Maldives wins Travel + Leisure ‘Best Island in Asia’ Award
Maldives resorts and marinas have been welcoming international superyachts through most of the pandemic, offering a safe experience to those ready to explore the wonders and relax in this one-of-a-kind Southeast Asia destination. And now, this extraordinary destination has won the “Best Island in Asia” accolade at Travel + Leisure 2022 World’s Best Awards at a ceremony held at Dante Seaport, New York City on July 20th.
The award was accepted on behalf of the Maldives by the Ambassador to the United States of America; Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Thilmeeza Hussein.
In other award news, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has been acclaimed as “Best Hotel in the Maldives” by the Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia Awards 2022, and the resort’s AVI Spa claimed the second spot in the category “Best Spa in the Maldives”. The Travel + Leisure “Asia’s Best Awards 2022” was launched in March this year for the first time, aiming to highlight the excellent travel and hospitality destinations across Southeast Asia.
Yachting in the Maldives offers amazing experiences, from lush private islands with turquoise lagoons to 5-star resorts offering pampering spas and fine dining. A year-round cruising destination, the Maldives offers unforgettable experiences such as night diving with hammerhead sharks and an underwater restaurant made entirely of glass.
“The Maldives is also a convenient stop-over for yachts bound for either the Red Sea or en route via the Cape of Good Hope,” reports Mohamed Hameed, from Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives. “Other good news for superyachts is that since April 2020 fees to enter the Maldives have been substantially reduced, making this a viable stopover for all yachts crossing the Indian Ocean.”
Throughout 2022 the Maldives will be celebrating 50 years of tourism since this spellbinding island nation began attracting visitors. The Maldives now has nearly 200 resorts across 26 natural atolls, around 10 of which opened in 2021. A further 12 are scheduled to open throughout 2022, giving a stunning array of choice for international yachting visitors, from couples to families and from luxury-seekers to adventurers.
And as a region, the Maldives is also seeing a new drive for sustainability – a change reflected in some of the eco-friendly activities being offered by many of its resorts.