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Seaside Finolhu’s Crab Shack achieves global win for best luxury beachside restaurant

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Seaside Finolhu’s trademark ‘toes-in-the-sand’ dining restaurant, Crab Shack has been awarded a global win for best luxury beachside restaurant at the 2020 World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

After the resort’s elaborate transformation earning its place as a proud member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio, this recognition is another grand achievement for Finolhu.

Crab Shack’s charm has been impressing international celebrities such as English model and actress Cara Delevigne who in an interview with Conde Nast Traveller in April described the Crab Shack as her absolute favourite place to feast, recalling her experience when she stayed in the resort back in 2018.

Crab Shack is a rustic seafood restaurant that offers a real toes-in-the-sand dining experience on a secluded stretch of beach.

“We’re so honoured and proud to receive this marvellous achievement for Crab Shack. We love our Crab Shack and our guests over the years have been captivated by this restaurant, including international celebrities,” Finolhu’s General Manager Marc Reader said.

“The dining experience here is absolutely fascinating; the laid-back vibe creates an ideal space to enjoy the island life while savouring your favourite seafood and wine as you admire the beautiful vista. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our guests and friends who voted for us.”

Located on the opposite side of Finolhu’s marvellous sandbank, Crab Shack can be reached by an immersive seven-minute traditional dhoni ride or a 20-minute walk along the beach.

The restaurant transports diners to another world where guests can indulge in mouthwatering seafood in the rustic ambience of the open-fronted wooden shack while gazing out across the azure waters of the lagoon.

While Finolhu recently completed an extensive transformation process that accentuates its image as a design-led luxury destination, the resort has also introduced new names and concepts for its dining outlets.

Finolhu’s all-day dining restaurant now goes by the name of Beach Kitchen. Serving international fare during the day, Beach Kitchen also brings the resort’s culinary journey concept to life with destination-themed dining experiences each evening.

The Arabian Grill serves up an exotic mélange of flavours from across the Middle East and North Africa with a highlight on freshly grilled fishes.

The resort’s fine-dining restaurant has retained the name Kanusan but improved into a much more sophisticated ambience with a must-try live sushi corner.

The Beach Club features the new library offering a relaxing spot to lounge on, while the Beach Bar serves well-crafted drinks.

For guests looking to grab a drink, the new Milk LAB serves a selection of refreshing milkshakes, protein drinks and fresh coffee.

Finolhu was opened in June 2016 and consists of four islands with long beaches. It has 125 beachfront and overwater villas (more than half with private pool) and four restaurants.

While popular with honeymooners, the extensive resort is also very family-friendly, with a kids’ club, a wide choice of activities and world-famous entertainment.

Owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a Europe-based hotel group with an exclusive portfolio of high-end resorts and city hotels, Seaside Finolhu Maldives is a luxury island resort. “Finolhu”, which is a direct translation of “sandbank” in Dhivehi is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit www.finolhu.com.

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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Featured

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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