6 Resorts in Maldives Wins Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award

6 resorts in the Maldives has won the coveted Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Award 2021. Several resorts in the Maldives also won the 4-star award.

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. The star rating system’s anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a five-star from Forbes Travel Guide is by earning it through their independent inspection process.

Resorts in Maldives that won the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Maldives Forbes Travel Guide — *Image: Cheval Blanc*

The ultra-luxe Maison offers a range of experiences to fit every mood and desire of travellers. Cheval Blanc Randheli hosts various water activities ranging from water skiing or windsurfing to Seabob, jet ski, or stand-up paddling. A team of Alchemists at the luxury resort will design tailor-made activities and memorable experiences for guests.

For a gastronomic journey and every craving, guests can pamper their taste buds in 5 restaurants and 4 bars at Randheli. Meanwhile, The suites at Cheval Blanc Randheli features a subtle blending of Maldivian influences and modern sensibility.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Kuda Huraa is a ‘garden-style resort arranged as a traditional Maldivian village’. The luxury retreat won the ‘World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2020’ at the World Travel Awards last year as well.

Kanuhura Maldives

Kanuhura Maldives is a luxe lifestyle resort located in Lhaviyani Atoll and boasts 80 villas. Entirely renovated and redesigned in 2016, Kanuhura is a timeless castaway chic experience for travellers seeking ‘laid-back island living’.

The luxury escape is a part of the Mauritius-based hotel and leisure group Sun Resorts. Likewise, Kanuhura Maldives is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In 2020, the resort was recognized among the ‘Top 15 Luxury Island Resorts in the Maldives’. And also among ‘Top 10 Luxury Dining Experience in the Maldives’ by Luxury Lifestyle Awards’.

One&Only Reethi Rah

One&Only Reethi Rah offers an abundance of space and privacy. Surrounded by the wonders of the Indian Ocean, the luxury high-end resort makes its home on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Vommuli resort's overwater villas surrounded by beautiful lagoon — *Image: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort*

This Marriott International’s property in the Maldives boasts features 44 overwater villas and 33 villas located on the beach. In 2020, for the fourth constructive year, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort claimed the title of World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort as well. Moreover, this is the second constructive year the resort is winning the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Award.

The luxury high-end island retreat features one of the largest overwater villas in the world, the John Jacob Astor Estate. Located in the stunning Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is only reachable by seaplane. But, you can charter the resort’s Azimut FlyBridge 66 luxury yacht, Norma, for an exclusive transfer experience.

Velaa Private Island

Nestled 200 Kilometres north of the Velana International Airport, the ultra-luxury Velaa Private Island boasts 48 villas, of which 18 are built overwater. Guests can find a myriad of dining options and activities at the resort. Furthermore, dining at Aragu in Velaa Private Island is a not-to-miss experience.

This year, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi also won Forbes Travel Guide’s 2021 Hotel Instagram of the Year.

Feature image by Velaa Private Island

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking islands and luxurious resorts, has taken a bold step to enhance its global tourism reach through an exciting new partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Announced by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives), this multi-year agreement designates the Maldives as the official tourist destination partner of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, covering both the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership aims to showcase the Maldives to a vast international audience, thereby driving a surge in high-value tourism to the island nation.

A Global Stage for the Maldives

Liverpool FC engages an audience of over 205 million followers globally, giving Visit Maldives an unparalleled platform to attract potential travelers. By leveraging the club’s influential reach, the Maldives plans to draw an additional 100,000 tourists in 2025, generating over $100 million for the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, on April 2nd, during a high-profile match against Everton, the Maldives will unveil the partnership, with branding prominently displayed on LED boards at Anfield Stadium, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide see it.

This strategic alliance extends beyond brand visibility at LFC matches. Visit Maldives will place billboards across Europe, targeting affluent travelers in key markets, and secure coverage in LFC’s official publications and digital platforms. With LFC’s TV audience exceeding 211 million per season and 53 million followers on social and digital channels, the Maldives positions itself as a top destination for luxury travelers and football fans alike.

Exclusive Experiences and Sports Tourism

Moreover, this partnership offers the Maldives unique opportunities, including the creation of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, further boosting sports tourism. The academy will attract aspiring athletes and football fans, blending their love for the sport with the beauty of the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. In addition, additional fan zones, appearances by LFC legends, and interactive digital campaigns will further engage audiences and drive travel interest.

As a part of this effort, Visit Maldives will incorporate these activations into their global events, fairs, and roadshows, building a cohesive branding presence that emphasizes the Maldives as a luxury destination. The partnership will reach over 397 million people per season, with an expected media value of over $17 million annually, thus delivering a significant return on investment.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond tourism, this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to sustainability. Both LFC and the Maldives commit to protecting the environment, with LFC’s “The Red Way” program promoting sustainability in sports, while Visit Maldives champions ocean conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Since the Maldives faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change, this collaboration highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the island nation’s unique ecosystem.

Ben Latty, LFC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual goals of sustainability and unforgettable experiences in this partnership. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expresses pride in aligning with Liverpool FC, noting that the collaboration will bring the Maldives closer to millions of passionate football fans and offer them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Forging a New Era in Global Tourism

This partnership between Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism marketing strategy. Not only does it strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury destination, but it also connects with global football fans, inviting them to experience the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Ultimately, by combining world-class tourism with the passion of football, the Maldives aims to capture the hearts of millions, inspiring them to choose the Maldives for their next unforgettable adventure.