Awards
Gili Lankanfushi wins Best Honeymoon Resort title at UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards 2026
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury, has been awarded ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. In a glittering ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel on 5th February 2026, Gili Lankanfushi collected the coveted award, a recognition of its outstanding honeymoon offering.
Each year, the United Kingdom Weddings & Honeymoons Awards (UKWHA) brings together the very best of the weddings and honeymoons industry for Europe’s largest and most anticipated awards event. Hosted at the iconic Dorchester Hotel, the 2026 edition of the black-tie gala welcomed a vibrant audience of leading wedding professionals, industry innovators, award nominees and engaged couples for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and excellence.
Commenting on the win, Gili Lankanfushi General Manager Rodrigo Buanafina said: “We were thrilled to receive the ‘Best Honeymoon Resort’ Award at the 2026 UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards. We are incredibly proud of our honeymoon offering here at Gili and it is wonderful to gain this recognition from the industry’s most prestigious bridal awards. From supper under the stars to traditional Dhoni boat rides, our island paradise promises a true castaway honeymoon experience that will have couples falling in love all over again.”
Gili Lankanfushi recently unveiled a spoiling array of honeymoon packages and offerings, which include:
Romantic Retreats at Meera Spa
Couples will feel the weight of the world float away as they enter Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa. The ‘couples’ journeys’, which are all complimented with a bubble bath therapy session for two overlooking the lagoon, include:
Gili Honeymoon BlissGuests will start their romantic journey together with a foot ritual to relax the feet before being pampered from head to toe with a full body Aromatherapy couples massage. A mini facial and scalp massage will revive guests from their tranquil state as an aromatic bath awaits, with Champagne and spa refreshments on ice. From $499++ per couple.
Wonders of Gili
Designed to awaken and lift all five senses, this treatment sees couples enjoy a blissful massage by candlelight as they enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This is followed with an ‘ocean therapy’ incorporating a Seaweed Body Buff & Detox Seaweed Mud Wrap to deeply clean and revitalise the skin and a gentle scalp massage. The journey completes with a candlelit desert rose Aroma Bath for two accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, chocolates and fresh fruit.
From $699++ per couple.
Traditional Dhoni à Deux
The perfect pick for those who like their romance served with a side of local culture, the Dhoni à Deux experience sees couples set sail on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat at sunset. Guided by a private skipper, guests will float around the island’s turquoise lagoon enjoying champagne and canapés before returning to the jetty for supper. The most indulgent aperitif on-island and an incredible photo opportunity!
From $180++ per person.
Castaway Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Sealife lovers will delight in this bucket-list opportunity to spot dolphins, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two as they enjoy this two-hour sunset experience. Departing at dusk to coincide with the migration of the dolphins from the atoll to catch their supper in the deep sea, couples will create memories to last a lifetime aboard this very special cruise.
From $115++ per person.
Private Dinner in the Wine Cellar
The ultimate follow-up to a sunset cruise, lovebirds can opt for a private dinner in Gili Lankanfushi’s intimate wine cellar. As Gili Lankanfushi Maldives boasts 3 sommeliers available at all times, couples can enjoy daytime tastings in the cellar or at a chosen location on the island. With a delectable gourmet menu that changes on a monthly basis, guests can expect four sumptuous courses paired with the finest wines from around the world.
From $230++ per person dinner only/$290++ per person with wine pairing.
Supper Under the Stars
Gili Lankanfushi’s supper under the stars experience is a wonderfully romantic and completely private dining offering. Here, guests will enjoy a fine dining meal with champagne and wine pairings as they soak up the magical sunset and crystal-clear Maldivian constellations. Whether couples prefer a champagne toast on a lantern-lit private beach or an exotic feast served amid lush palms and birdsong, the experience is completely tailored to their tastes and preferences. For the ultimate surprise, the team can even whisk lovers away to a mystery location where they will enjoy the chef’s culinary creations in a dreamy setting.
From $275++ per person.
Slumber Beneath the Stars
For a truly romantic experience, couples have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable night beneath the stars on their very own star bed. Upon request, the Mr/Mrs Friday private butlers can make up the daybeds on the private roof terrace of each villa with luxurious linens, setting the scene with candlelight, champagne on ice and strawberries.
Gili Romance Story Package
For couples who want to go all out for their honeymoon, the Gili Romance Story full package is the only way to go! The indulgent half-board package is available all year round and includes:
- Choice of villa accommodation with a minimum 4-night stay
- Return speedboat transfers
- Daily gourmet breakfast and dinner at Kashiveli restaurant
- A choice of 60 minutes of Ayurvedic therapy or Kahnuma Lomi Lomi
- Private in-villa couples’ yoga
- A tropical flower bath with candlelight, champagne, and strawberries
- Meera “Better Sleep” Spa Gift (Pillow Mist)
- Dine in the Dark – A blinded dinner experience for the senses during guests’ stay
- Sleeping under the stars experience
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport with direct flights from London now available. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,397/$1,722 based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Awards
Constance Halaveli Maldives secures top 10 spot in Condé Nast Traveller Indian Ocean rankings
Constance Halaveli Maldives has been ranked 10th among the Top 25 Resorts in the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, joining three other Constance Hotels & Resorts properties recognised in this year’s international rankings.
The recognition places Constance Halaveli among the Indian Ocean resorts selected by readers of the British travel publication, reflecting the resort’s standing in the luxury hospitality sector.
The award forms part of wider international recognition for Constance Hospitality, with four properties across its Indian Ocean portfolio securing positions in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards published by Condé Nast Traveller UK and Condé Nast Traveler.
In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 – World Resorts rankings, two of the group’s properties in Seychelles were recognised, with Constance Lémuria securing 13th place and Constance Ephelia ranking 17th among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, Constance Tsarabanjina Madagascar was ranked 12th among the Top 15 Resorts in the Rest of Africa category.
According to Constance Hospitality, the recognition across its portfolio reflects the individual character of each destination and the group’s emphasis on personalised service, authenticity and experiences connected to local surroundings.
Headquartered in Mauritius, Constance Hospitality operates properties across the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rodrigues and Madagascar. Its flagship brand, Constance Hotels & Resorts, follows the True by Nature philosophy, with a portfolio comprising luxury resorts, lodges and boutique hotels across the Indian Ocean.
The Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts and travel experiences across international destinations, with rankings determined by votes from readers.
Awards
Ocean Group Maldives wins Leading Dive Centre/Brand at South Asian Travel Awards
Ocean Group Maldives has announced that it has been named the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence in diving and ocean experiences.
The prestigious regional accolade celebrates excellence across South Asia’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry and marks an important milestone for Ocean Group, which has been creating and operating ocean experiences since 1998.
For nearly three decades, Ocean Group has worked alongside leading resort partners to deliver professionally managed dive programmes, combining international standards, experienced multilingual PADI-certified professionals, high standards of safety and service, and an enduring passion for the ocean.
Hussain Zahid, Founder and CEO of Ocean Group Maldives, said: “To be recognised as the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at SATA 2026 is an incredible honour for all of us at Ocean Group. This award belongs to our teams across our dive centres — the instructors, dive masters, boat crews, technicians and everyone behind the scenes whose professionalism and passion make our guests’ experiences possible every day. We founded Ocean Group with a love for the ocean and a belief that extraordinary experiences should always be delivered with expertise, safety and care. Nearly three decades later, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Ocean Group’s dive operations are supported by experienced teams working across luxury resort destinations, with all centres operating under the supervision of Moosa Zahid, Director of Operations & Sales and a VDWS-certified watersports trainer.
From introducing guests to their first underwater experience to guiding experienced divers through some of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments, Ocean Group places professional instruction, personalised service and responsible interaction with the marine environment at the centre of its diving philosophy.
The company’s wider expertise encompasses watersports, excursions, yachting and marine biology, allowing resort partners to offer an integrated portfolio of ocean experiences through a single experienced operator.
Marine conservation is also an increasingly important part of Ocean Group’s operations, with marine biologists working alongside resort partners on coral restoration, marine education and conservation initiatives.
Yasmin Zahid, Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Ocean Group Maldives, said: “This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates what has always been at the heart of Ocean Group — our people. Our teams come from different parts of the world, speak different languages and bring tremendous experience to their roles, but they share one thing: a genuine passion for creating exceptional experiences for our guests. We are immensely proud of them and grateful to our resort partners for the trust they place in Ocean Group. This award inspires us to continue raising the bar as we look towards the next chapter of our journey.”
The SATA 2026 recognition comes as Ocean Group continues to evolve its portfolio of ocean experiences and strengthen its partnerships within the luxury hospitality sector.
While its roots remain firmly in the Maldives, the company’s ambition extends beyond geography: to bring its expertise, operating standards and philosophy of exceptional ocean experiences to new destinations and partnerships.
Awards
Kandooma Maldives wins Leading Family Resort award at SATA 2026
Last night (8 October), Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a title that perfectly matches the resort’s focus on families.
“The timing of this award couldn’t be better,” said Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives. “It recognises our commitment to family holidays, but we also know that you can’t stand still. Family expectations change, and we have to keep evolving with them.”
“Whether it is the little ones who enjoy the kids’ club and, for some, a newfound independence from mum and dad or the opportunity to build memories together as a family through shared activities, Kandooma really is a great destination.”

Andrew explains that it is easy to sit still, but that’s not how the resort is winning over families: “I think it is our effort to keep evolving. Recently we realised there was a gap in the family offering that needed a bit more attention, so we have turned our eyes to tweens. It is sometimes a balancing act where young adults are craving independence, the freedom to explore, socialise and make their own choices, while parents still need reassurance that their kids are safe and well looked after.”
“They’re not kids who love going off to the Kids’ Club and they are not yet adults who are content lounging by the pool. We’re focusing on finding a way to engage 13- to 18-year-olds and give them a great holiday. At Kandooma we haven’t forgotten them.”

Villa options at Kandooma cater to different stages of family life, from Beach and Garden Villas with space for additional beds and interconnecting options, to Beach Houses suited to younger families and two- and three-bedroom accommodation for larger or extended families.
At Kandooma kids under 13 stay and eat free and it is one of the reasons young families keep returning to the 146-villa property in South Male Atoll, together with easy accessibility from Velana International Airport by speedboat.
“As a father myself, I understand that travelling with a family can be complicated enough without adding unnecessary steps to the journey,” Andrew said.
“Seaplane transfers can mean additional costs and luggage restrictions. At Kandooma, families can be met by our airport team, have their luggage taken care of and be escorted to their boat for a straightforward transfer to the island. When you’ve travelled a long way to reach the Maldives, these things really matter.”

The South Asian Travel Awards celebrated its tenth anniversary last night, recognising stand-out tourism businesses across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Kandooma Maldives is an experience-led, all-inclusive island resort located in the South Malé Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Designed with families, couples, friends and active travellers in mind, the resort features 146 villas across garden, beach and overwater settings, including family villas and multi-bedroom accommodation with private pools.
The Kandooma experience is brought together through five signatures: Kandooma Blue, Kandooma Table, Kandooma Flow, Kandooma Social and Kandooma Ways, spanning ocean adventure, dining, wellbeing, social experiences and Maldivian culture. Facilities include Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, Perfect Wave Surf Shop, Kandoo Kids’ Club, watersports, a 24-hour gym, restaurants and bars, event and meeting facilities and a changing programme of complimentary and bookable activities, live entertainment and island experiences. Kandooma Maldives is Green Globe Certified.
Visit www.kandooma-maldives.com.
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