News
Maldives win major accolades at World Travel Awards, Indian Ocean 2013

Maldives Promotion House – The industry’s elite, including CEO’s and SVPs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs, attended the idyllic island gala event hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry”. World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.
Air Mauritius was one of the shining stars on the night, capturing Indian Oceans Leading Airline. Other Award winners from across the region, saw Indian Oceans Leading New Hotel going to Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Indian Oceans Leading Resort to One&Only Reethi Rah, Leading Water Villa Resort and Most Romantic Resort went to Baros and Leading Luxury Resort to Gili Lankanfushi with Lets Go Maldives taking Leading Luxury Tour Operator and a new Award went to SriLankan Airlines for Outstanding services to the Tourist Industry, Indian Ocean.
The Maldives continuing rise to tourism stardom was rewarded too, as it took home top honours for best Airport awarded to Maldives Airports Company Limited for Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Indian Oceans Leading Tourist Board and Indian Oceans Leading Destination.
Graham E Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said: “The Indian Ocean continues to serve as an example of a responsible eco-tourism region whilst offering the most unique hospitality products and services. It strives to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honour to hold the first ever Indian Ocean World Travel Awards here.”
Winners
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Air Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport – Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort – LUX* Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel – Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Car Hire – Avis
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Conference Hotel – Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Port – Port Victoria, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination – Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort – Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Golf Resort – Le Touessrok, Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination – Mauritius
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand – Hilton Hotels
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite – Ocean Haven at W Retreat & Spa – Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Leisure Hotel Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort – Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator – Lets Go Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Water Villa – Ocean Suites at Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort – Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Private Island – Resort Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort – Baros Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort – Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board – Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency – Atoll Paradise
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort – Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Seychelles
- Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort & Spa – Ayada Maldives
- Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort – Baros Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort – Huvafen Fushi Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Family Resort – Paradise Island Resort & Spa
- Maldives’ Leading Green Resort – Sun Island Resort & Spa
- Maldives’ Leading Leisure Hotel Brand – Villa Hotels
- Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort – Gili Lankanfushi
- Maldives’ Leading Luxury Tour Operator – Lets Go Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Resort – One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah
- Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort – Ayada Maldives
- Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort Brand – Villa Hotels
- Maldives’ Leading Tour Operator – Atoll Paradise
- Maldives’ Leading Travel Agency – Get Into Maldives Travels
- Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort – Baros Maldives
Awards
Villa Nautica wins DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award

Villa Nautica has been recognized among the world’s top 150 resorts, receiving the esteemed Red Star Quality Award 2024 from DERTOUR Group. This accolade, reserved for hotels that uphold the highest standards of guest satisfaction, highlights the resort’s commitment to excellence in service, hospitality, and overall experience.
A maritime celebration of quayside life, Villa Nautica blends urban sophistication with the spirit of the open sea. Inspired by the sleek elegance of a superyacht, its interiors reflect a polished, modern aesthetic, where crisp nautical lines meet understated luxury. The resort’s lifestyle is equally refined, offering guests a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. With world-class scuba diving, exhilarating water sports, and direct access to some of the Maldives’ most stunning marine landscapes, Villa Nautica captures the essence of the seafarer’s dream with a glamorous twist.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Villa Nautica stands apart for its authenticity. Unlike many international hospitality brands in the Maldives, Villa Resorts is one of the few locally owned and operated groups. This deep connection to the destination shapes its ethos, offering guests more than just a holiday, but an experience rooted in genuine Maldivian warmth. Every element, from its personalized service to its commitment to sustainability, reflects a philosophy of meaningful hospitality, one that seeks to leave guests feeling enriched and restored.
The Red Star Quality Award is DERTOUR Group’s top recognition, given to only 100 resorts in long-haul destinations and 50 in Europe, based on guest feedback and key performance metrics. For Villa Nautica, this acknowledgment highlights its consistent ability to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience, where service and atmosphere come together to offer guests something truly special.
News
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes guests with new standard of serenity

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.
Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.

For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.
Family
Exciting Easter adventures await families at Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.
A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club
The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.
Island-Wide Easter Fun
Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.
Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”
Plan the Perfect Family Escape
Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.
For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.
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