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
News
Amilla Maldives unveils first dedicated pottery and ceramics studio on the island
Amilla Maldives has announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives, introducing the island’s very first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space. This innovative studio will invite guests to embark on a grounding, tactile journey, deeply rooted in local artistry and mindfulness.
Set to provide an unhurried sensory experience, the upcoming studio aligns seamlessly with Amilla’s signature gentle rhythms and commitment to holistic well-being. Designed as a meditative retreat, this space will encourage guests to slow down, connect with the earth, and tap into the creative flow of working with clay.

Through this collaboration, the resort will further enrich its vibrant tapestry of cultural and artistic programming. The studio will offer a welcoming haven for all generations, featuring thoughtfully crafted workshops in wheel throwing, hand building, and pottery painting. Guided by skilled artisans, adults, couples, and inquisitive young minds from the Sultan’s Village kids club will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the quiet satisfaction of creation.
Each session will empower guests to transform raw clay into personal narratives, crafting authentic, locally fired keepsakes. These unique creations will serve as meaningful mementos of their time on the island, tangible souvenirs that are truly “Made in Maldives.”
This partnership with The Clay Studio Maldives beautifully reflects our commitment to celebrating local creativity. By bringing this contemporary ceramic tradition to our shores, we look forward to honoring homegrown talent and offering our guests an intimate, immersive way to engage with Maldivian creative culture.
The forthcoming clay studio will add a tactile dimension to Amilla’s carefully curated blend of wellness, nature-led experiences, and the serene ease of island life.
For more information about Amilla Maldives, please visit www.amilla.com.
News
InterContinental Maldives invites guests to reconnect through yoga and mindfulness
With International Yoga Day fast approaching, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort invites guests to reconnect the mind, body and spirit through a curated programme of new wellness focused experiences at its award-winning AVI Spa. Celebrating the global day of mindfulness and movement, the resort will introduce a series of restorative spa activities designed to inspire balance and relaxation, and allowing guests to find their inner calm amidst the serenity of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can begin their days with Aqua Yoga at The Retreat, available from 6am–11am. This gentle, water-based yoga practice combines mindful movement with the soothing support of water, helping to improve flexibility and enhance balance. Guests are encouraged to welcome deep relaxation in the tranquil overwater setting. As evening falls, the 60-minute Floating Sound Therapy session begins at AVI Spa, running from 6pm–8pm. Floating effortlessly on water, participants are immersed in a deeply calming sensory journey as the soothing vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls and delicate chimes create a calming atmosphere of relaxation and renewal.

Wellness and mindfulness are at the heart of the InterContinental Maldives experience. Inspired by the turquoise waters that surround the island, the overwater AVI Spa serves as a sanctuary for restoration and rejuvenation. The award-winning spa features six tranquil overwater treatment villas, each designed to harness natural light, ocean sounds and the calming rhythm of the sea. From holistic therapies to immersive wellness rituals, expert therapists guide guests through transformative experiences that nurture both physical wellbeing and emotional balance, making InterContinental Maldives an idyllic destination for wellness-focused escapes.
AVI Spa is hosting a full-day wellness experience dedicated to mindful movement and wellness. The day will begin at sunrise with an energising yoga session designed to awaken the body and mind. Guests will then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to support their wellness journey. Throughout the day, guests can firstly immerse themselves in Floating Yoga, balancing across calm waters. Guests will have the opportunity to explore their strength, balance, and flexibility through Aerial Yoga, using suspension techniques to deepen movement and core engagement. As the day unfolds, guests will reconnect through guided breathwork, and meditation practices focused on clarity and mindfulness. The day will conclude with a restorative Yoga Flow and Sound Healing session, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and end the day in a state of balance and renewal.

Aqua Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Yoga (45 minutes) from $85++ per person, Floating Sound Therapy (60 minutes) from $170++ per person and Aerial Yoga (60 minutes) from $50 ++ per person. Breathwork & Meditation (60 minutes) from $45++ per person.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives unveils exclusive dining collaboration with Chef Benjamin Peifer
This December, Kandolhu Maldives is set to host an extraordinary gastronomic event in collaboration with celebrated German Chef Benjamin Peifer. Recently named Chef of the Year 2025 by Gault & Millau, Peifer brings his highly distinctive culinary vision to the Maldives. His signature approach masterfully blends traditional Japanese techniques with carefully selected regional ingredients, with all dishes prepared over an open fire to create intense aromas and complex flavour profiles.
Benjamin Peifer’s journey from a baker’s apprentice to a two-star Michelin chef has forged a unique path in the world of high-end gastronomy. At his restaurant, Intense in Wachenheim, he creates an original fusion where traditional Palatinate pub fare meets Japanese haute cuisine. His goal is to deconstruct regional tastes into their core components and reimagine them, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and excitingly new.

Peifer’s culinary style is deeply connected to his personal history. After an unfulfilling start as a baker, he found his calling in the restaurant industry, drawn to its creativity and immediate feedback. He honed his skills at establishments like Zum Schwanen and Ketschauer Hof before opening Intense in 2017 with his wife, Bettina, who serves as the restaurant’s maître d’ and sommelier. He is known for reinterpreting everyday ingredients with exceptional technique and imagination, aiming to showcase the potential of what is readily available.

The collaboration features two distinct evenings of epicurean excellence, both beginning with a personal Meet & Greet. The first event on Saturday, 26 December, presents a bespoke four-course dinner, while the second evening on Tuesday, 29 December, offers an elevated five-course Wine & Dine experience. In keeping with Chef Peifer’s “no menu, trust the chef” philosophy, guests are invited to embrace a spontaneous and immersive culinary journey.

Discerning travellers and epicureans are encouraged to secure their reservations early to partake in this perfect blend of Maldives luxury and Michelin-starred artistry.
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