Heritance Aarah has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, recognising the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive offering in the Maldives.

The award was announced at the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean ceremony in the Maldives. The World Travel Awards recognises achievements across the global travel and tourism industry, including hotels, resorts and destinations, with regional awards acknowledging hospitality offerings across established tourism markets.

Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 40 minutes from Malé by seaplane, Heritance Aarah offers a Premium All-Inclusive experience encompassing personalised service, dining, wellness, marine activities and cultural experiences.

Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotels, said: “Being recognised as the Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort is a significant achievement for Heritance Aarah and a proud moment for the entire Aitken Spence Hotels team. This recognition reflects the dedication of our colleagues in delivering a Premium All-Inclusive stay that combines thoughtful service, distinctive moments and a strong connection to the destination. It is particularly rewarding to see Heritance Aarah recognised within the Indian Ocean, and we remain committed to continually elevating what we offer our guests.”

Heritance Aarah features seven restaurants and five bars, offering a selection of international and regional cuisines. Among its dining venues is the Ambula Overwater Restaurant, which combines Sri Lankan and Maldivian flavours through an eight-course tasting menu accompanied by wine pairings.

The resort also offers activities that allow guests to explore the marine environment and cultural heritage of Raa Atoll. These include guided house-reef snorkelling, diving, water sports and excursions. Its IASO Spa provides wellness treatments, while the Maldivian Village introduces guests to aspects of local culture and island life.

The Premium All-Inclusive concept incorporates these experiences alongside personalised butler service and a range of inclusions designed to provide guests with flexibility during their stay.

The recognition at the World Travel Awards adds to Heritance Aarah’s international accolades and highlights Heritance Hotels and Resorts’ continued focus on developing its hospitality offerings across its destinations.

Barceló Nasandhura Malé has partnered with internationally recognised chef and restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa to host a two-night culinary pop-up at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.

Chef Dharshan, the founder of Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab, both of which have been featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, will present a selection of mud crab and freshwater prawn dishes during the event. He is also behind Carne Diem Grill at CROSSROADS Maldives, which has been featured in 50 Best Discovery this year.

The collaboration will bring Ministry of Crab’s approach to seafood preparation to Malé, with an emphasis on ingredient freshness and quality. The restaurant follows a strict no-freezer policy, and the two-day event will feature export-quality mud crabs and freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the occasion.

The dining experience will take place at B.Heaven Rooftop, offering guests views of the surrounding ocean while introducing a selection of dishes associated with Ministry of Crab.

“We are honoured to welcome a culinary maestro of Chef Dharshan’s global calibre to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Chef Dharshan highlighted the Maldives’ connection to his culinary work and the opportunity to introduce Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations to diners in Malé.

“Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop,” he said.

The two-night event will feature a curated menu showcasing Ministry of Crab’s signature preparations, including Garlic Chili Crab and Pepper Crab, alongside dishes developed specifically for the collaboration.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been included in the 2026 selection of the MICHELIN Guide, recognising the independently owned Maldivian resort for its hospitality, facilities and guest experiences.

The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection features properties from around the world, assessed against five criteria: connection to the destination, architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, authenticity and character, and value for the experience offered.

Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili features 75 villas, including 36 overwater villas, each equipped with a private pool. The resort caters to couples, families and groups of friends, offering accommodation and facilities designed to accommodate different guest preferences.

The resort offers eight dining experiences, an overwater spa, a 150-metre swimming pool, and a range of sports and wellness facilities. Its location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ established surfing destinations, provides guests with access to surfing activities alongside other water-based experiences.

Kuda Villingili has also received Green Globe certification for the third consecutive year, reflecting its efforts in environmental sustainability and community engagement.

“Being selected for the MICHELIN Guide is a meaningful recognition for Kuda Villingili and, above all, for our team. Every day, our ambassadors bring warmth, care and individuality to the guest experience. This recognition reflects the passion behind what we have created together and encourages us to continue evolving while remaining true to who we are,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.

The resort’s hospitality concept focuses on providing guests with flexibility to personalise their stays through activities including surfing, wellness, dining and family experiences, as well as opportunities for relaxation.

The inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection represents another development for Kuda Villingili as it continues to position itself within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector under its brand philosophy, Time and Space Redefined.