An award can put an island on your radar. The next question is whether it belongs in your holiday plans.
The Maldives and Visit Maldives Corporation collected five national-level honours at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September 2026. Resort winners included The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. [1–4]
For travellers, the results offer a starting point for exploring the islands. Here are the confirmed highlights, followed by the questions we suggest asking before turning a shortlist into a booking.
01 · The destination
What did the Maldives win in 2026?
The national results span destination appeal, diving, environmental recognition and honeymoon travel, alongside an award for the tourist board. Visit Maldives confirmed these five honours: [2]
- 01Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2026Maldives
- 02Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2026Maldives
- 03Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2026Maldives
- 04Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026Maldives
- 05Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2026Visit Maldives Corporation
These are Indian Ocean regional titles. They should not be described as the 2026 global “World’s Leading” awards.
02 · The islands
Resort winners worth knowing
Different award categories highlight different kinds of stay. These five results are a useful place to begin, whether you are imagining an overwater escape, a family holiday or an all-inclusive break.
| Maldives award category | 2026 winner |
|---|---|
| Leading Luxury Resort | The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort |
| Leading Water Villa Resort | Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi |
| Leading All-Inclusive Resort | Hard Rock Hotel Maldives |
| Leading Family Resort | SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton |
| Leading Lifestyle Resort | SO/ Maldives |
Selected results, not the complete winners list. Sources: World Travel Awards announcement and category records. [1, 3, 4]
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort also received the regional luxury-resort title. Its Maldives luxury win extends a run stretching from 2018 through 2026. [1, 3]
Use the categories to organise your research. If a water villa is your priority, compare the actual room categories, deck layout and access to the sea. If you are travelling with children, start with occupancy rules, dining arrangements and activities appropriate to their ages.
Let the awards introduce you to an island. Let the details decide whether it is yours.
03 · Your holiday
How to choose beyond the award
Your time on an island is shaped by everyday details: the journey there, where you wake up, what dinner includes and how you like to spend an afternoon. This is where your shortlist becomes personal.
Start with the holiday you want to have.
Do you picture quiet mornings on a private deck, a full programme of family activities or hours exploring the water? Tell your expert what a good day looks like before choosing a resort by name.
Make the journey part of the decision
Ask for the transfer method, expected journey time and how it fits your flight arrival. Compare the full airport-to-resort journey, including waiting time and any overnight arrangements, rather than the transfer duration alone.
Choose the exact villa
Check beach or water access, pool provision, privacy, sleeping arrangements and the location within the resort. Families should confirm age restrictions and safety considerations for the particular villa category.
Understand what your meal plan covers
Request the inclusions for your dates and package. Check participating restaurants, drinks, dining credits and reservations. An all-inclusive award does not mean every rate or every experience is included.
Match the island to your interests
Ask about reef access, excursions, children’s facilities, dining preferences or the atmosphere you want. If sustainability matters to your choice, request evidence of the property’s own practices and certifications.
Compare the complete holiday cost
Put room rates alongside transfers, taxes, meals, mandatory supplements and the activities you expect to book. Compare quotations for the same dates, party size and inclusions, then review payment and cancellation terms.
If you are drawn to both beach and overwater accommodation, ask about dividing your stay between villa categories. Zaha can check whether a suitable split is available for your dates and explain the costs and room-move arrangements.
04 · More to explore
Looking beyond the winners
The original shortlists offer more names to explore. Below are the other nominees in the two categories covered in our pre-ceremony guide; the winners are shown in the table above.
Luxury resort category: other 2026 nominees
- Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
- Cheval Blanc Randheli
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Constance Halaveli
- Jumeirah Olhahali Island
- JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
- One&Only Reethi Rah
- SO/ Maldives
- The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Official category record. [3]
Water villa category: other 2026 nominees
- Angsana Velavaru
- Baglioni Maldives
- Baros Maldives
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
- Jumeirah Olhahali Island
- The Standard Maldives
- Velaa Private Island
Official category record. [4]
A few questions, answered
How are World Travel Awards winners selected?
WTA operates a voting system open to registered voters. Votes from verified travel-industry accounts count as two, while non-industry votes count as one. The awards reflect that process; they are not a personalised assessment of suitability for your trip. [5]
Does a resort award apply to every villa and package?
The listed titles recognise resorts in specific categories. Before booking, check the exact villa, meal plan and inclusions in your quotation rather than treating the award as a description of every available stay.
Can Zaha help me compare the recognised resorts?
Yes. Share your dates, number of travellers, children’s ages where applicable, budget and priorities. Our Maldives-based team can check booking options and compare suitable properties, including alternatives beyond the awards list. Rates and availability depend on your requirements.
Found an island you like?
Let’s see how it fits.
Tell us your dates, budget and the kind of holiday you have in mind. Our Maldives-based team will help you compare the details and check suitable options.
Plan my Maldives holiday Personal advice. No obligation to book.