JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.

The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.

Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.

The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.

Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.

Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.

Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.

Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.

JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.

The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection has announced its recognition as one of the Best House Reefs at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the Maldives’ most celebrated marine destinations.

Set within the renowned waters of South Ari Atoll and in close proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), one of the Maldives’ most ecologically significant protected marine regions, the resort is home to an extraordinary house reef that spans more than five times the size of the island itself. Just steps from the shore, guests can immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater world of thriving coral formations, abundant marine life, and unforgettable encounters that have made Machchafushi a favourite among snorkellers and divers alike.

A defining feature of the reef is the iconic Kudhi Maa Shipwreck, a 52-metre sunken cargo vessel that has evolved into a flourishing marine habitat. Today, it stands as one of the resort’s most distinctive underwater attractions, where schools of tropical fish, batfish, lionfish, and groupers have made their home, creating a remarkable underwater experience for divers and snorkellers.

The award reflects not only the richness of the reef itself but also the exceptional marine adventures available at the resort. From snorkelling alongside whale sharks in the waters of South Ari Atoll to guided night snorkelling experiences, semi-submarine excursions, and explorations of the vibrant house reef, guests are invited to discover one of the Indian Ocean’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems. The surrounding waters are also home to manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, and an abundance of marine species that make every encounter beneath the surface unique.

“We are deeply honoured to once again be recognised as one of the Best House Reefs,” said Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. “Our house reef is at the heart of the guest experience and one of the defining features of Machchafushi. This recognition reflects not only the extraordinary marine environment that surrounds us but also our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing it with guests from around the world.”

This latest accolade further strengthens Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives’ reputation as a leading destination for marine exploration in the Maldives, offering unparalleled access to the natural wonders of South Ari Atoll and unforgettable experiences beneath the surface.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, an underwater-themed family focussed resort, has announced its recognition as one of the Best Resorts for Families at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026, reaffirming its position as a leading family-focused destination in the Maldives.

Located in North Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort is designed as a contemporary island escape centred around multi-generational travel and shared family experiences.

The resort features 145 contemporary beach-inspired villas and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed with families in mind. Accommodation options include connecting villas for larger families and groups, alongside signature Mirage category villas featuring bunk beds for younger guests, creating dedicated spaces that support both comfort and togetherness.

At the heart of the resort experience is its expansive outdoor water complex, featuring a swimming pool, dedicated children’s pool, meandering lazy river, and an interactive water playground. Designed as a central gathering point for families, it offers continuous engagement across generations within a single shared environment.

Dining across the resort reflects a family-oriented approach, with The Sailhouse offering all-day international dining with live cooking stations, Acqua presenting Italian classics in a relaxed setting, Suan Bua serving authentic Thai cuisine, and Rum Bar, Dolphin Bar, and Scoops providing a variety of relaxed, social spaces for refreshments and light bites throughout the day.

Wellness is thoughtfully designed for all ages. At SPA Cenvaree, guests can experience restorative therapies for adults, while younger guests are introduced to gentle, tailored treatments at Candy Spa, a dedicated space created to offer children their own introduction to wellbeing in a calm and considered environment.

Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Jorge Fernandez, stated: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised among the Best Resorts for Families. This recognition reflects our positioning as a multi-generational travel destination, thoughtfully designed to bring families together through immersive shared experiences. From engaging lagoon and water complex experiences to dedicated spaces and curated activities for young traveller, alongside restorative offerings for adults, every element is crafted to create meaningful time together while allowing each generation to experience the resort in their own way.”

Blending underwater-inspired design with contemporary island living, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives continues to define itself as a resort where family time is naturally at the centre of the journey.