Cheval Blanc Randheli Makes Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List

Cheval Blanc Randheli has made the Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Gold List.

Reviewing Cheval Blanc Randheli for the Gold List, Condé Nast Traveler’s Maria Shollenbarger praised the “supremely elegant” and “completely private” villas of the resort.

“As looks go, it doesn’t get chicer than this, but the whimsical touches — turtles drawn in the sand along the path to my villa, thoughtful little notes from my butler left alongside the pitchers of fresh juice — are what truly give this place its character,” she wrote.

“And the overwater restaurant, Deelani, was my dream combination of beach shack and high-style seafood emporium.”

This win for Cheval Blanc Randheli comes less than a month after it secured a spot amongst the best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one-of-a-kind exclusive property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH). Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including the Chedi Muscat and many Aman resorts, Randheli marries contemporary aesthetic with the traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.

The resort offers 46 villas in three different categories to choose from; Island, Water or Garden. They have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.

The award-winning Owner’s Villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli sprawls across its one-hectare dedicated island, and is accessible from a private berth and jetty. This four-bedroom villa is the epitome of exclusive privacy with unique facilities including its own spa, oversized 25-metre long outdoor pool, pristine beaches and exotic gardens.

The resort’s award-winning Le 1947 fine dining restaurant offers an exceptional nine-course culinary experience, which pays tribute to French cuisine, interpreted with delicacy and creativity in a Maldivian setting.

Meanwhile, the Cheval Blanc Spa offers exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas, while the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop. For guests with children, there is a Le Carrousel Kids Club and Le Paddock Teens Club on the premises to keep them occupied.

The annual Gold List is Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best hotels in the world; the ones its editor’s keep coming back to time and again. It is described as the world-leading travel publication’s “love letter to the hotels that make us feel sexier, smarter, flirtier…that make us walk with a little more swagger and remind us who we want to be and how we want to live.”

This year’s Gold List spans six continents and 54 countries.

World's Best Villa - Cheval Blanc Randheli Owner's Villa

Owner’s Villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli has bagged the award for the Best Villa in the world.

The global title was given at the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards gala ceremony held at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel on October 27.

The Owner’s Villa sprawls across its 1-hectare dedicated island, and is accessible from a private berth and jetty. This four-bedroom villa is the epitome of exclusive privacy with unique facilities including its own spa, oversized 25-metre long outdoor pool, pristine beaches and exotic gardens.



Fine crafts, bespoke furniture and individual artworks enhance the tasteful interiors of this exceptional villa. In the main house, three light filled successive reception rooms invite to either a musical interlude around the grand piano, blissful relaxation in the multiple sofas and lounges, or a cocktail at the bar.

Cheval Blanc’s exquisite Art de Recevoir ensures a truly memorable experience for its guests. Overseen by a dedicated team – available 24/7 and housed on premises – guests will be surprised and delighted by tailor-made activities and unforgettable experiences, that are made to measure to meet every individuals’ wish.



Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one-of-a-kind exclusive property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including the Chedi Muscat and many Aman resorts, Randheli marries contemporary aesthetic with the traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.

The resort offers 46 villas in three different categories to choose from; Island, Water or Garden. They have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.

The Cheval Blanc Spa offers exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas, while the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop. For guests with children, there is a Le Carrousel Kids Club and Le Paddock Teens Club on the premises to keep them occupied.

The 2017 gala ceremony held in Thai capital Bangkok commended exceptional hospitality establishments across seven continents and 172 countries, including the Maldives. Awards were given in 94 categories.

Recognised as the highest accolade a hotel or spa can receive, a Haute Grandeur Award is a guaranteed golden stamp of excellence. Award winners and participating establishments are perceived as exceptional and distinguished by association.

The Haute Grandeur Awards system is unlike any other. Unbiased results are guaranteed through a fair, transparent process that recognises brilliance by means of quality guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. This unique approach to measuring excellence is why Haute Grandeur is in a class of its own.

World's Best Resort in Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards | Naladhu Maldives

Naladhu Private Island Maldives has been crowned the best resort in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

Listing Naladhu in the first place in the list of the 50 best resorts in the world, Condé Nast Traveler described it as an intimate resort providing a level of privacy and personal attention impressive even in the Maldives.

“With a location only 30 minutes from Male’s international airport by the hotel’s speedboat, Naladhu represents the Maldives’ most convenient exclusive destination yet,” the world’s leading travel publication said.

Naladhu offers an intimate beach resort experience with just 19 guest villas, including six Beach Pool Houses, 12 Ocean Pool Houses and a Two-Bedroom Pool Residence. These weathered-wood accommodations come with a private garden and an infinity pool, high-ceilinged interiors decorated in cane and tropical hues, and an open-air bathroom with L’Occitane products and a sea-facing tub for two.

The Living Room restaurant’s dining spaces range from tables set around the all-glass wine cellar to cushioned Indian daybeds under the stars, and a fleet of traditional Maldivian dhonis adds onboard private dinners.

Dedicated butlers, or Very Good Chaps (VGCs), exceed expectations with quiet, smiling service.

Condé Nast Traveler on Tuesday announced the results of its 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines, airports, and cruise lines in the world.

Over 300,000 readers submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments, voting on a record-breaking 7,320 hotels and resorts, 610 cities, 225 islands, 468 cruise ships, 158 airlines, and 195 airports — thereby creating the largest-ever list of Readers’ Choice Award winners.

Soneva Fushi Wins Hicap Sustainable Hotel Award

Soneva Fushi has won the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP).

Soneva Fushi won the award in the Sustainable Investment category, which focuses on how sustainability has been incorporated into hotel investment decisions and investment models to make sustainability financially viable and generate positive impact.

“We hope this encourages other businesses to invest more in their sustainability initiatives,” Soneva said, in an announcement.

Awarding the recognition, HICAP stressed that Soneva Fushi, which is located on a remote island without access to an electric grid or potable water, has demonstrated remarkable financial ingenuity and ROI regarding its sustainability initiatives. For instance, a purchase power agreement was engineered to source electricity from a 700kW on-site solar installation, reducing annual energy spend by 20 percent with no up-front costs, it said.

HICAP also hailed the establishment of an on-site glass studio at Soneva Fushi to create innovative art from the operation’s glass waste for in-house display and guest purchase. Along with onsite vegetable production with food waste composting, such initiatives generated USD 265,000 in value in 2016, it noted.

Another initiative highlighted was the introduction in 2008 of a two percent environmental levy on all room rates. HICAP stressed that the funds (USD 6 million to date) are used for a variety of social carbon projects certified with Gold Standard carbon credits, which collectively have benefitted 185,000 people, while mitigating the hotel’s entire carbon footprint.

Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 57 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi joins Cempedak Private Island in Indonesia (Sustainable Design), and Hong Kong-based hotel chain Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts (Positive Community Impact) as winners of this year’s HICAP Sustainable Hotel Awards.

Winners will be recognised on October 20, at the closing HICAP Awards Lunch at the InterContinental Hong Kong.

The annual HICAP Sustainable Hotel Awards were launched in 2007, and are designed to recognise hotels in the Asia Pacific region creating innovative new methods, strategies and technologies to face today’s sustainable development challenge, while providing tangible examples of sustainable best practices that can be replicated and adapted across the region.

Organised and hosted by Burba Hotel Network (BHN), Horwath HTL and Stiles Capital Events, HICAP is Asia’s largest and longest running hotel investment event, making it the most important gathering of hotel developers, investors, lenders, operators and other industry executives for information exchange, trend spotting and deal making.

"World’s Best New Resort" | Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani has strengthened its position as the best new resort in the world, with the latest being the top spot in CNN’s list of hot new hotel openings.

Last month, CNN compiled a list of the best new properties to check into in 2017. Soneva Jani secured the first place.







Other properties that made it to the list include:

• Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
• Las Alcobas, Napa Valley, California
• The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
• Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles, Africa
• Rosewood Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos
• W Shanghai – The Bund, Shanghai, China
• The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubai
• Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy
• Assila Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square, London, England
• Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, California
• The Fontenay Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
• Raffles Europejski, Warsaw, Poland
• SLS Brickell, Miami

Opened in December, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and its second resort in the Maldives. Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa set in a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon located in the northern Noonu atoll. The resort spans five islands surrounded by pure white beaches, covered in rich tropical vegetation, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Each of the resort’s multilevel water villas has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars. Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below. Other hotel highlights include a spa, an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor cinema.

Since its opening, Soneva Jani has created a lot of buzz amongst luxury travellers with its exciting features such as the retractable roofs and the water slides. It has also been named the Best Over-the-Top Luxury hotel of the year by Jetsetter.com.

Best International Island Destination - Maldives at Outlook Traveller Award

Maldives wins ‘Best International Island Destination’ at Outlook Traveller Award 2017. In an event held in New Delhi, India.

The Annual Outlook Traveller Awards is currently in its 10th Edition. The awards facilitates the best in the travel industry, with 28 categories, the awards take a 360⁰ view of the tourism sector and the way it has been growing in the last year. This year the awards  were divided into three categories—15 Jury awards, two Editor’s Choice awards and 11 Readers’ Choice awards.

Since its inception in June 2001, Outlook Traveller has catered to the needs of the growing number of travellers. A pioneer in many ways, the magazine has steadily over the last 16 years published many articles on the hidden gems of India, thereby contributing to the tourist flow. As an organisation, Outlook Traveller believes in partnering with society to bring about awareness and aid in disciplined changes for the welfare of all.

Travel and Tourism sector of India ranks 7th in the world in terms of the total contribution to the country’s GDP. Indian outbound market has been one of the fastest growing market in the recent years, from 13 million in 2010 to 19.4 million in 2015. This is expected to grow further with 32.3 million outbound trips in 2020 making India the fastest growing market in the world. Maldives is among the top choices for Indian travellers resulting in a growth of 27.9% at the end of 2016.

OBLU by ATMOSPHERE at Helengili Wins the “ITS REDSTAR Award”!

Just over one year into operations, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli has been selected within the “TOP
100 resorts of the World” by ITS Germany and has been awarded the prestigious ITS RedStar Award.  




OBLU at Helengeli has been selected from a collection of 8500 properties, that DER Touristik Group,
Germany has contracted worldwide. DER Touristik Group is one of the largest producers to the Maldives
from the German Speaking Markets.  
Positioned as a ‘BEST IN CLASS’ Four‐Star Superior resort, OBLU at Helengeli is the second property under
the up & coming Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts Indian Ocean hospitality Brand.  
“It is certainly a matter of pride for my team and myself, to have been recognized so fast, for our consistent
performance during the past one year since opening! This award will inspire us to do more for our valuable
customers and ensure that we deliver our promise at all times!” – Mr.Bill Ignatiadis, General Manager,
OBLU at Helengeli.  

Acclaimed “NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR” Award goes to OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE From HIDEAWAYS Magazine!

In conjunction with ITB 2017, the highly‐respected HIDEAWAYS Publication house organized their Annual
Awards ceremony in Berlin. Attended by the elite of the travel trade industry in Germany & world‐wide,
along with high net‐worth customers, HIDEAWAYS awarded OZEN by Atmosphere with the “NEWCOMER
of the YEAR” Award for 2k17!

Within just 8 months of opening this is the second prestigious award won by OZEN, and was the ONLY
resort from the entire Asia to have won this prestigious and highly significant award.
“It is an unbelievable feeling to have won TWO consecutive awards by two highly respected luxury experts
within the German speaking markets, not even a year into operations.



My team, myself and the entire
Atmosphere Family will do all possible to continue this surge forward and we sincerely thank all our
discerning customers as well as prestigious organizations like HIDEAWAYS Magazine, for recognizing our
sincere efforts in showcasing a wonderful Luxury resort like OZEN!” ‐ Mr. Venkata Giri, General Manager,
OZEN by Atmosphere.

The operating hospitality brand, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts continues to innovate within the reso
rt
industry in the Maldives, offering unique, Luxurious, Value‐for‐Money experiences for the discerning
traveler. OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo on its own accord has redefined Luxury within the Maldives,
with its true “Luxury All‐Inclusive” offering – a FIRST within the Luxury segment in the Maldives!

UAE superyacht builder Gulf Craft says Maldives offers rich rewards

The UAE luxury boat builder Gulf Craft said today the Maldives offers a major opportunity for the superyacht sector.

And the chief executive of the creator of such dreamboats as the 155-foot Majesty 155 believes the market for large luxury vessels is likely to grow in the Maldives, where Gulf Craft already builds boats and provides the lion’s share of leisure cruisers.

"We see an emerging demand for bigger boats – over 45 feet in length – across the country, and we are investing in our local operations, in terms of both infrastructure and skill-set, to support this growing demand for larger and more luxurious leisure craft," said Erwin Bamps.

Maldivian tour operators are set to benefit from a growing demand from affluent millennial vacationers for luxury cruising experiences, thanks to the increased availability of domestically produced leisure craft, he said.

"The Maldives is host to a booming high-end millennial tourist demographic that is constantly looking for new and exciting ways to spend time on the islands, and offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the country’s vast seascapes from the comfort of a luxury yacht would be the perfect way to help visitors create lasting memories," said Mr Bamps.

Until now, most boats in the Maldives have been used to transport people from one part of the Indian Ocean nation to another, however, Mr Bamps said this trend is rapidly changing, with private operators looking to introduce luxury cruising to enhance the holidaymaking experience for visitors.

For example, the Maldives-based chartersmaldives.com operates the 90ft Anastasia luxury cruiser for guests wishing to experience the atoll’s beauty from the sea.

And with figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council showing that travel and tourism contributes to more than half (52 per cent) of Maldives’ overall GDP, Mr Bamps said the prospect of enabling visitors to explore the exotic coastlines from the water will be of particular interest to the country’s thriving hospitality sector, as the industry continuously strives to expand its experiential offering.

Gulf Craft has been a major contributor of Maldives’ transport infrastructure, and accounts for more than 80 per cent of the country’s boats, most of which consist of the builder’s Touring passenger vessels. It has provided the Maldives with more than 1,000 boats during its 15 years of operations in the country.

In addition to its locally-based manufacturing facility, the company also operates a dedicated marine services centre, ensuring around-the-clock access to support.

Gulf Craft also recently announced a partnership with Ooredoo for the deployment of the GPS-based tracking solution, Ooredoo Locate, on all of its passenger boats. The technology enables owners to keep track of a craft’s location and status via a dedicated mobile app or Web-based portal.

Founded in the UAE in 1982, Gulf Craft offers a wide variety of premium craft, ranging from 27 ft to 155 ft in length.

Centara Grand Island Resort And Spa's New Menu Inspires Euphoria With Every Meal

The Club at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives launches colourful feasts, presenting an exciting new menu created by Executive Chef Yvan Marclay and Executive Sous Chef Ashish Domme. The resort strives to enchant all club guests with an extraordinary dining experience with these new creations that have bold and eccentric flavors, made with the freshest high-quality produce.

Chef Yvan Marclay, with more than 15 years of experience being in charge of professional kitchens in luxury hotels and resorts in the Middle East and North Africa, brings with him expertise and competence that shows in the exciting revamped menu.

These impressive dishes that distinctly portrays the essence of sophisticated dining were officially introduced on the 21st of November 2016. Dishes that were featured include; Quinoa Couscous with Goat Cheese, Filled Zucchini Flowers, Baby Fennel Tempura, Pomegranate Reduction and Coriander Oil, White Onion Soup Served with Pan Seared Scallops, Salmon Roe and Baby Spinach, Olive Oil Poached Barramundi with Chlorophyll, Dry Fig Risotto, White Balsamic Beurre Blanc and Herbs, along with desserts that were delicious even to the eyes such as Walk On Saturn, Nutella -Hazelnut, White Chocolate-Pistachio Croquet Ice Parfait Served with Trio Sauces.

Their first serving received remarkable reviews from guests who had the privilege of visiting the resort at that time. Executive Chef Marclay said “These comments on the new dishes are the best feedback we’ve ever received. Some English guests told us our new dishes were the best they ever experienced”.

The Executive Sous Chef Domme also added that “An Australian couple told me that they had never had anything this amazing before and this was like spending 500 Australian dollars to dine at one of Sydney’s top restaurants”.

The two notable chefs have explained that their focus is on trying to take a modern and healthy approach on creating the dishes. They aim to create dishes full of flavour that are also aesthetically pleasing - and they really are! The dishes are available all day at The Club, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, it is really worth trying.

Dusit Thani Wins Favourite ‘Hotel Or Resort For Families’ Award

Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll - the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - was recently awarded ‘Favourite Hotel or Resort for Families’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2016.

Operated by luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, which prints regional editions in Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East. The annual Readers’ Choice Awards was established in 1987 and today, it is one of the most esteemed programmes recognized in hospitality excellence. More than 300,000 international readers cast their votes online this year, resulting in a list of the world’s finest travel experiences.

Dedicated to readers in the Middle East, the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards featured 21 categories this year. Voting opened earlier in the year and winners were officially announced at a gala dinner held on 14th November 2016 at the Park Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dusit Thani Maldives comprises 94 villas and residences, along with three restaurants, two bars, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. The resort is ocated just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital city, Malé, followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll. The resort is surrounded by a vibrant house reef, soft sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon. A well-equipped Kids’ Club is an appealing factor to the resort’s guests who travel with children.

“We are extremely proud to win this prestigious award which recognizes the quality of the resort’s luxury accommodation and distinctive services,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, the Bangkok-based, global hospitality company which owns and operates Dusit Thani Maldives. “From our gracious, Thai-inspired hospitality, to our well-appointed rooms and esteemed dining experiences, we do everything we can to create memorable guest experiences. And we are delighted to know we are getting it right.”

The Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Award caps a successful year for the resort. Along with other accolades received such as; Gold Magellan Award, Luxury Resort Category – 2016 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, Luxury Modern Resort of the Year 2016 – Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016 and Asia’s Top Leisure Hotel – Now Travel Asia Awards 2016.

Dusit Thani Maldives wins Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award

Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, was recently named ‘Favourite Hotel or Resort for Families’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2016.

Operated by luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, which prints regional editions in Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East, the annual Readers’ Choice Awards was established in 1987 and today is one of the most respected programmes recognising hospitality excellence. This year, more than 300,000 votes were cast online by international readers, resulting in a list of the world’s finest travel experiences.

Dedicated to readers in the Middle East, the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards featured 21 categories this year. Voting opened earlier in the year and winners were officially announced at a gala dinner held on 14 November 2016 at the Park Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Located just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital city, Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives comprises 94 villas and residences, along with three restaurants, two bars, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. The resort is surrounded by a rich house reef, white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon. A well-equipped Kids’ Club adds to the resort’s family friendly appeal.

“We are extremely proud to win this prestigious award which recognises the quality of the resort’s luxury accommodation and distinctive services,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, the Bangkok-based, global hospitality company which owns and operates Dusit Thani Maldives. “From our gracious, Thai-inspired hospitality, to our well-appointed rooms and esteemed dining experiences, we do everything we can to create memorable guest experiences. And we are delighted to know we are getting it right.”

The Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Award caps a successful year for the resort, which, amongst other accolades, also received the following:
• Gold Magellan Award, Luxury Resort Category – 2016 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.
• Luxury Modern Resort of the Year 2016 – Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2016.
• Asia’s Top Leisure Hotel – Now Travel Asia Awards 2016.

Cocoon Maldives Is Officially Open!

Designed by famous Italian design firm LAGO, Cocoon Maldives resort has been inaugurated on Monday.

The 5-star resort is located 30 minutes away from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at Lhaviyani Atoll on the island of Ookolhufinolhu. The property has been developed by Cocoon Investment in association with LAGO.

Cocoon Maldives aims to let the guests be enlightened as they complete a metamorphosis and rediscover their true self. Cocoon Maldives strives to create a unique designer resort that mixes luxury, design aesthetics, and hospitality in one exceptionally beautiful tropical island fashioned from the ground up to provide guests with the ultimate holiday experience aimed to refresh, revitalize and reawaken the soul.

There are 150 villas on the beach and suspended on stilts in the lagoon. LAGO has made it so that the designs incorporate the natural beauty of the island and surrounding. They have assembled the best elements of hospitality into an elegant yet modern resort. Cocoon's understated interiors defer to the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding marine environment: large windows frame scenes of breathtaking beaches, lagoon and ocean, complemented by furniture hewn from 200-year-old Wildwood. This theme is continued across all areas of the resort. In addition to the beautifully designed rooms, there are also three especially designed restaurants and bar contributed by LAGO.

Cocoon Maldives is well located around one of the best diving areas in the archipelago. There are over 50 diving spots around the resort. This gives room for the dive center and water sports facilities of this property to be top notch. In addition to these services, Cocoon Maldives also offers a Spa, Gym and Kid’s Club with experts to facilitate.

The General Manager for the resort, Raam stated that the aim of the resort is to give their guests a chance to have unforgettable experience during their visit.

The Ultimate Guide to the Maldives

Few places conjure up images of fab tans, luxury and romantic baecations like the Maldives.  You’ve seen the images in magazines and on Instagram filled with turquoise blue waters, decadent over water villas and pearlescent beaches. The Maldives is the daydream worthy spot on every travelers bucket list.  But how do you even begin to plan a trip to the Maldives?  Have no fear!  We’re here to give you all the information you need to plan the trip of a lifetime to the destination of your dreams.

About the Maldives

The Maldives is a South Asian island located in the Indian Ocean. It comprises of 26 natural atolls consisting of dual island chains, and is located on top of a vast underwater mountain range with around 1190 islands and sandbanks. The Maldives has no counterpart in terms of its unique geography and is home to the most diverse marine treasures in the world.  The heart of the Maldives, the capital city of Malé (pronounced Mar-lay) is a stark contrast to what you see in the magazines.  Malé offers visitors to see the real Maldives and explore its bustling streets, markets, mosques and more.  The local currency is Rufiyaa (MVR) and while credit cards are accepted in many shops, having a few local dollars on hand never hurts.

The best time to visit the Maldives would be December through February, unfortunately it is also high season which means rates at hotels can get sky high.  Shoulder season is generally March and April when the temperatures are at their highest.  Low season, May through November, is rainy season in the Maldives, but it is possible to still go and enjoy great weather if you go in mid to late November when rainy season is ending and lodging prices are still fairly low.  For the most part, visitors to the Maldives do not require visas for stays of 30 days or less. Check visa requirements for your specific passport before your travel.

Before You Go

One of the main things you need to do before you plan a trip to the Maldives is get real about your life and your finances.  There’s a reason why the Maldives is a dream destination, and that’s because it can get pricey! Sure there are ways to go to the Maldives on the low low – like staying in cheap hotels on Maafushi island that can be as low as $80/night and then spending $100 to take an all-inclusive day trip to a nice resort. But if you’re trying to do it the way you’ve day dreamed about, be ready to come up off some coins because that daydream is not for the broke.  Rates at the nicer resorts can cost into the thousands per night, and even the low end can be at least $500.  None of this includes taxes, fees or food and beverage.  Getting to these resorts is another cost.  Since each resort is on its own island, the only way to get to them is by speedboat or seaplane, which can cost around $300 and up per person.  There are no glitches or deals to be found in this area. Trans Maldivian Airways provides seaplane service to all resorts, so unless you own your own plane, they are who you fly with.  The resorts should have their own speedboats, so that’s pretty non-negotiable as well.  Basically, if you’re trying to be about that resort life, be prepared to pay.  Don’t worry about arranging the transportation, the hotel typically takes care of this for you.

Also, the Maldives is a Muslim country, and adheres to a strict no alcohol policy.  It is illegal to bring alcohol into the country, even in your checked luggage, and there is no duty free at the airport.  Your only options are to partake in a booze cruise that floats off shore near Maafushi or to cough up money on pricey drinks at the resorts.  Since island hopping is difficult between resorts due to the need for seaplanes and speedboats, chances are if you’re trying to drink you will need to purchase some kind of drink package at your resort or pay per drink.  The day trips from the cheap hotels I mentioned earlier are a good way to get your unlimited drink on.  But again, if you’re trying to live out your dreams, pricey resort drinks it is for you.

The Maldives isn’t going anywhere any time soon, so take all the time you need to save and plan for the trip you desire.  Travel is not a race, it’s a journey, and even if it takes you a little longer than most to save up, it will be worth it when you get there.

Getting There

The main airport in the Maldives is Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (MLE). Though there are no direct flights to the Maldives from the U.S., most, if not all, major airlines fly to the Maldives with at least one stop.  For my own trip I found flights leaving from JFK in November for just over $800 roundtrip.  Deal sites like The Flight Deal, Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog sometimes have flight deals for less, you just have to keep an eye out.  If you have time and money, and want to make the most out of your trip, consider extending your layover.  My flight had a stop in Dubai for a few hours on the straight roundtrip ticket.  Instead, I booked a multi-city ticket which allowed me to stay in Dubai for three nights before heading to the Maldives, and it cost me the same as a regular roundtrip, so I got a flight to two countries for the price of one.  Extending a layover can also be a great way to ease out of jet lag.  The time difference between Dubai and Male is only one hour, which means a few nights in Dubai can help get your body acclimated to the time change so when you arrive in the Maldives, you don’t spend your first few days extremely tired.

Where to Stay

Since this is the ultimate guide to the Maldives, we’ll skip discussion about cheap hotels and get straight to the good stuff.  The resorts in the Maldives are to die for and choosing just one can seem nearly impossible.  If you have the disposable income, you can certainly spend a few nights at one resort before hopping over to another, but if you’re looking for one resort that will give you the experience you’ve longed for, then the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is it.

Reached by a scenic 30 minute seaplane flight, the Conrad Maldives offers three different experiences on two islands. Discover a Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island or cross the bridge to enjoy the livelier main island. The third experience – the Spa Retreat – is an over-water destination set off the main island. The Conrad Maldives is exactly what you’ve lusted over in all those pictures and offers luxurious villas, including romantic water villas on Rangali Island, contemporary beach villas amidst tropical greenery on the main island, or stunning over-water villas at the Spa Retreat. There are also 12 restaurants and bars that cater to every palette, two spas, two pools and unique experiences such as manta-watching, dolphin-spotting and snorkeling with whale sharks.

I chose the Conrad for my own trip to the Maldives recently and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. The staff is extremely attentive and goes above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay, the food was amazing, the activities were endless (they even have karaoke!) and even with all the other guests, the Conrad somehow still manages to make you feel like you have the resort all to yourself.

One of my favorite experiences at the Conrad was enjoying a champagne breakfast at their world famous Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.  Pictures of Ithaa are probably #1 when you search for images of the Maldives and it is definitely an item on most travelers’ bucket list.

What to Do

The Maldives isn’t exactly somewhere you go to do a lot of stuff.  If you’re into diving, crossing off bucket list items like swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, snorkeling, jet skiing, taking cooking classes and tanning, then the Maldives is for you.  The only other activities would be exploring the cultural side of the country back on Malé, so definitely add a night or two on the main island to the front or backend of your trip.

To Bae or Not to Bae

The Maldives is known as a destination for lovers. From romantic getaways to honeymoons, it is definitely somewhere you want to be with a special someone.  However, if you don’t currently have a baecation boo, don’t let that stop you from going.  You can totally visit the Maldives solo or with friends and still have the time of your life.  Go solo to enjoy some relaxation and the freedom to move at your own pace.  Go with friends to try new things and create some fun memories.  Then, when you find the bae, go again and live out your wildest romantic fantasies.  That’s the great part about the Maldives, there’s no one way to experience it, and there’s something for everyone.  Besides, who said you can only experience paradise once?

Properties From The Maldives Win Countless Awards At World Luxury Hotel Awards

At the recently held World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala night in St. Regis Doha, Qatar, Maldives once again proved itself as one of the best destinations in the world with huge wins in regional and continental categories.

Resorts and a guesthouse from the Maldives, won awards in different categories at the WLHA 2016 awards night gaining international recognition as world class retreats and some of the best in the whole continent.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi won the Luxury Beach Resort, while Diamonds Thudufushi clasped the Luxury Water Villa Resort award. Lily Beach Resort and Spa took home the award for the Luxury Family All-Inclusive Hotel with Conrad Maldives Rangali seized the Grand Excellence Award. Constance Moofushi Resort Maldives was named as the Luxury Green Hotel while the Hotel Ocean Grand picked up the award for Luxury Guesthouse. In the continental categories, Coco Collection won the prize for Luxury Hotel Brand and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island won the award for Luxury Villa Resort.

Regionally, Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa at Dhonakulhi Maldives brought home the award for Luxury Private Pool Villa with Hulhule Island Hotel clutching the Luxury Airport Hotel. JA Manafaru, Maldives also won the Luxury Honeymoon Hotel. Furthermore, Mirihi Island Resort for Luxury Boutique Hotel, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort for Best Serviced Luxury Villas, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives for Luxury Spa Hotel, and Makunudu Island for Luxury Honeymoon Hotel.

Within Maldives, Coco Bodu Hithi took hold of the Luxury Honeymoon Hotel award while Centara Grand Ras Fushi Resort And Spa Maldives took the award for Luxury Adult Beach Resort, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island for Luxury Villa Resort, Constance Halaveli Maldives for Luxury Water Villa Resort, Jumeirah Vittaveli for Luxury Island Resort, Kurumba Maldives for Luxury Family All-Inclusive Hotel, Lily Beach Resort And Spa for Luxury Beach Resort, and Royal Island Resort & Spa for Luxury Romantic Hotel.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is a recognized global organization providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world-class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. Public votes select all winners, reflecting real recognition for the hard work and dedication of hotel staff and hotel standards.

Five Best Resorts In Maldives That Will Leave Every Tourists Astonished

Maldives is known for its wonderful beaches, sands and resorts. It has been visited by many people around the world and even by Hollywood celebrities. It is also known as one of the best places for couples to have their honeymoons.
The blue waters and white sand of Maldives truly brings about the wonder of nature. Even in pictures, the views in Maldives are truly breath taking. The resorts there are also built very wonderfully to have that "living by the beach" experience once in Maldives. According to Place to see in your lifetime and Touropia, here are some of the best resorts in Maldives.

1. Cocoa Island Resorts- it is one of the most popular resorts in Maldives. The available rooms of this resort is similar and inspired by boats the fishermen in Maldives use which is called the dhoni boats. The rooms are built above the lagoons, which gives the renters a view of the ocean once they step outside the door.

2. W Retreat and Spa- tourists who love modern-like resorts should come here in W Retreat and Spa. Enjoy a relaxing vacation with the resorts offered activities such as two-cabin yacht cruises and an underground nightclub to bring out the youth in you. The modern design of the resort makes it more luxurious and attractive.

3. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa- Enjoy the astonishing view of the Indian Ocean along with a swimming pool, a library, water sports, spa facilities, and wonderful lounges in the Four Seasons Resort. There are also bungalows for guests to relax in. Some of these bungalows even have glass floors to be able to look at the sea below. There is also another resort in Maldives named the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.

4. Kuramathi Island Resort- this resort offers not just its beautiful white sand beaches but also outdoor Jacuzzis and infinity pools and entertainment. It offers extraordinary water activities and programs for its guests. Guests also choose to stay at the garden, water villas or the beautiful beach with turquoise waters.

5. Naladhu Resort- This resort offers gorgeous designs for a limited number of people. Yes, they only have 19 villas available for their guests. These villas are built uniquely with sliding doors, ceiling glass, large bedroom and living room areas. It also has bathrooms with an infinity edge terrazzo bathtub and an outdoor area.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Claims Prestigious Awards at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2016

The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi has established themselves as one of the best in the industry not only in the Maldives but on a global scale as well by taking home two of the most prestigious awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony, held at St Regis Hotel, Qatar on 29th October 2016.

The resort claimed the Global Winner Leading Luxury Beach Resort and Regional Winner Leading Luxury Spa Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Event.

Recognized as amongst the world’s most prestigious and exclusive awards for the hospitality industry, the World Luxury Hotel Awards is a global organization that provides recognition to luxury hotels for their world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. The organization aims to encourage and raise service standards within the luxury hotel industry. Among over 1,000 hotels nominated in 145 countries, The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi won the votes of international tour operators, travel agents and hotel guests.

Upon receiving the coveted trophy for the two categories, an elated Evgenia Boyankova, Group Director Business Development of Sun Siyam Resorts, said "If it weren't for the sheer passion of my colleagues to delight each and every one of our guests, we wouldn't have gone this far". She added: "Together, we've made the Maldives proud".

“I dedicate these awards to our staff members who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our guests and provide unique home-away-from-home experiences. These awards inspire us to do more and work even harder in delivering award-winning hospitality and world-class experiences for our guests", commented Abdulla Thamheed, General Manager at The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi.

Other recent awards for The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi include Indian Ocean’s Best Resort Spa and Maldives’s Best Resort Spa by the World Spa Awards 2016. Indian Ocean's Leading Family Resort and Maldives Leading Family Resort by the World Travel Awards 2016. Flavours Restaurant was also awarded the Global Winner for Best French Cuisine & Best Wine Selection at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2016. The resort’s Spa was also awarded as the Best Luxury Resort Spa in the Indian Ocean from World Luxury Spa Awards 2016. 

Located among the unspoiled islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, a scenic 45-minute sea plane journey from Male, The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi is where nature’s simplicity and beauty is in abundance – it’s a world away from the everyday.

The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi features 221 luxury oceanfront villas, including 70 over-water bungalows, inspired by traditional Maldivian architecture. Guests at The Sun Sun SIyam Iru Fushi will enjoy luxurious relaxation, while immersing themselves in the rich culture and heritage of the Maldives. We, the MVHOTELS team congratulate The Sun SIyam Iru Fushi resort for its amazing achievements.

Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives Ranked The Second Best In The World

 

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas was ranked as the second best resort in the whole world by the Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2016. This is not a small feat achieved by the luxury Maldivian resort, Condé Nast Traveler is one of the biggest luxury and travel lifestyle magazines in the world and this years’ Reader’s Choice Awards were participated by over 300,000 people who voted in different categories such as the Indian Ocean’s Best Resort category, which was dominated by Maldivian resorts while Anantara KihavahVillas Maldives took the top spot. Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards have been taking place since 1987 and this year’s awards included 20,000 listing of different exotic resorts, hotels and countries from all over the world.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards described Anantara Kihavah Villas as Seventy-eight freestanding beach and overwater villas, each with its own infinity pool, on a private island of soft white sand. It was also recently named as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is 35 minutes by seaplane from Male’ the capital city of Maldives. It delivered high end thatched-roof luxury, with the lagoon at center stage.




Other resorts from the Maldives also took some of the spotlight with Chevel Blanc Randheli placed at 17th.  The resort was described by Condé Nast Traveler as a recent resort from the luxury conglomerate LVMH, the owners of Louis Vuitton, Céline, Dior etc, that would set the bar high. The white sands and turquoise waters of the Noonu Atoll, in the northwest Maldives, are the backdrop for 45 one and two bedroom villas. And that as far as looks go, it doesn’t get chicer than this, but the whimsical touches such as the turtles drawn in the sand along the path to the villa, thoughtful little notes from butlers left alongside the pitchers of fresh juice was what truly gave this place its character.

One & Only Reethi Rah from the Maldives was also on the list and was portrayed as an instant favorite among honeymooners and celebrity couples, the 130 thatch-roofed villas, all with terrazzo bathtubs for two, are scattered along the 12 beaches of this 109-acre island in the North Male Atoll with the Daybeds outside the Moroccan restaurant, Fanditha, as the best place to take your meals.

LUX* Resorts & Hotels Wins Big at the TTG Travel Awards

LUX* Resorts & Hotels is delighted and proud to announce its success at the TTG Travel Awards 2016. The group was named 'Luxury Hotel & Resort Operator of the Year' for the third time by TTG, the global authority on luxury travel in the UK and the world.
“It is with great honour that we accept this prestigious award on behalf of everyone at LUX* Resorts & Hotels. It is through the passion and dedication of our fantastic teams that the Group is today performing at such levels and it is a strong testament on our unwavering commitment to deliver the best experience for our guests. LUX* Resorts & Hotels now look forward to 2017 where we will aim to continue creating unforgettable moments for all our guests,” said Julian Hagger, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
“It’s incredible that our brand is being recognized once again by such a reputable industry expert. We are extremely grateful to the team for the hardware that goes in delivering incredible level of service and unique experience in each of the destination where we operate,” added the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.
All the nominated hotel operators in this category had received high ratings by TTG agents and, as part of the awarding process, each operator was assessed by panels of industry figures. The agent rating made 50% of the score and judges’ decisions the remaining 50%. TTG Travel Trade Publishing is regarded as one of the world’s most influential trade publishers. The TTG Travel Awards is reputed as the most coveted and influential awards to be won in the travel industry.
LUX* Resorts & Hotels helps people to celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of Luxury - hospitality that is Lighter, Brighter. The LUX* portfolio includes luxury resorts and hotels in Mauritius, Maldives, Reunion Island, China, Turkey, UAE, and Vietnam.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Wins Awards at World Spa Awards

Located among the unspoiled islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, a scenic 45-minute sea plane journey from Male’ the multi-award-winning resort The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. The resort has been recognized for its luxurious and innovative Spa by Thalgo, receiving two awards this year from Indian Ocean's Best Resort Spa and Maldives's Best Resort Spa.

World Spa Awards is a dynamic awards program, launched in 2015 and designed to drive up standards within spa tourism by rewarding the organizations that are the leaders in the field.

"Spa by Thalgo's double-recognition at the World Spa Awards is a wonderful affirmation of our efforts to provide both sophisticated travelers and spa visitors to Maldives with a flawless and contemporary spa experience connected to authentic influences and ancient rituals. The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi's now nine awards and accolades for 2016 are a testament to the brand's commitment toward setting new benchmarks for luxury experiences in Maldives." said The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi's General Manager, Abdulla Thamheed.

The winner of the World Spa Awards 2016 was announced at a red carpet Gala Ceremony held on 4th September 2016, at the Forte Sardina Resort in Italy.

The Spa by Thalgo set amongst lush landscapes and winding pebble paths offers twenty treatment rooms affording ultimate privacy and luxury. These treatment rooms are equipped with foot baths and vitality baths, whilst offering unique treatments. It is also the only spa in Maldives to offer Fish Spa therapy.

The Spa by Thalgo offers the widest variety of treatments including: Anti-Ageing Facials, Body Therapies, Facial Therapies, Slimming Treatments, Massage Therapies, Ayurvedic Therapies, Ayurvedic Rituals, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Maldivian Treatments, Signature Experiences and also Spa Packages & Spa Days. The island's experts also guide guests on a journey of self-discovery through series of classes on yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Pranayama and Pilates.

World Spa Awards Winners marked the highlight of a year-long search for the very best spas on the global front, commending and recognizing outstanding achievements in service excellence and rewarding those spas that have raised the bar within a highly competitive industry over the past year, putting the spotlight on those representing only the finest standards.