Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has secured a prominent position on the global luxury travel map after being ranked fifth in the Top Overseas Leisure Resort (Global Category) at the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. The accolade, voted by readers across the region, is regarded as one of the most recognised distinctions in the high-end travel segment and highlights the growing recognition of the resort among discerning Middle Eastern guests seeking premium island escapes.
In addition to this regional success, Kuda Villingili has also earned a place among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller US Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This second recognition within the same year from another leading edition of Condé Nast Traveller reinforces the resort’s rising international profile and reflects its focus on delivering consistent, high-quality service across diverse source markets. Together, the awards signal strong confidence from both Middle Eastern and global travellers in the resort’s offering.
Commenting on the achievement, Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili, said: “To be recognised twice in a single year by two global editions of Condé Nast Traveller is a profound honour for us. Being voted among the world’s top leisure resorts by Middle Eastern readers is especially meaningful, as this region remains central to our guest community. These accolades reaffirm our dedication to delivering tailored luxury and unforgettable island experiences.” His remarks reflect the resort’s strategy of building long-term relationships with guests from the GCC and wider Middle East through personalised service and curated stays.
Kuda Villingili’s strategic location has been a key driver of its popularity among Middle Eastern travellers. Situated just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the resort benefits from direct international connections to Velana International Airport, short transfer times, and ease of access for regional guests. This convenient connectivity, combined with the resort’s focus on privacy and spacious layouts, has positioned Kuda Villingili as a preferred choice for travellers who prioritise comfort, discretion, and seamless travel logistics.
The island’s design and natural setting support a diverse range of stay types, from privacy-focused holidays to multigenerational family trips, romantic escapes, wellness retreats, and extended family stays. The accommodation portfolio features an array of overwater villas and generous beach-based villas, residences, and retreats ranging from two to four bedrooms. Each unit is crafted to offer expansive indoor–outdoor living, with selected categories featuring private pools and direct access to either the soft-sand beach or the lagoon. This flexibility allows families and groups travelling together to choose configurations that match their space, privacy, and lifestyle preferences.
Dining plays a central role in the Kuda Villingili experience. The resort offers eight signature venues serving twelve distinct cuisines, allowing guests to explore Mediterranean, Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei), Teppanyaki, contemporary Asian and surf-and-turf concepts in one destination. SPICE, the resort’s Indian–Arabic restaurant led in collaboration with the fifth-generation Qureishi brothers, has developed particular resonance in the GCC market. Its menu draws on Indian, Middle Eastern, and charcoal-grilled traditions, presenting familiar flavours with a refined, modern touch. Across all venues, the culinary programme is built around diversity of choice, quality ingredients, and attentive, personalised service.
Beyond accommodation and dining, Kuda Villingili offers a comprehensive mix of leisure, wellness, and adventure experiences designed to appeal to couples, families, and groups. At the heart of the island is a 150-metre freshwater swimming pool, one of the largest in the Maldives, which serves as a social and relaxation hub. A dedicated private island spa with eight treatment villas provides an intimate environment for restorative therapies, wellness journeys, and relaxation-focused programmes that are increasingly sought after by modern luxury travellers.
The resort also caters strongly to adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts. Located near Chicken’s Break, one of the world’s best-known left-hand surf breaks, Kuda Villingili has positioned itself as a surf-luxury destination for regional and international surfers looking to combine wave-focused holidays with high-end resort comforts. Families and couples can also enjoy a wide range of ocean excursions, watersports, and tailored activities that encourage shared experiences and quality time together, from exploring the lagoon to discovering marine life and sunset cruises.
Kuda Villingili has expressed its appreciation to Condé Nast Traveller Middle East readers for the 2025 recognition in the Top Overseas Leisure Resort (Global Category), as well as to Condé Nast Traveller US readers for the parallel honour in the Indian Ocean category. The resort continues to welcome both new and returning guests to experience its “Time and Space Redefined” philosophy through its accommodation, personalised service, and comprehensive array of experiences that blend Maldivian island beauty with tailored luxury for Middle Eastern and global travellers alike.
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