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

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives proudly announces its recognition as a finalist in the esteemed SPA Star Awards 2025, in the International Category. This distinguished acknowledgment celebrates excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the global spa and wellness industry, recognizing resorts that set the bar for exceptional wellness offerings.

A Significant Achievement for Kuda Villingili Resort

The resort’s selection as a finalist marks a significant achievement, as a panel of industry experts carefully chose Kuda Villingili for its commitment to delivering exceptional spa experiences and promoting holistic wellness. Consequently, the final results of the SPA Star Awards 2025 will be revealed during the highly anticipated FORUM SPA inside gala evening on June 2, 2025.

Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating,

“We are truly humbled and honoured to be a finalist in the prestigious SPA Star Awards At Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, wellness is at the core of everything we do— offering our guests a sanctuary where they can reconnect, rejuvenate, and find balance in the beauty of nature. This nomination is a celebration of our passion for holistic well-being, heartfelt hospitality, and the transformative power of meaningful
spa experiences”

Furthermore, the SPA Star Awards 2025 recognizes excellence in the spa and wellness industry. The awards ceremony, held during the FORUM SPA inside gala evening, offers a platform for networking, expert discussions, and the recognition of the most innovative spa concepts in the industry.

A Premier Wellness Destination

Moreover, this nomination solidifies Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives as a premier destination for wellness, known for its world-class spa services that blend luxury with tranquility. It not only highlights the resort’s dedication to providing an unparalleled wellness experience but also gives it a unique platform to showcase its innovative approach to wellness to a global audience.

Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Kuda Villingili Resort offers a luxurious island sanctuary that seamlessly blends modern elegance with the natural charm of the Maldives. The resort’s spa serves as the ultimate relaxation destination, offering a wide range of holistic therapies, rejuvenating treatments, and serene overwater treatment villas designed to foster total well-being. Guests unwind under the care of expert therapists, experience time-honored wellness programs, and enjoy a peaceful ambiance, creating a transformative escape into rejuvenation and self-care.

Join the Voting Process and Win an Exclusive Wellness Experience

As the event approaches, all nominees, including Kuda Villingili, will be prominently featured on the official SPA Star Awards website, on FORUM SPA inside’s social media platforms, and in the May/June edition of SPA inside magazine. Wellness enthusiasts, readers, and guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite spa and wellness destination, with voting open until mid-May for the Audience Award.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites its loyal guests, partners, and supporters to join this exciting journey by casting their votes in support of the resort. To cast your vote for Kuda Villingili, simply email vote-spastar@redspa.de with “Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives” as the subject line. Every vote counts, and participants will enter an exciting prize draw. The winner will receive a luxurious four-day wellness holiday for two at one of the Best Alpine Wellness Hotels in Austria and South Tyrol.

Voting will close on May 11, 2025, so don’t miss the opportunity to support your favorite island wellness sanctuary and stand a chance to win an unforgettable escape to the Alps.

As the final announcement draws near, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives eagerly anticipates continuing its journey as a leading destination for wellness and relaxation in the Maldives, offering its guests an unparalleled experience of rejuvenation and serenity.