News
Maldives Travel Awards celebrates best of Maldives travel and hospitality
Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Travel Awards 2016 celebrated the very best of Maldives travel and hospitality at the gala event award night held on Sunday, 20th November at the beautiful Olhuveli Beach & Spa.
The event began with welcome speech and word of thanks by Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, President of Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) followed by awarding of appreciation plaques to panel of expert judges who evaluated the nominations.
This year’s awards received over 300 nominations for 35 categories from 105 resorts, hotels, guest houses and airlines.
The winners of this year’s awards was decided by a judging process which included presentations and onsite visits, along with the SMS and online voting scores. The results were verified by independent audit firm, KPMG.

The chief guest for the Gala Event was the Minister of Tourism, Moosa Zameer. The “Lifetime Achievement Award” was awarded to Hon. FDr Ahmed Siyam Mohamed for his contribution to the Tourism Industry and the country as a whole.
The event included entertainment items popular band Eqauatic Vibe.
Maldives Travel Awards 2016 is the fifth edition of the awards and longest running travel awards label in the Maldives. MATATO is the exclusive organizer of Maldives Travel Awards, and this year’s event was managed by Think Advertising.

Winners
- Leading Private Island : Velaa Private Island
- Leading Luxury Resort : Conrad Maldives Rangali
- Most Romantic Resort : Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
- Leading Beach Resort : Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
- Leading Designer Resort : Velaa Private Island
- Leading All Inclusive Resort : Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Family Resort : Bandos Maldives
- Leading F&B Resort : Conrad Maldives Rangali
- Leading Eco Resort : Sun Island Resort & Spa
- Leading Dive Resort : Bandos Maldives
- Leading Surf Resort : Anantara Dhigu
- Leading Wellness & Spa Resort : The Sun Siyam Irufushi
- Leading Meeting & Conference Resort : Bandos Maldives
- Leading Local Hotel/Resort Brand : Bandos Maldives
- Leading International Hotel/Resort Brand : Conrad Maldives Rangali
- Leading Wellness & Spa Brand/Chain : Araamu Spa
- Leading Human Resource Management : Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
- Leading CSR Program : Soneva Fushi Resort
- Leading Airport/City Hotel : Hulhule Island Hotel
- Leading Guest House : Reveries Diving Village
- Leading Business Hotel : Hotel Jen by Shangri-La
- Leading Liveaboard : Voyages Gurahali
- Leading Liveaboard Brand : Carpe Diem Maldives
- Leading Dive School/Centre : Dive Oceanus
- Leading Activity/Water Sports Centre : Active Water Sports Maafushi
- Leading Innovation in Guest House Design : Reveries Diving Village
- Leading Travel Website : ICOM Tours
- Leading Domestic Transport Provider : ICOM Tours
- Leading Airport Lounge : Leeli Lounge
- Leading Domestic Airline : Villa Air, Flyme
- Leading Low Cost Carrier : Fly Dubai
- Leading International Airline : Srilankan Airlines
- Leading Guest House Island : Maafushi Council
.
Photos by Asad Photography
News
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La to host New Year’s Eve celebrations with Kuala Lumpur giveaway
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to welcome 2026 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Gala Night, where city views, exceptional cuisine, and live entertainment come together for a truly memorable celebration.
This New Year’s Eve, guests can indulge in an exclusive festive gala experience featuring an elaborate buffet dinner at Lime Restaurant. Specially curated for the occasion, the menu offers an extensive selection of international favorites and celebratory delights, promising a refined culinary journey to mark the final night of the year.
As midnight approaches, the celebration moves to the Azur Rooftop, where guests can enjoy a magical countdown under the stars. With panoramic views, a lively atmosphere, and the excitement building toward the New Year, Azur provides the perfect backdrop to welcome 2026 in style.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, the night will feature a live performance by famous Maldivian singer Mohamed Nasooh.
To make the evening even more rewarding, one lucky guest will win an exclusive prize for two:
- A 3-night / 2-day stay at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
- Roundtrip air tickets from Malé to Kuala Lumpur with Batik Air
This special giveaway is presented in collaboration with Concierge Group Maldives Pvt Ltd, adding an extra layer of excitement to the New Year’s festivities.
From gourmet dining and rooftop celebrations to live music and an exceptional giveaway, the New Year’s Eve Gala Night at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La offers an evening filled with elegance, entertainment, and unforgettable moments as guests count down to a brilliant start to 2026.
For reservations and bookings, please call the hotel at (960) 330 0888 or email to maldives@hoteljen.com.
News
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort reopens after six-month renovation
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has officially reopened on 21 December following a six-month renovation programme aimed at upgrading accommodation, dining venues, and leisure facilities while preserving the island’s natural character.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. The property is situated close to Hanifaru Bay, a well-known marine area recognised for seasonal manta ray and whale shark activity.

The resort features 105 beach and overwater villas. As part of the renovation, new Beach Villas with private plunge pools have been introduced, alongside refreshed overwater villas offering lagoon views. Existing villas have also undergone upgrades to align with NH Collection’s brand standards.

Dining outlets at the resort have been refurbished, with a focus on offering a range of cuisines. Guests can also access a variety of water sports and marine-based activities, supported by the resort’s proximity to key dive and snorkelling sites in the atoll.

Wellness facilities have been enhanced with the reopening of the resort’s spa, which now offers updated treatment spaces. Recreational and leisure areas across the island have also been improved as part of the renovation works.
With its reopening, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort resumes operations as part of the NH Collection portfolio in the Maldives, targeting leisure travellers seeking access to Baa Atoll’s marine environment alongside upgraded accommodation and facilities.
News
Barceló Nasandhura to host New Year’s Eve gala dinner with live music, fireworks views
Barceló Nasandhura will mark New Year’s Eve with a gala dinner on 31 December 2025, featuring a buffet that brings together international cuisine and Maldivian culinary traditions.
The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will be served from 7:00 pm onwards and is designed as a comprehensive dining experience, highlighting a range of live stations, seafood selections, and dessert displays. The menu reflects both global influences and local flavours, with an emphasis on traditional preparations alongside classic international dishes.
Gastronomy highlights include live carving stations serving beef Wellington, roasted lamb, and banana-wrapped fish prepared in the Maldivian style. A dedicated seafood section will feature king prawns, Sri Lankan crab, and a sushi and sashimi selection. Guests can also expect a mix of international and local dishes, including French coq au vin and Maldivian tuna curry.
The dinner will conclude with an extensive dessert spread, including a croquembouche, macaron towers, and a dedicated chocolatier’s corner.
Entertainment for the evening will include live music by Fasy and his band, followed by a midnight countdown with views of the fireworks over the Malé skyline.
The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner will take place at Barceló Nasandhura on 31 December 2025. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp on +960 7200549.
-
Cooking1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Chef Renzi Gianluca for Tastemaker series collaboration
-
Entertainment1 week agoAward-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger to appear at One&Only Reethi Rah’s New Year’s Eve celebrations
-
News1 week agoSeaside Collection opens .Here, an ultra-private two-island resort in Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoTAPASAKE Maldives marks first anniversary with Luca Cinalli guest mixology night
-
Awards1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Veli awarded ‘Best Resort’ title at 2025 Bund Design Hotels Awards
-
News7 days agoCelebrate retro tropicana holiday at SAii Lagoon Maldives
-
News7 days agoHard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils holiday line-up featuring Christmas and New Year gala nights
-
Action1 week agoDenise Höfer returns to The Nautilus Maldives for four-day padel programme in March 2026


