News
South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) hosts special gala to award the regional winners

Maldives.net.mv – South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) concludes for the year 2016 and announced winners at a Special Gala event held on 16th November at Mount Lavinia Hotel , Sri Lanka.
Hon. Minister of Tourism , Sri Lanka HE. John Amarathunga stated during his speech that , SATA will benefit the Tourism Industry of the region and he wishes the best for the initiative while being pleased to have the first event hosted in Sri Lanka.
The South Asian Travel Awards is the first ever regional Travel Awards endorsed by Multi National Associations providing the Tourism sector of the South Asian Region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. The South Asian Travel Awards aims to encourage and raise service standards within the regions of the Tourism industry.
WINNERS OF SATA 2016 :
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – Sri Lanka: Aqua Inn , Trincomalee
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – South India: Harvest Fresh Farm Stay
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – Maldives: Kaani Beach Hotel , Maafushi
- Leading Beach Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel, Kovalam
- Leading Beach Resort – Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysand Resort & Spa
- Leading Beach Resort – Maldives: Amari Havvoda Maldives
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – South India: Hills & Hues
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Hunas Falls by Amaya
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Coco Bodu Hithi
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – South India: Hills & Hues
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Heritance Negombo
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Amilla Fushi
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: The Kingsbury
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Conrad Maldives
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: The Kingsbury
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – Maldives: W Maldives
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Sun Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Turyaa Kalutara
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Heritance Kandalama
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – Maldives: Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – Maldives: The Sun Siyam Iru fushi
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – Sri Lanka: Amaya Lake Dhambulla
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel / Resort – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand -Sri Lanka: Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – Maldives: Araamu Spa
- Leading CSR Programme – South India: Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
- Leading CSR Programme – Sri Lanka: Royal Palms Beach , Kalutara
- Leading CSR Programme – Maldives: Coco Palm Dhunikolhu
- Leading Tour Operator – South India: Marvel Tours
- Leading Tour Operator – Sri Lanka: Classic Travel
- Leading Tour Operator – Maldives: Moodhu Holidays
Overall winners – South Asia
- Leading Guest House / Tourist Inn – South Asia: Aqua Inn , Trincomalee , Sri Lanka
- Leading Liveaboard – South Asia: Scuba Spa Yang, Maldives
- Leading Liveaboard Brand – South Asia: Voyages Maldives
- Leading Beach Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Amari Havodda Maldives
- Leading Meeting & Conference Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Paradise Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Most Romantic Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Coco Bodu Hithi , Maldives
- Leading All Inclusive Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Leading Designer Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Amilla Fushi , Maldives
- Leading F&B Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Conrad Maldives
- Leading Luxury Hotel / Resort – South Asia: W Maldives
- Leading Family Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Sun Island Resort & Spa , Maldives
- Leading Eco Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka
- Leading Wellness & Spa Resort – South Asia: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – South Asia:Araamu Spa, Maldives
- Leading Dive Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Maldives
- Leading CSR Programme – South Asia: Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka
- Leading Dive Center – South Asia: Dive Oceanus, Maldives
- Leading Activity / Water Sports Center- South Asia: Water Sports Point , Adaaran Club Rannaalhi, Maldives
- Leading Business Hotel – South Asia: The Kingsbury, Sri Lanka
- Leading House Boat – South Asia: Cinnamon, Spice Routes Luxury Cruises, India
- Leading House Boat Brand – South Asia: Marvel Cruise, India
- Leading Tour Operator – South Asia: Classic Travel, Sri Lanka
- Leading Travel Agent – South Asia: Voyages Maldives
- Leading PSA / GSA Partner – South Asia: Cyprea Pvt Ltd, Maldives
- Leading Surf Hotel / Resort – South Asia: Cinnamon Dhonveli , Maldives
- Leading City Hotel – South Asia: Casa Colombo Collection , Colombo Sri Lanka
- Leading Meeting & Convention Center – South Asia: BMICH , Sri Lanka
- Leading Airport Hotel – South Asia: Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
- Leading Transport Provider – South Asia: Princy Travel , India
- Leading Travel Technology – South Asia: Findmyfare.com
Visitor’s Choice Awards
- Visitors Choice – Leading International Airline: Singapore Airlines
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading International Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Honeymoon Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Diving Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Beach Destination: Maldives
- Visitors Choice South Asia’s – Leading Cruising Destination: Maldives
Featured
Celebrate love and life in Maldives with Villa Resorts’ summer offer

This summer, Villa Resorts presents an irresistible invitation to the Maldives with its exclusive Summer Indulgence Offer, featuring savings of up to 20% on a luxurious island getaway. From the sleek, nautical charm of Villa Nautica to the adventurous vibe of Villa Park, and the secluded serenity of Royal Island, each resort encapsulates the essence of a perfect tropical escape.
Villa Nautica, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, captures the elegance of yacht-inspired living with a modern touch. Beachfront and overwater villas—some featuring private plunge pools—open onto expansive ocean vistas, seamlessly blending luxury and nature. Adventure seekers can engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, or guided coral reef explorations with PADI-certified divers. At sunset, the Araamu Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary with treatments rooted in ancient wellness traditions designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Further south in the South Ari Atoll, Villa Park celebrates eco-conscious living alongside a spirit of discovery. The resort encourages immersive marine adventures, including the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Sustainability is at the heart of the experience, with unique features such as treetop dining at the ZERO restaurant and coconut crafting workshops. Fresh ingredients sourced from the resort’s own gardens enhance a dining experience deeply connected to the island’s natural bounty. Whether it’s time spent on the water or quiet moments under the stars, every experience at Villa Park is vibrant and intentional.
Nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Royal Island offers a more intimate escape. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and crystal-clear lagoons, the resort provides a tranquil haven for those looking to reconnect with nature. The Araamu Spa specializes in Ayurvedic therapies, offering a peaceful space for deep relaxation. For adventure enthusiasts, the on-site dive center provides access to the rich marine life of the atoll. Guests can also enjoy leisurely afternoons by the pool and serene strolls along the beach, all while basking in the resort’s refined, barefoot luxury.
Villa Resorts complements each stay with thoughtful touches aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Beach Pool and Overwater Villa guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, while those staying in Residences and Suites receive a half bottle of Champagne to mark the beginning of their getaway. Celebratory occasions are made extra special with personalised cakes and sparkling wine for anniversaries, and birthday cakes accompanied by wine for birthdays. Honeymooners, families, and long-stay guests are treated to additional perks, further enhancing the spirit of celebration and care.
Valid for stays until October 31, 2025, the Summer Indulgence Offer invites travellers to bask in the sun and savor life’s most beautiful moments in the Maldives. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, Villa Nautica, Villa Park, and Royal Island deliver unforgettable experiences marked by comfort, style, and indulgence that lingers long after the journey ends.
Awards
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives recognised among leading global hotels with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

An emerald jewel in the Indian Ocean, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives was honored with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a distinction given to businesses that consistently earn exceptional reviews and rank among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
As an idyllic island escape that blends playful energy with breathtaking natural beauty, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has captivated guests with its vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and experiences that honour local culture while embracing global celebrations – from Easter to Eid Al-Fitr.
Whether guests arrive as a family for the annual summer camp where youngsters make friends for life or retreat to an overwater villa for a romantic weekend, they can expect The Standard’s signature fusion of relaxation, entertainment and adventure – an experience that continues to earn rave reviews from travellers worldwide.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award,” said Justin Swart, the newly appointed General Manager at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our valued visitors and look forward to creating more magical moments for our guests, old and new.”
News
Eid escape at Noku Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Noku Maldives, a member of IHG’s Vignette Collection, invites guests to experience a soulful three-day celebration set against the serene beauty of Noonu Atoll. Rooted in culture and connection, the resort’s Eid Escape is thoughtfully curated to honour the essence of the season through a blend of Maldivian heritage, island rituals, and shared moments of joy.
Guests are welcomed into a journey where each day unfolds with intention—from immersive wellness sessions to meaningful cultural workshops. Highlights of the celebration include traditional Maldivian performances, where the island’s rich storytelling heritage comes alive through the Bodumas procession, Bandiya Jehun dance, and the rhythmic beat of Boduberu drums. These time-honoured performances, held beneath golden skies, invite guests to witness the living spirit of the Maldives.
The celebration culminates in a generous Eid Feast by the beach, featuring a curated menu of local delicacies, fresh catch, and tropical indulgences—all served in a setting that captures the warmth of island life.
Whether participating in games by the sea, exploring island rituals, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Eid Escape at Noku Maldives is a celebration of grace, heritage, and togetherness, woven into the heart of a secluded paradise.
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