Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, has received the Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA) Awards, held at the Conrad Bangkok on 14 October 2026.

The IWTA Awards recognise women contributing to environmental, social and regenerative initiatives across Asia’s travel and tourism industry. The Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award honours individuals whose work places local communities, cultural preservation and environmental conservation at the centre of tourism development.

Franklin co-founded Secret Paradise Maldives in 2012, establishing a tourism business focused on providing visitors with experiences beyond traditional resort holidays. The company promotes interactions between travellers, local communities and the natural environment through locally led tourism activities.

Secret Paradise Maldives works with local businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups to support responsible tourism practices and ensure that a greater share of tourism revenue benefits local communities.

Its activities focus on marine conservation, cultural awareness and creating opportunities for Maldivians to share their knowledge, traditions and way of life with international visitors.

Commenting on the recognition, Franklin acknowledged the contributions of the company’s employees, local partners and community organisations.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While the award may have my name on it, it represents the collective efforts of the entire Secret Paradise team, our local partners and the many NGOs and community members we work alongside.

“Since establishing Secret Paradise, our aim has always been to demonstrate that travel can be a force for good, creating meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting local livelihoods, celebrating Maldivian culture and helping protect the incredible natural environment we are so fortunate to call home. This award is recognition of everyone’s contribution to that journey,” she said.

The award recognises Franklin’s work in promoting community-based tourism in the Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives’ efforts to integrate environmental conservation, cultural preservation and local economic participation into its tourism operations.

Private Lagoon Resort has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards: Best Hotel for Families and Best Hotel for Sustainability.

Presented by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine (LLM), the Readers’ Travel Awards celebrate outstanding hotels, destinations and travel experiences from around the world. Following nominations and the selection of finalists, winners across the categories will now be determined by public vote.

The dual recognition highlights two defining aspects of the Sirru Fen Fushi experience: its approach to creating meaningful island experiences for families, and its ongoing commitment to protecting and regenerating the natural environment surrounding the resort.

Located on Gaakoshibee Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi is set within a 600-hectare private lagoon and alongside a 9-kilometre house reef. Meaning ‘Secret Water Island’ in Dhivehi, the resort combines contemporary island living with a strong connection to its natural surroundings.

For families, the resort offers a diverse collection of experiences designed to bring guests of all ages together, from marine exploration and coral planting to sports, creative activities and dedicated family facilities. The resort’s expansive infinity pool includes a family area alongside a dedicated children’s pool, while its range of villas provides space and privacy for families travelling together.

Sustainability is equally central to the island experience. The resort’s Coralarium, created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, combines underwater art with coral regeneration, while the surrounding house reef provides an exceptional environment for marine conservation and education. Guests can participate in experiences including coral planting, turtle research and marine discovery, offering an opportunity to engage directly with the ecosystem surrounding the island. Sirru Fen Fushi also operates a dedicated Sustainability Lab and holds Green Globe GOLD certification.

Rudrojit Deb, General Manager at Sirru Fen Fushi, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in two categories in the 2026 Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards. Being shortlisted for both Best Hotel for Families and Best Hotel for Sustainability is particularly meaningful, as these are two areas that are deeply connected to the experience, we strive to create at Sirru Fen Fushi. We want families to discover the island together while also developing a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary marine environment that surrounds us. We would be delighted to have the support of LLM readers as voting progresses.”

Voting is now open and closes at 11.59pm on 15 November 2026, with the winners due to be announced on 2 December 2026.

Readers can vote for Sirru Fen Fushi in both categories via the Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards.

To cast your vote, please visit here. To discover more or to reserve your festive escape, please visit the resort’s official website or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.

The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.

Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.

The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.

Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy

Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.

Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.

Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience

For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.

“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.

“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”

A Decade of Island Hospitality

Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.

As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.