Marriott International has announced that five of its Maldives properties have been recognised in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, further reinforcing the Maldives’ standing as one of the world’s most admired luxury travel destinations. Curated by the editors of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau and voted for by readers around the world, the annual awards celebrate excellence across the region’s high-end travel sector. This year, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; W Maldives; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa were honoured across all seven award categories, reflecting the strength, diversity, and international appeal of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio in the Maldives.
The recognition highlights the exceptional quality of resort experiences being delivered across the Maldives, from private island retreats and spa sanctuaries to distinctive villa design, celebrated pools, vibrant marine environments, and outstanding hospitality leadership. Marriott International said the awards reflect not only the natural beauty of the destination, but also the consistent efforts of resort teams who continue to create highly personalised and immersive stays for travellers seeking refinement, comfort, and meaningful island experiences.
Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations, Asia Pacific excluding China, and Market Vice President, Maldives at Marriott International, said the company was deeply honoured to see its Maldives resorts recognised across all seven categories in this year’s awards. He stated that the achievement reflects the strength and diversity of Marriott’s portfolio in the country, as well as the passion and dedication of its teams in creating exceptional experiences that resonate with today’s luxury traveller. He also expressed appreciation to guests for their continued trust and to Marriott associates whose commitment to excellence helps bring these extraordinary island destinations to life each day.
Among the recognised resorts, W Maldives continued its strong performance by being named Best House Reef in the Maldives for the third consecutive year, while also securing the number four position among the Best Resorts in the Maldives. Following its transformation in 2025, the resort has continued to attract global attention for offering a contemporary island escape shaped by energy, design, and a strong connection to the surrounding marine environment. Its acclaimed house reef remains one of the resort’s defining features, offering direct access from both the beach and overwater villas. The reef supports rich marine biodiversity, including reef sharks, tropical fish, and the island’s well-known resident sea turtle, Bob, making it a standout destination for underwater discovery and one of the most memorable marine experiences available in the Maldives.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands also earned major recognition, with The Ritz-Carlton Spa being named the Best Resort Spa in the Maldives, while the resort itself ranked number seven among the Best Resorts in the Maldives. Widely admired for its refined architectural identity, the resort was designed by renowned architect Kerry Hill, whose circular design concept reflects the balance and contrasts of island life, from ocean and lagoon to light and shade. At the centre of the resort’s wellness offering is the ring-shaped spa, which appears to float above the turquoise waters and has become one of the most visually distinctive and serene spaces in the Maldives. Its approach to wellbeing, inspired by water, directional energy, and holistic renewal, has helped position the property as a leading destination for travellers seeking elevated luxury combined with thoughtful design and restorative experiences.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa also secured multiple honours, ranking number three in both the Best Resorts for Families and Best Pools categories, in addition to being placed number nine among the Best Resort Spas in the Maldives. Set on a natural island and designed with multigenerational travel in mind, the resort has established itself as a preferred destination for families seeking both privacy and a broad range of meaningful experiences. Younger guests benefit from more than 100 engaging activities at the Family by JW Little Griffins Kids’ Club, one of the largest of its kind in the Maldives, while adults are offered opportunities for relaxation at the overwater Spa by JW. The resort’s pool experiences also contributed significantly to its recognition, with the expansive Horizon Pool providing panoramic ocean views for families and the adults-only infinity Pool 18 offering a more tranquil setting for quiet retreat.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort received two accolades, ranking among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and securing a place in the Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives category through the John Jacob Astor Estate, with both honours placed at number ten. Located on a lush natural island, the resort continues to distinguish itself through an ultra-luxury approach that combines architectural elegance, expansive accommodation, and meticulously tailored guest experiences. Recent enhancements, including the expanded Two-Bedroom Family Villa, the reimagined culinary experience at Cargo, a world-class padel court, and an upgraded Technogym-equipped fitness centre, further strengthen its appeal among discerning international travellers. The John Jacob Astor Estate remains one of the most remarkable residences in the destination, spanning 1,726 square metres across two levels. As one of the largest overwater villas in the Maldives, it offers three bedrooms, a private gym, cinema, three spa treatment rooms, a kitchenette, plunge pools, a sweeping infinity pool, and a spacious ocean-facing terrace, complemented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service and a private buggy. Together, these features present an experience of privacy, scale, and personalised luxury that continues to define the upper tier of Maldivian hospitality.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa was also recognised through the leadership of its General Manager, Greg Allan, who was named among the Best Resort General Managers in the Maldives for the second consecutive year. His recognition reflects a management approach that has successfully combined guest experience enhancement with broader priorities such as sustainability, talent development, and innovation. Under his leadership, the resort has continued to strengthen its marine conservation work, including the successful relocation of more than 800 coral colonies to help protect the reef ecosystem. At the same time, Greg Allan has remained a strong advocate for developing hospitality talent through the Marriott International Maldives Apprenticeship Program and for encouraging greater female representation in operational roles, reflecting a wider commitment to inclusive progress and long-term industry development in the Maldives.
The broad recognition received by Marriott International’s Maldives portfolio this year illustrates the continued global appeal of the country’s resort sector and the growing sophistication of its luxury tourism offering. With each property bringing a distinct character to the guest experience, from marine adventure and family travel to wellness, architectural excellence, and highly personalised service, the awards underline the Maldives’ ability to meet the evolving expectations of international travellers while preserving the natural beauty and hospitality excellence for which the destination is renowned. For global readers and travellers alike, the results serve as a strong endorsement of the Maldives as a destination where world-class resort experiences continue to set international standards.
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