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MATATO honors tourism industry with Maldives Travel Awards

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Maldives Promotion House – Maldives Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) honored the travel and tourism industry with first ever Maldives Travel Awards.

The grand awarding ceremony was held last night (28th September) at Paradise Island Resort. The event began with awarding of appreciation plaques to Mr. Abdulla Jabir, Mr. Yoosuf Riffath and Mr. Maleeh Jamal for their contribution to the development of MATATO. Awards for 21 categories including resorts, hotels, liveaboards and aviation were awarded trophies. A tourism personality award was also awarded to Mr. Ibrahim Gasim as his achievements and contribution to the development of the hospitality industry in Maldives.

The event included entertainment items popular Maldivian artists including Unoosha, Barchi, Ritte, Mummu, Mira and Furadhan. The ceremony closed with the rhythms of DJ Paidey.

Senior management members of top hotel chains in Maldives and attended the event. Members of the executive board of MATATO and the Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ms. Mariyam Mizna Shareef also attended the event.

During the coming few days the winner from among the voters will be selected and awarded 2 return tickets from Etihad Airways and their GSA Partner AirPlus along with a 7 night stay at Paradise Island Resort.

This year’s judging panel, appointed by MATATO, was made up of Dr. Mahamood Shougee (Former Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation), Dr. Ahmed Adham Abdulla (CEO of MTCC), Ms. Zeenaz Hussain (Dean of Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies), and Mr. Ghaly Murthala (Tourism Development Consultant for FJS Consulting Pvt Ltd).

“The event was very successful, and we thank all the sponsors and MATATO for their assistance and support in making the first Maldives Travel Awards a grand success. We also thank all the nominees and congratulate all the winners, and hope that more resorts, hotels, Liveaboards, airlines and airports will participate in next year’s awards”  said Ismail Hameed, Director of Marketing, High Rise, who organized the event.

MATATO is the exclusive organizer of Maldives Travel Awards, and this year’s event was managed and organized by High Rise.

Winners
Leading Luxury Hotel – Hulhule Island Hotel
Leading Wellness & Spa Resort – Six Senses Laamu
Leading Business Hotel – Paradise Island Resort
Leading Cruise Brand – Voyages Maldives
Leading Budget Hotel – Adaaran Club Rannalhi
Leading Cruiser – Dhaainkanbaa
Leading Luxury Resort – Anantara Kihavah Villas
Leading Resort Website – Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
Leading Beach Resort – LUX Maldives
Leading Liveaboard Website – Island Pearl
Most Romantic Resort – Naladhu Maldives
Most Supportive Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa
Leading Dive Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa
Leading Domestic Airport – Villa Maamigili Airport
Leading Surf Resort – Chaaya Island Dhonveli
Leading International Airline – Emirates
Leading ECO Resort – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Leading Family Resort – Centara Grand Island Resort & spa, Maldives
Leading Meeting & Conference Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa
Leading Meeting & Conference Center – Sun Island Resort & Spa
Leading Wellness & Spa Brand – Chavana Spa

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Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives transitions to five-star adults-only resort

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Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has been reimagined as a five star, adults only sanctuary, setting a new standard for refined relaxation amidst the Maldives’ pristine surroundings. This repositioning ushers in a fresh chapter for the resort, unveiling thoughtfully designed spaces, curated dining experiences, and enhanced leisure facilities, all reflecting its promise – For Those Who’ve Outgrown Ordinary.

Dining

The resort’s culinary landscape has been completely reimagined with the introduction of two signature restaurants.

Summer, the resort’s open-air, beachfront restaurant, is set to open in late November. Capturing the vibrant energy of southern coastal cuisine, it brings to life a lively grill concept inspired by the laid-back charm of Louisiana. The menu celebrates flame-grilled specialities, gourmet burgers, and hearty comfort dishes, served in a beach-style setting that transitions effortlessly from the warmth of the afternoon to the relaxed rhythm of the evening.

Corals, opening in mid-December, introduces a semi-fine dining experience within an elegantly enclosed, air-conditioned space inspired by the island’s underwater world. Its menu highlights refined global and French influences, complemented by a carefully curated wine selection and live jazz performances that enhance the restaurant’s sophisticated ambience.

Wellness & Recreation

Further enriching the guest experience, the newly expanded Sports and Recreation Centre, set to open in mid-November, features a badminton court, newly introduced pickleball and tennis courts, and a dedicated table tennis hub, catering to the growing demand for social and wellness-focused experiences. These enhancements bring a renewed sense of energy and connection to the resort, ensuring every guest can find the perfect balance between activity and leisure during their stay.

Guest Experience Enhancements

Recognising the importance of comfort and connection throughout the guest journey, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives has unveiled a thoughtfully designed Guest Waiting Lounge for travellers arriving early or departing late. The lounge features plush seating, soft lighting, signature teas and coffees, Wi-Fi access, and a curated reading corner, complemented by washroom and shower facilities, providing a tranquil space to unwind before the next leg of the journey.

Speaking on the reopening, Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, shared, “Our vision was to create a sanctuary where adults can reconnect, relax, and rediscover the magic of island life in an elevated yet effortless setting. Every space, from our new dining venues to our wellness and recreation facilities, has been designed to celebrate experiences that feel personal and inspiring.”

With these enhancements, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives invites guests to experience an island escape where contemporary elegance meets Maldivian charm which is perfectly crafted for those who’ve outgrown the ordinary.

For more details and bookings, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamon-hakuraa-huraa-maldives.

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Czech actress Simona Krainová enjoys island retreat at Brennia Kottefaru Maldives

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Brennia Kottefaru Maldives recently had the pleasure of welcoming renowned Czech actress and model Simona Krainová and her family for a relaxing island getaway, in collaboration with Colours of Maldives, a leading travel brand with over 28 years of experience promoting the Maldives.

Born on 19 February 1973 in Havířov, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Simona is best known for her roles in There Once Was a Cop (1995), Dodgeball (2015), and Kapitán Exner (2017). During their stay, Simona and her family enjoyed diving and snorkeling adventures, exploring the Maldives’ stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.

To learn more, visit www.brennia.com and for reservations, please email info@brennia.com.

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Featured

Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.

At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.

The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.

Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.

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