The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced that the Maldives received recognition in nine prestigious categories at the World Travel Awards 2024. Tourism leaders and dignitaries from across the globe gathered in Madeira, Portugal, for the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024, which celebrated excellence, innovation, and prestige in the travel and tourism industry.

The Maldives secured the following accolades:

• World’s Leading Destination 2024
• World’s Leading Green Destination
• World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024 – Trans Maldivian Airways
• World’s Leading Airport Resort 2024 – Hulhule Island Hotel
• World’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel 2024 – JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
• World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2024 – Vakkaru Maldives
• World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024 – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
• World’s Leading Private Island Resort 2024 – Velaa Private Island
• World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2024 – Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely recognised as one of the most prestigious honours in the travel and tourism industry. These awards symbolise excellence and aim to celebrate achievements across all sectors of global tourism. The Grand Final Gala Ceremony, held in Madeira, honoured representatives from the Maldivian government and local properties.

These accolades are expected to further solidify the Maldives’ reputation as a premier luxury travel destination. They also reflect the confidence and admiration of visitors toward the destination. MMPRC expressed pride in showcasing the Maldives’ dedication to delivering exceptional visitor experiences and in promoting and advancing the country’s tourism industry.

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Dr. Dinesh Singh, a renowned expert in holistic wellness and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. From November 25, 2024, to January 4, 2025, guests will have the unique opportunity to engage in his transformative, personalised wellness programs amidst the tranquil and luxurious environment of Ifuru Island.

Dr. Dinesh operates under the philosophy that “the foundation of happiness in life is good health.” His dedication lies in assisting individuals to achieve harmony and well-being through tailored, result-oriented wellness programs. By combining compassion with his expertise, he addresses the underlying causes of health issues, offering therapies designed to promote inner balance, prevent disease recurrence, and support sustainable lifestyle changes.

The holistic retreat experience led by Dr. Dinesh includes Ayurvedic practices such as pulse diagnosis, personalised detox programs, and Panchakarma (Indian Herbal Detox). Guests will also benefit from yoga, pranayama breathing techniques, and meditation, creating a comprehensive healing journey. His treatments encompass energy and spiritual healing, providing participants with a deeply transformative experience. The wellness programs aim to restore vitality, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Through detoxification and rejuvenation, guests will be supported by Dr. Dinesh’s expertise in herbal medicine and natural therapies. These retreats foster a nurturing environment, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves and achieve long-lasting health benefits.

This exclusive residency offers a rare chance to benefit from Dr. Dinesh’s extensive knowledge and practices, with personalised care ensuring that each program is uniquely crafted to meet individual needs, promoting longevity and inner harmony.

Since its opening in September 2023, Ifuru Island Maldives has become a premier destination, featuring 147 sunset suites and villas. The resort offers six exceptional dining options, including two signature restaurants and four bars, complemented by a 24-hour premium All-Inclusive experience.

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, situated in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll, is preparing to host a remarkable celestial celebration this Christmas. In collaboration with SpaceCat Astrotourism, the resort will welcome retired NASA astronaut Dominic A. Antonelli and Analog Astronaut Anisa Qureshi for a series of exclusive events beneath some of the world’s clearest, light-pollution-free night skies.

Renowned for its remote location and unspoiled natural surroundings, Sirru Fen Fushi is among the few destinations in the Maldives that offers visitors a truly dark night sky, where stars shine with unparalleled brilliance. This unique feature makes the resort an ideal destination for astronomy enthusiasts and those seeking a profound connection with the cosmos. This holiday season, not only will champagne glasses sparkle, but the resort’s night skies will also dazzle with the brilliance of stars—and the wisdom of astronauts who have ventured beyond Earth.

The festivities are set to commence on December 24th with a special Meet & Greet during the resort’s Christmas Cocktail Party. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Dominic “Tony” Antonelli, a veteran NASA Space Shuttle pilot, and Anisa Qureshi, who will share insights from her inspiring experiences as an Analog Astronaut.

On December 25th, Antonelli will present a lecture titled ‘Seeing Home from Space’, offering a rare glimpse into how viewing Earth from space transforms perceptions of home and humanity.

The celebrations will continue on December 26th with Qureshi’s lecture, ‘My Analog Astronaut Mission Experience’, which will explore the rigorous training and exploration involved in preparing for the challenges of space. That evening, Qureshi will lead a stargazing event, ‘Beyond Exploration’, guiding participants through constellations and cosmic wonders while reflecting on humanity’s enduring quest to explore the unknown.

The event will conclude on December 27th with Antonelli’s talk, ‘Journey of a Space Shuttle Pilot’, providing an insider’s perspective on piloting the Space Shuttle and the technical marvels of human space exploration.

This partnership with SpaceCat Astrotourism represents another milestone for Sirru Fen Fushi, whose commitment to sustainability and connection with nature includes offering guests transformative experiences under the stars. The resort’s pristine night skies have become a defining feature of its charm, and this Christmas promises to strengthen that bond with the cosmos through the insights and expertise of two extraordinary astronauts.

Guests visiting Sirru Fen Fushi during this festive season will be invited to look beyond the horizon and into the universe, making this Christmas a memorable fusion of luxury, discovery, and awe-inspiring stargazing.