Maldives Icon Amilla Fushi Scores a Hat-Trick at the World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards 2019

Maldives hot spot Amilla Fushi has claimed a trio of prestigious accolades in the annual World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards. The winners were announced at a glitzy ceremony held at The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia on 5 July 2019.
Amilla Fushi’s signature over-water restaurant Feeling Koi was recognised as the Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant and Best Japanese Cuisine in the Indian Ocean, while the resort’s famed Javvu Spa was crowned the global winner for Best Luxury Jungle Resort Spa.
The World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards recognise and celebrate luxury restaurants and spas across the globe for their impeccable standards and memorable experiences; from outstanding atmosphere to exceptional service and setting the basis for service industry standards around the globe. Votes are garnered from guests through various marketing channels taking many factors into account from location to design and facilities, showcasing the true value of service excellence.
Serving authentic modern Japanese cuisine in the most breathtaking surroundings, Amilla’s overwater Feeling Koi restaurant offers Latin-inspired laid-back izakaya-style dining which combines the Japanese gastro-pub concept with warm service and a sprinkling of signature Amilla appeal. The restaurant features Japanese-inspired minimalist design; a private open-air dining room and open deck seating on the water’s edge; an open kitchen; and a climate-controlled Sake library including Feeling Koi’s own private label collection.
The resort’s Javvu Spa is an idyllic haven of wellness where pampering leads to holistic health with leading brands such as Pure Massage, ila, Gentleman’s Tonic, QMS and Louise Galvin combining to create a integrated spa menu of world-class, results-driven treatments. 10 wooden treatment pods are complemented by an indoor/outdoor gym with all the latest high tech equipment, a dedicated nail bar, hair salon and yoga pavilion for group or private classes, as well as the resorts new nurturing dining destination, the Wellness Café.

Source:- premier

FOUR SEASONS RESORTS MALDIVES SHINES AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2019

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has defended two prestigious country accolades at World Travel Awards. At the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, which took place at Sugar Beach – A Sun Resort in Mauritius on June 1, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa was named Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort for the second year in a row.The resort also won Maldives’ Leading Hotel award in 2007. Meanwhile, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah defended Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort award for two consecutive years.
World-renowned hotel chain Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts run three properties in Maldives: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, and Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.
The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.

Source:-maldives.net

Kihaa Maldives Recieves Three Awards at the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2019

Kihaa Madives has been honored with three prestigious awards at the regional edition of the International Hotel Awards - Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2019.
They have been named the Best Luxury Hotel as well as the Best Luxury Sustainable Hotel in the Maldives.
Furthermore, they have been recognized a ‘International Five Star Hotel’.
About Kihaa Maldives
Kihaa Maldives is located right at the HEART of the world famous biosphere reserve 'Hanifaru Bay' where giant mantas and whale sharks thrive seasonally in feeding frenzies! Kihaa Maldives is one of the most naturally beautiful Islands and Lagoon with a thriving coral house reef.
About the International Property Awards
The International Property Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe. They celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence.
The awards are split into regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and USA. Participants enter at their relevant national level and are judged by a highly experienced team of professionals who cover the whole range of property disciplines. Companies selected as winners are then invited to attend a glittering awards dinner for each region and have the right to use the prestigious logo in their marketing.

Source: theislandchief.com

Baros named “Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort” for seventh time

Baros, the Maldivian-owned boutique island resort, has been awarded as the “Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort” for the seventh consecutive year at the 26th World Travel Awards ceremony held recently in Mauritius.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. A series of regional gala ceremonies are held to acknowledge distinction within each continent, culminating in a Grand Final at the end of the year. Baros was chosen by voters consisting of industry professionals and travelers across the globe.
“This recognition as the “Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort” for the seventh consecutive year is a high honour and we are very thankful for the trust that our colleagues in the industry and guests have in us,” said Ahmed ‘Jay’ Jihad, General Manager of Baros Maldives. “It motivates us to keep exceeding guests’ expectations and advancing the Baros legacy of providing personalized experiences in intimate luxury and with extensive care.”
The well-forged identity of Baros has been consistently enhanced and refined during its 45 years of hospitality. This bijou island is designed with a cozy and intimate concept that ensures a blissful time in elegance and harmony for couples, honeymooners, or guests celebrating meaningful bonds with loved ones.

Source: eturbonews.com

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is certified Instagrammable

Niyama Private Islands Maldives has been recognized in Luxury Travel Adviser’s Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World 2019 competition, in which Niyama emerged champion in the Asia, Indian Ocean and Pacific Islands category.
Through four knockout rounds of the global competition, 41,000 votes were casted for Niyama in the regional finals, with the luxury resort beating Four Seasons Bali to take the top spot.
Luxury Travel Adviser is run by independent journalists for travel agents in the luxury segment. Travel aficionados from across the world casted their votes every week for their favourite designer destinations until a winner was crowned.
“This recognition reconfirms Niyama’s popularity with the travel elite, and I would like to thank the thousands of voters who chose the resort”, said Hafidh Busaidy, general manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives.
The resort comprises two islands – Play and Chill. The latter is home to the Drift Spa, which uses local botanical and marine resources in its Maldivian healing experiences. Floating over the ocean on stilts, the spa features six over-water treatment rooms with lagoon views and two treatment spaces with private gardens, outdoor baths, rain showers and daybeds. Treatments are carried out with products by Anne Semonin, Intraceuticals, Aromatherapy Associates and Margaret Dabbs. The spa also offers salon services such as hair styling, manicures, and pedicures.

Source: middleeastbeauty.com

FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI SCOOPS THE MALDIVES’ LEADING LUXURY RESORT AWARD AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi adds another distinctive award in its portfolio by bagging the Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort award at the World Travel Awards red-carpet gala ceremony held in Mauritius.
Hailed as the 'Oscars of the travel industry', World Travel Awards celebrates its 26th anniversary this year and is recognized globally as the ultimate travel accolade. The World Travel Awards is given away to acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel and tourism industry across the globe. It covers a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.
Receiving the award on behalf of the resort was Iain McCormack, General Manager, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi said, “We are extremely honored to have won this prestigious award that recognizes us in setting the benchmark to luxury hospitality in Maldives. With a renowned brand like Fairmont and a highly engaged and competitive team, our commitment and passion in turning moments into memories for our guests is at the core of our DNA. We look forward to using this award as an inspiration for our future success.”
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the first Fairmont luxury brand of AccorHotels to an area celebrated for its pristine natural beauty. Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, the resort boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, the stunning new property offers 120 luxury villas, each with a private pool. Sirru Fen Fushi, which means 'secret water island' in the local Dhivehi language, is set on an exceptionally lush island bursting with flora and fauna.

Source: thearrival.mv

Secret Paradise wins Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame

Secret Paradise Maldives qualified for TripAdvisor Hall of Fame after winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for a fifth year running. The locally based tour operator won the title on May 28.
The TripAdvisor awards celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to businesses that consistently achieve great reviews on TripAdvisor. Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience.
"Being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for a fifth year running is a proud moment for the team at Secret Paradise and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor”, said Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder and Director at Secret Paradise.
“Having worked in the public sector for over 30 years there is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by your guests. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on guest reviews, it is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to our guests Maldives experience.’’

Source: edition.mv

Maldives wins three awards at World Travel Awards 2019

The award was handed out during the 26th Annual World Travel Awards (Africa and Indian Ocean) Gala held at Mauritius yesterday. Maldives was crowned the Leading Beach Destination (Indian Ocean), Leading Dive Destination (Indian Ocean) and Leading Honeymoon Destination (Indian Ocean) during the gala. 16 businesses and resorts in the hospitality industry of the Maldives received various awards during the gala.

Source: oneonline

Urvashi Rautela in Maldives for Maldives Travel Award Gala Edition

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has arrived in the Maldives to attend the upcoming Maldives Travel Awards Gala Edition.

Urvashi arrived in the Maldives Wednesday morning, and was welcomed at the main Velana International Airport by top officials from organiser Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and host Adaaran Resorts Maldives.


The actress-cum-model is staying at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort, where the Gala Edition is set to take place. She will be the guest of honour at the gala ceremony on Thursday evening.

Urvashi was crowned Miss Diva 2015, and represented India at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

The 23-year-old actress made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with the film, Singh Saab the Great, followed by critically acclaimed roles in Sanam Re and Great Grand Masti in 2016. She also starred alongside Hrithik Roshan in the 2017 movie Kaabil.



Meanwhile, MATATO is making final preparations for the Gala Edition.

Voting for the 230 properties nominated for the 25 categories in the awards closed on Tuesday with an overwhelming 100,000 plus votes.

Winners for the Gala Edition will be decided by a collective score based on traveller reviews on TripAdvisor and the popular vote. The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony to be held at  Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi Thursday evening.

In addition to the main categories, MATATO will present five awards to recognise special areas of tourism development and sustainability.

MATATO will also combine the grand gala with the second edition of the Maldives Travel Conference, which is set to be held on Thursday at Bandos Maldives resort.



Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.

This year, MATATO has for the first time branched out the prestigious awards into three categories; the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.

As the first event held under the Maldives Travel Awards brand, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi hosted the People’s Edition on July 13, where 10 individuals were recognised for their immense contributions to the development of the Maldives tourism industry.

The Guesthouse Edition, held in the island of Maafushi on October 30, expanded on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrated the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.

As MATATO brings in a rising Bollywood actress for the most anticipated travel event of the year, the Maldives has become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.

A-list Bollywood stars who have visited the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Bollywood couples such as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have also spent their holidays in the Maldives, while Bollywood couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan has declared the Maldives as their favourite holiday destination.

India has also become a major emerging source market for the Maldives tourism industry.

Official figures show that 66,955 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 27.9 percent increase from the 52,368 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2015.

That growth has gathered steam this year, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 25.4 percent increase in the past 10 months to reach 63,141 from 50,369 in the same period last year.

Seven Stars Luxury Award Goes To Let's Go Maldives

Leading local travel agency Lets Go Maldives has won the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award.

Officials from Lets Go Maldives were present at the gala, which took place at the exclusive The Ecali Club on September 23, to collect the highest, most exclusive award in the industry; the Signum Virtutis seal of excellence.

Lets Go Maldives, which won the award in the Seven Stars Inbound Tour Operator category, is one of the largest travel agencies in the Maldives, with direct contracts and allotments with over 100 resort hotels and safari yachts across the Maldives. The agency also specialises in planning quality, custom-made packages at best prices, arranging luxury holidays for VIP clients, representing and handling travel agents, providing super-yacht charters, and aviation ground handling assistance.

Three resorts in the Maldives, including Hurawalhi Maldives, Ayada Maldives and JA Manafaru, also received the award.

After a cocktail reception filled with media and photographers, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was opened by the beautiful and talented celebrity presenter Ece Vahapoglu. Greek sensation Nina Lotsari entranced the audience with a spectacular performance accompanied by live music.

Special awards were also handed out on the night to companies which outclassed their rivals in particular sectors. Included in these special awards were Deer Jet, Mantis Collection, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Green, The Ecali Club, Italian Hospitality Collection, The Greek Villas, Despina Miraraki, Super Strom Vatsinas and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was a first for Greece, and witnessed the participation of CEOs, Presidents, Managing Directors, Owners and GMs, royalty, and celebrities from around the globe.

Khalil El-Mouelhy, Chairman, President and Founder, commented: “Today marked the fifth anniversary of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, and we feel honoured to have been able to celebrate this very special evening here in Greece and to have had the privilege to work with such an elite and distinguished organisation like The Ecali Club. I would like to express my appreciation for the winners for making this a global celebration and I would like thank The CEO of the Ecali Club, John Georgakakis, and the members of his team for their input, efficiency and unwavering dedication to excellence.”

Georgakakis, CEO of Ecali S.A., said: “The Ecali Club is famous in Greece for the high-profile events that took place in its premises in the past. Tonight we are deeply honoured to have been chosen to host the unique awards ceremony of the internationally recognised organisation ‘Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards’.  These awards represent true excellence, just like the Ecali Club, which represents the concept of eclectic living in luxurious hospitality.”

Now in its fifth year, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards is designed to identify and to separate the exceptional from the very best by bestowing the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence upon the most exceptional luxury hospitality and lifestyle properties and products worldwide. The number of winners each year is capped in order to provide maximum exclusivity and benefit for the winners.

Hurawalhi, Ayada & Ja Manafaru Bags Seven Stars Luxury Award

Hurawalhi Maldives, Ayada Maldives and JA Manafaru have won the 2017 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award.

Officials from Ayada Maldives were present at the gala, which took place at the exclusive The Ecali Club in Greece on September 23, to collect the highest, most exclusive award in the industry;  the Signum Virtutis seal of excellence.

Set in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu atoll in the south of the Maldives, Ayada Maldives offers 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and thoughtful five-star detailing. Traditional thatched-roof water villas stand on stilts over the resort’s peaceful lagoon, while beach villas offer absolute privacy amid tropical greenery alongside powder soft palm-lined white beaches.


Ayada Maldives.
Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.


JA Manafaru.
Officially inaugurated in January, the five-star Hurawalhi resort is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, and offers 90 villas, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation. The villas are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.


Hurawalhi Maldives.
After a cocktail reception filled with media and photographers, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was opened by the beautiful and talented celebrity presenter Ece Vahapoglu. Greek sensation Nina Lotsari entranced the audience with a spectacular performance accompanied by live music.

Special awards were also handed out on the night to companies which outclassed their rivals in particular sectors. Included in these special awards were Deer Jet, Mantis Collection, Hanging Gardens of Bali, Green, The Ecali Club, Italian Hospitality Collection, The Greek Villas, Despina Miraraki, Super Strom Vatsinas and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards Gala Ceremony was a first for Greece, and witnessed the participation of CEOs, Presidents, Managing Directors, Owners and GMs, royalty, and celebrities from around the globe.

Khalil El-Mouelhy, Chairman, President and Founder, commented: “Today marked the fifth anniversary of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, and we feel honoured to have been able to celebrate this very special evening here in Greece and to have had the privilege to work with such an elite and distinguished organisation like The Ecali Club. I would like to express my appreciation for the winners for making this a global celebration and I would like thank The CEO of the Ecali Club, John Georgakakis, and the members of his team for their input, efficiency and unwavering dedication to excellence.”

Georgakakis, CEO of Ecali S.A., said: “The Ecali Club is famous in Greece for the high-profile events that took place in its premises in the past. Tonight we are deeply honoured to have been chosen to host the unique awards ceremony of the internationally recognised organisation ‘Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards’.  These awards represent true excellence, just like the Ecali Club, which represents the concept of eclectic living in luxurious hospitality.”

Now in its fifth year, the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards is designed to identify and to separate the exceptional from the very best by bestowing the Signum Virtutis, the seal of excellence upon the most exceptional luxury hospitality and lifestyle properties and products worldwide. The number of winners each year is capped in order to provide maximum exclusivity and benefit for the winners.