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The Maldives Wins ‘World's Leading Destination 2020’

Traditional Dress of the World's leading destination
The Maldives has achieved a historical milestone by winning the prestigious ‘World’s Leading Destination Award 2020’ title.

The Maldives has achieved a historical milestone by winning the prestigious ‘World’s Leading Destination Award’ title at the World Travel Awards 2020. This is the first time the Maldives was crowned in the most distinguished travel award category in the World.

The Maldives takes the award after fierce competition with world-class destinations such as; Dubai, Spain, Greece, India, and the United States of America and also other countries. 6 properties in the Maldives also won prestige in the world-class categories. Additionally, the world’s biggest airline, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) was also crowned as the world’s leading seaplane operator. Likewise, TMA has secured this title since 2019.

Maldives winning World’s Leading Destination award is a strong endorsement of the popularity of Maldives amongst international tourists. This superb win reflects the strong determination and sound policies of HEP Solih and his administration, strive and strides of travel and tourism industry partners and employees; targeted #VisitMaldives promotion by industry partners and MMPRC and of course the warm smile of Maldivians. Congratulations!

A statement by Tourism Minister of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.

In addition to the world’s leading destination 2020 award, Maldives has also claimed the title of Indian Ocean’s leading dive destination constructively for the past 5 years. Furthermore, the island nation is on a winning streak, grabbing the Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination title without a drop since 2013.

The Maldives won regional titles at the World Travel Awards including:

1. Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2020: Maldives
2. Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination: 2020: Maldives
3. Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2020: Maldives
4. Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2020: Maldives

The titles properties in the Maldives won globally include:

1. World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2020: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
2. World’s Leading Luxury Island Villas 2020: Baros Maldives
3. World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2020: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
4. World’s Leading New Resort 2020: Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
5. World’s Leading Airport Resort 2020: Hulhule Island Hotel
6. World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2020: JA Manafaru
7. World’s Leading Underwater Hotel Restaurant 2020: 5.8 Undersea Restaurant @ Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives
8. World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2020: Vakkaru Maldives

Aerial view of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Aerial view of St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Also read: Choosing a Villa in the Maldives: Beach, Overwater or Underwater?

World Travel Awards™ is globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. Likewise, this year, the World Travel Awards had an extended voting period; to enable all organizations nominated in the 2020 program a longer timeframe so they can generate votes.

Feature image by Kurumba Maldives
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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Unveils Vibrant House Reef and Celebrates with Aqua Week 2025

Maamutaa House Reef unveiled at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

  • First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
  • Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
  • Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
  • On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
  • Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
  • Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

  • Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.

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