News
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru win Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 5 consecutive years

The Banyan Tree Group Maldives has announced that all 3 properties in its portfolio, namely, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru have been recognised by TripAdvisor as recipients of Travellers’ Choice Award 2023.
This highly coveted award honours business establishments that have consistently received outstanding feedback and reviews from travellers worldwide over the past 12 months, making them part of the top 10% of all listings in the platform globally.
“This brings us joy to share that since 2018, all three resorts have received this esteemed recognition. We would not have achieved it without the love and support of our guests. We are grateful and inspired to continue providing them with better experience when staying at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru,” delightfully shared by Judy Ong, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Ronalaine Fernandez Sato, MarCom and PR Manager passionately added, “It brings us joy to share this wonderful news. Earning the 2023 TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award, more so for 5 consecutive years, is a testament of our commitment and dedication towards excellence in guest experience and heart-warming hospitality, which the Banyan Tree Group embodies”.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a luxury barefoot tropical paradise at the heart of North Male’ Atoll, 25-minute away from Velana International Airport via speedboat. With 48 pool villas dotting around the island, privacy and relaxation can easily be attained.
Situated approximately two-minute away via speedboat from Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru lies Dhawa Ihuru, formerly known as Angsana Ihuru, is a distinct island retreat of its own with 45 villas, and dubbed as “one of the best house reefs” in the Maldives.

Angsana Velavaru, known as “Turtle Island” in the Dhivehi language, and the first to have an exclusive collection of water villas in the Maldives, is perched on a private lagoon in the virtually untouched South Nilandhe Atoll.
News
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives announces GHA Double Nights promotion for Cinnamon DISCOVERY

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has announced an exclusive offer for members of its loyalty programme, Cinnamon DISCOVERY, part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). From 1 October to 30 November 2025, members can accelerate their journey towards elevated membership status with the Double Nights Promotion, earning double the tier credits for every qualifying stay across Cinnamon’s resorts in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Under this limited-time offer, each eligible night counts twice — meaning one night’s stay equals two tier night credits. This allows members to reach higher tiers in half the time or maintain their Titanium status with ease. To take advantage of the promotion, guests simply need to register, book directly with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts using promo code O25DBLNTS, and complete their stay within the promotional period.
Depending on their resorts in the Maldives and membership tier, Cinnamon DISCOVERY members can enjoy a curated selection of experiences and benefits during their stay. These include:
- Four-course dinner by the beach (Steak or Seafood)
- 30-minute spa treatment
- Local island experience
- Swim and snorkel experience
- Resort credit
- Dolphin watching
- Sunset fishing
- Kid stays free
Cinnamon DISCOVERY is part of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest loyalty alliance of independent hotel brands, offering over 800 hotels across 100 countries. Guests can join Cinnamon DISCOVERY for free to start earning rewards and enjoying benefits immediately.
For more information or to register, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com.
News
JOALI BEING earns global recognition with Two MICHELIN Keys, top 10 ranking in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, continues to strengthen its global reputation for transformative wellness experiences, having received two prestigious international honours in the same week.
The resort has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide and recognised among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025. In addition, JOALI BEING has been ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
The MICHELIN Keys 2025 were announced on 8 October during a global ceremony in Paris, marking a new milestone in the Guide’s hotel distinction programme. Introduced last year, the MICHELIN Key has quickly become the hospitality world’s equivalent of the MICHELIN Star — honouring hotels that offer truly remarkable experiences.
JOALI BEING’s Two MICHELIN Keys distinction recognises the resort’s exceptional design, service, and holistic approach to wellbeing. Guided by the Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy, the island blends advanced scientific expertise with time-honoured healing traditions, creating personalised wellbeing journeys for every guest.
Adding to this recognition, JOALI BEING was also named among the Top 5 Wellness Hotels in the World as a finalist for the inaugural MICHELIN Wellness Award 2025 — a new accolade celebrating destinations that place wellbeing at the core of their philosophy. The other nominees were Bürgenstock Resort (Switzerland), Canyon Ranch Tucson (USA), Lily of the Valley (France), and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Iceland).
These properties were celebrated for redefining wellness hospitality through innovation, authenticity, and purpose — qualities that are deeply embedded in JOALI BEING’s ethos of Well-Living.
On 7 October 2025, Condé Nast Traveler announced its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where over 757,000 readers voted for their favourite destinations, hotels, and resorts around the world. JOALI BEING was ranked #10 Destination Spa Resort in the World, securing its position among the most outstanding wellness sanctuaries globally.
The recognition reflects JOALI BEING’s ongoing commitment to crafting experiences that inspire renewal and balance — from its biophilic architecture and sound healing spaces to its immersive wellbeing programmes and mindful cuisine. Each element of the resort has been carefully designed to nurture both body and mind, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the new era of wellness hospitality.
Since its opening, JOALI BEING has positioned the Maldives as a global destination for wellness travel. Beyond spa treatments, the island offers integrative wellbeing experiences designed to foster transformation and growth. Every guest journey is guided by expert practitioners, nutritionists, and movement specialists, creating a personalised pathway to restore balance and vitality.
With these two international honours — from the MICHELIN Guide and Condé Nast Traveler — JOALI BEING stands among the world’s most celebrated destinations for wellness and luxury travel, reaffirming its vision to pioneer the future of Well-Living.
Featured
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives unveils ‘Love in the Lagoon’ underwater proposal experience

Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives has introduced ‘Love in the Lagoon’, an exclusive underwater proposal experience that redefines romance in the Maldives. Designed to make life’s most significant moments truly unforgettable, the offering invites couples to declare their love beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The experience features an underwater setting elegantly adorned to create the ideal backdrop for a proposal. Certified instructors guide couples through the dive, ensuring a safe and memorable experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned divers.
Adding a creative flourish, the ring presentation is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the occasion, while a professional photo and video team captures each moment, both above and below the surface.
The celebration continues with a private dinner for two — set either by the beach or pool — complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine to mark the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Through ‘Love in the Lagoon’, Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives seamlessly blends adventure, sophistication, and romance to offer an extraordinary proposal experience unlike any other.
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