Featured
Maldives nominated in prestigious Indian Ocean categories at World Travel Awards
Maldives has secured nominations in 10 exciting ‘Indian Ocean’ categories at the 28th annual World Travel Awards, the most prestigious honours programme in the global travel trade and tourism industry.
The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to recognise, reward and celebrate distinguished destinations across all key sectors and segments of the travel trade, tourism, and hospitality industries. It is recognised globally as the benchmark of industry excellence.
Maldives is nominated for the following Indian ocean categories this year:
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2021: Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination 2021
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2021
In addition, Maldives is also nominated at the World Cruise Awards, the sister event of World Travel Awards that serves to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the global cruise sector through our annual awards programme:
- Indian Ocean’s Best Cruise Destination 2021
Voting for the Indian Ocean categories is now open and runs until midnight on September 1 and the voting for World Cruise Awards ends midnight on August 31.
This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to give us the reassurance that Maldives is indeed, one of the most loved and preferred destinations in the world.
The nominee gaining the most votes in a category will be the winner.
As Maldives have welcomed over half a million travellers and is on its way to achieve pre-pandemic arrival figures, the nominations at the 28th World Travel Awards will help in strengthening the image and increase the brand presence globally.
The Maldives has secured multiple awards in various categories over the years including the Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2020, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2020, Indian, Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2020, Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2020 and the World’s Leading Destination 2020.
The destination had also won famed Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination award 13 times over the past 16 years.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
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.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
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.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
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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