Awards
Maldives celebrates record wins at World Travel Awards 2024
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.
Awards
COLOURS OF OBLU marks triple win in global guest-driven awards
COLOURS OF OBLU celebrates a triple distinction as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi have been honoured with the HolidayCheck Award 2026, recognising the resorts among the world’s best-rated accommodations based entirely on verified guest reviews, while OBLU SELECT Lobigili has been awarded the DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award 2025.
The recognition places Lobigili among the top 150 most popular hotels worldwide within the DERTOUR Group portfolio. DERTOUR, one of Germany’s leading tour operators, bases this award on direct guest feedback and booking performance, highlighting exceptional holiday quality and guest satisfaction.
The HolidayCheck Awards are among the most recognised accolades in the travel industry, honouring hotels and resorts worldwide that consistently receive outstanding guest feedback. Organised by HolidayCheck, one of the leading travel review platforms in Europe, properties recognised through the awards stand out for delivering exceptional holiday experiences, high service standards, and memorable stays for guests across global destinations.

OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, renowned for its thriving house reef and immersive diving experiences, achieved an impressive guest rating of 5.6 out of 6, reaffirming its status as one of the Maldives’ most loved island escapes. Guests praise its barefoot charm, warm hospitality, and easy access to vibrant marine life, while the resort’s ongoing coral restoration initiatives further enhance its commitment to preserving the rich underwater ecosystem, making it a favourite among nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.
“We are honoured that OBLU NATURE Helengeli has been recognised with the HolidayCheck Award 2026. Known for its thriving house reef and authentic island charm, the resort offers guests a truly immersive Maldivian experience. This recognition from travellers is a testament to the dedication of our team and the unforgettable natural beauty that makes the island so special,” said Alain Trefois, General Manager, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.
Meanwhile, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, achieved a strong guest rating of 5.4 out of 6, reflecting its growing appeal among families, couples, and groups. With its lively atmosphere, diverse dining, and value-driven offerings, the resort continues to attract travellers seeking fun, relaxation, and effortless island escapes.
In contrast, OBLU SELECT Lobigili offers a more refined, adults-only escape, designed for couples seeking privacy, romance, and elevated experiences, featuring the iconic ONLY BLU under ocean restaurant, further complementing the diverse appeal of the COLOURS OF OBLU portfolio.
“Receiving the Award is a proud moment for our team at Ailafushi. Alongside this, the recognition of Lobigili highlights our strong partnerships with German tour operators and our ability to consistently deliver experiences that appeals for this key market segment. Our goal has always been to create a vibrant and welcoming island escape where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the Maldives in a fun and effortless way. This recognition, based on genuine guest feedback, means a great deal to us and reflects the passion our team brings to every guest experience,” added David Alan Burley, General Manager, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Complementing these achievements, this recognition further underscores Atmosphere Core’s strong partnerships with German stakeholders and its ability to consistently deliver experiences that resonate with this discerning market. Together, these accolades reflect the dedication of the exceptional teams across the portfolio, whose commitment to genuine hospitality and attention to detail continues to elevate guest experiences.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort earns 2025 British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised with the 2025 British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for exceptional service, facilities, and guest experiences.
This prestigious accolade positions the resort among the highest-rated hotels globally, based on verified guest reviews collected by British Airways Holidays in collaboration with Feefo, the world’s leading platform for authentic buyer feedback.
Guests evaluated their stays across key aspects including location, service quality, cleanliness, and sleep comfort, resulting in an overall score out of five. Reethi Faru Resort achieved an outstanding rating of 4.9/5.
Mark Hall, Head of Product and Sourcing at British Airways Holidays, said: “Congratulations to Reethi Faru Resort on this outstanding achievement. Delivering such consistent excellence truly reflects the dedication and care your team puts into every stay and every customer. At British Airways Holidays, we value partners who share our commitment to putting customer experience at the heart of everything we do, reflected in our Customer Excellence Awards. Reethi Faru Resort is a shining example of that. We’re proud to work with you and celebrate this success.”
For Reethi Faru Resort, the award underscores a philosophy centred on delivering not just stays, but memorable island experiences where thoughtful service meets unspoiled natural beauty.
Awards
Canareef secures Top Hotel Partner 2026 recognition from German tour operator
Canareef Resort Maldives has once again strengthened its position as a preferred destination for European travellers, earning the prestigious Top Hotel Partner 2026 recognition from Schauinsland Reisen, one of Germany’s leading tour operators.
This latest accolade reflects the resort’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly among the German market, where Schauinsland Reisen holds a strong presence. The recognition is awarded to top-performing hotel partners who consistently maintain high standards in service quality, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.
This achievement follows a successful partnership history between the two brands. In 2023, Canareef was honoured with both the Top Hotel Partner award and the distinguished Partner of Excellence title by Schauinsland Reisen. These recognitions highlighted the resort’s dedication to exceeding guest expectations and its strong collaboration with international travel partners.
Nestled in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Canareef offers a unique blend of untouched natural beauty, spacious beachfront villas, and authentic Maldivian experiences. Its tranquil setting, combined with diverse leisure activities and warm hospitality, has made it a favored choice among European travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The continued recognition from Schauinsland Reisen underscores the resort’s ability to maintain consistency in quality while evolving to meet the expectations of global travelers. It also reflects the growing demand for the Maldives as a premier long-haul destination in the German-speaking market.
Speaking on the achievement, the management of Canareef expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership and trust placed by Schauinsland Reisen and its valued guests. The resort remains committed to enhancing its offerings and delivering memorable stays that resonate with travellers worldwide.
As Canareef celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its position as a leading hospitality provider in the Maldives, dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and authentic island experiences.
-
Family1 week agoEaster in Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island and Maalifushi launch curated festivities
-
News1 week agoLoredana to attend Caravela opening at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort
-
Family1 week agoConrad Maldives Rangali Island introduces Roarsome-themed adventure programme
-
Cooking1 week agoAnantara Veli unveils all-female Michelin guest chef series
-
Culture6 days agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi marks Eid with cultural celebrations and community spirit
-
Meditation1 week agoOne&Only Reethi Rah’s five-star spa unveils Spring wellness programme
-
Family6 days agoW Maldives launches Easter celebration with kayak races and beach feast
-
News4 days agoTIME recognises Six Senses Laamu among World’s Greatest Places for 2026


