Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, placing the Raa Atoll property among some of Asia’s leading hospitality destinations and adding another international recognition to the Maldives’ globally renowned tourism industry.

The award was presented at the 15th edition of the AHA Asia Hotel Awards held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. Originally established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 into the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, widening its scope to recognise outstanding hotels and resorts across the region. Hosting the ceremony in Bangkok for the first time also reflected the programme’s growing regional profile and its focus on excellence in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design and service.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year title for its distinctive approach to contemporary island hospitality, combining personalised service, modern design and experiences closely connected to the natural beauty of the Maldives. The recognition further strengthens the international visibility of Raa Atoll as a premium tourism destination and highlights the continued success of the Maldives in attracting high-end travellers from key global markets.

Located amid the tropical surroundings of Raa Atoll, the resort features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Every accommodation category includes a private pool, while the overall design places strong emphasis on privacy, open spaces and uninterrupted views of the surrounding Indian Ocean. The villas are designed to blend naturally with the island environment, offering guests a calm and exclusive retreat while preserving a strong sense of place.

The resort also offers a wide variety of experiences that allow visitors to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives. Guests can take part in guided house reef exploration with marine experts, enjoy underwater activities and participate in programmes that introduce elements of Maldivian heritage and island traditions. These experiences complement the resort’s luxury accommodation by giving travellers opportunities to engage more closely with the destination.

Dining is another key part of the Alila Kothaifaru Maldives experience, with the resort offering seafood and international cuisine alongside private dining arrangements in distinctive island settings. One of its signature experiences is dining on The Shack, a secluded sand cay that provides guests with an intimate setting surrounded by the ocean. Spa Alila further enhances the resort experience through treatments and wellbeing programmes designed to promote relaxation and renewal.

General Manager Thomas Weber described the award as a proud achievement for the entire resort team, noting that Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has always focused on allowing guests to experience the island at their own pace. He credited the resort’s employees for their dedication, care and genuine hospitality, while also expressing appreciation to guests who have chosen the property for holidays and special occasions.

Resort Manager Jamal Ahmed said the recognition reflected the collective effort of the resort team and the attention given to even the smallest details of the guest experience. He highlighted the resort’s focus on creating service that feels personal and welcoming, describing the regional recognition as especially meaningful for employees whose daily efforts contribute to maintaining high hospitality standards.

The AHA Asia Hotel Awards title is the latest international recognition received by Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026. Earlier in the year, the resort was also awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.

Together, the two accolades represent recognition from both the hospitality industry and international travellers, highlighting the resort’s consistent focus on guest satisfaction, service quality and authentic experiences inspired by the Maldivian environment.

The achievement also adds to the strong international reputation of the Maldives as one of the world’s leading luxury tourism destinations. With continued investment in high-quality resorts, distinctive guest experiences and premium hospitality services, the country’s tourism sector continues to strengthen its position in the global market while supporting economic growth, employment and wider development across the islands.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives said it will continue to focus on personalised hospitality, maintaining high service standards and developing experiences that allow visitors to discover the natural beauty, marine environment and cultural character of the Maldives.