Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.

The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.

Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:

• Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
• Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
• Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot

The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.

RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”

Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.

The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.

Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.

The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.

Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.

The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced a three-night bar takeover in collaboration with RED Bar, New Delhi, from 25 to 27 November 2026, featuring mixologist Virender Singh.

Titled The Craft of the Cocktail, the collaboration will bring RED Bar’s approach to mixology to three venues across the resort, offering guests a series of cocktail experiences in different island settings.

Located in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, RED Bar is recognised for its approach to contemporary cocktail creation, incorporating a range of ingredients, flavours and techniques. The venue was featured on the 2025 list of India’s 30 Best Bars and has participated in guest shifts and bar takeovers internationally.

Leading the collaboration will be Virender Singh, who has eight years of experience in beverage creation. His approach to mixology focuses on ingredient combinations, flavour pairings and experimentation with cocktail-making techniques.

“At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, we believe that exceptional experiences are shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and a sense of discovery,” said Arup Chakraborty, Director of Food & Beverage.

“This collaboration offers our guests the opportunity to experience RED Bar’s approach to cocktails across three distinctive settings on the island. We look forward to welcoming Virender Singh and sharing these experiences with our guests.”

The takeover will take place across three evenings, beginning at Nikkei Bar, where guests can sample signature cocktails at the resort’s overwater bar while overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The second evening will be hosted at JW Garden, featuring a garden-to-glass concept incorporating fresh ingredients and tropical flavours.

The collaboration will conclude at Wahoo Bar, where the cocktail experience will move to a beachfront setting.

The event forms part of JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort’s efforts to introduce international culinary and beverage talent to the Maldives through guest collaborations and dining experiences.