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Maldives crowned Asia’s Most Romantic Escape by Smart Travel Asia

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Maldives has won Asia’s Most Romantic Escape award in the first ever Best of the Decade Awards organised by Smart Travel Asia.

The Smart Travel Asia Best in Travel Poll is a market research exercise that has run uninterrupted since 2005. It is an independent, free and fair reader poll covering airlines, airports, destinations and hotels.

With travellers having to press pause on their vacations due to Covid-19, Smart Travel Asia decided to tabulate a Best of the Decade Awards, drawn from their reader polls from 2010-2019, as opposed to previous years.

The total scores were checked from over the years, as well as the rankings, reader comments, feedback from focus groups and critical input from journalists. This resulted in the formation of a range of newer categories for romance, adventure, rooms, hotels, and also a list of few products on a commendation list.

The number of winners from their usual Top 25 was also cut down to 1-10, depending on the category. The range of winners closely mirrors age groups, changing travel habits and the hotel experiences now on offer.

Further to winning the Most Romantic Escape destination award, Maldivian resorts also won awards in different categories. They are:

  • Third in Best Spa Hotels: Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island
  • Fourth in Best Luxury Hotels (Asia): Cheval Blanc Randheli
  • Fourth in Top Rooms with a View: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
  • Ninth in Best New Hotels (2017-2019): Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

“First of all, I would like to congratulate all the winners from Maldives. As one of the most beautiful and romance-filled destinations in the world, we are honoured to have received these awards. It is a very significant award as it comes directly from travellers and readers through a voting poll,” Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), said.

“This will definitely increase our brand presence among newlyweds and honeymooners in the region, as well as raise our destination profile globally. We hope to see a surge in their arrivals in the coming days.”

The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.

Resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands as well as liveaboard vessels were allowed to host tourists (please see a rolling list of resort reopenings here).

Guesthouses and hotels located on inhabited islands were to be allowed to reopen on August 1 but a surge in coronavirus cases in capital Male forced the authorities to extend a ban on guesthouse operations until October 15.

With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.

There is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 72 hours prior to their departure.

Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also tested at their own expense.

Awards

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025

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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.

The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.

Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.

“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.

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Awards

Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.

The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.

Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.

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Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.

At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.

The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.

Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.

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