curated celebration of movement, mindfulness, and holistic reconnection in the heart of the Maldives. The week-long programme attracted over 150 participants, offering a series of transformative events aimed at promoting deeper wellbeing in harmony with nature.
To commemorate Global Wellness Day, the island held the first-ever Maldives Wellness Run in partnership with iRunners Maldives on June 14th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the shoreline, the 4-kilometre beach run featured over 85 guests and team members, who completed an invigorating course around the island. Embracing the theme #ReconnectMagenta, participants were encouraged to connect with themselves, their community, and the surrounding environment through intentional movement and breath.
Central to the week were intimate Mind & Body sessions led by two international wellness experts. Marina Violinha, a holistic women’s health and fitness specialist, conducted a sunset yoga session and an interactive talk at Magoodhoo Beach, guiding attendees in exploring feminine strength and emotional balance. Meanwhile, Shane Seery, an award-winning executive health coach, offered functional movement coaching on the resort’s tennis courts, combining personalised support with outdoor flow.
On June 20th, 88 team members took part in a sunrise yoga session led by the resort’s spa team. This gathering aligned with the global theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health,’ highlighting the resort’s commitment to wellbeing as a shared value among both staff and guests.
The week concluded on International Yoga Day (June 21st) with a serene sunrise yoga and wellness ceremony at Turtle Beach. Facing the Indian Ocean, participants welcomed the day in stillness and unity.
Through Wellness in Motion Week, Sun Siyam Iru Veli underscored its dedication to offering meaningful, restorative experiences where nature, culture, and conscious living converge. From sunrise yoga sessions and barefoot beach runs to expert-led coaching and immersive spa rituals, the resort continues to redefine island wellness and rejuvenation.
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