Universal Resorts Earns Top Honors at World Travel Awards 2024

Universal Resorts proudly announces that three of its eight properties have earned top accolades at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024. These wins solidify their status as leaders in global travel and innovation.

This year’s 31st edition of the awards, known as the travel industry’s highest honor, took place on Thursday, November 24, at a glamorous ceremony in Funchal, Madeira. The resorts Huvafen Fushi, Baros, and Kurumba received recognition for their outstanding excellence in hospitality. They earned the following titles:

Maldives Leading Boutique Resort 2024 – Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Maldives Leading Water Villa Resort 2024 – Baros Maldives
Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort 2024 – Kurumba Maldives

Baros also received several nominations:

Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort 2024
Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort 2024
Maldives’ Leading Resort 2024
Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2024
Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort 2024

Other nominations include:

Huvafen Fushi nominated for Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort 2024
Kurumba Maldives nominated for Maldives Leading Beach Resort 2024 & Maldives Leading Family Resort 2024
Velassaru Maldives nominated for Maldives Leading Resort 2024

Visha Mahir, Chief Operating Officer of Universal Resorts Management, shared:

“Achieving these top honours at the World Travel Awards is an absolute delight. It’s a powerful endorsement of our passion for crafting extraordinary experiences in a destination that continues to redefine luxury travel. The Maldives, with its breathtaking natural beauty and innovative spirit, sets the stage for unforgettable journeys, and we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Maldives Recognized as the World’s Leading Destination

The success of Universal Resorts’ properties reflects the Maldives’ continued position as the World’s Leading Destination. This prestigious title was awarded to the Maldives for the fifth consecutive year, cementing its status as a dream destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, unique experiences, and world-class service. Additionally, the Maldives was named the World’s Leading Green Destination 2024. This honor showcases the nation’s commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices.

A Legacy of Pioneering Luxury

Universal Resorts began its journey in 1972 with the opening of Kurumba, the Maldives’ first-ever resort. Since then, the company’s collection of eight resorts has continued to set the standard for luxury tourism.

In 2023, Baros celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking a legacy of genuine Maldivian hospitality and an unwavering dedication to exceeding guest expectations. Moreover, the recent World Travel Awards recognition follows the triumph of Universal Resorts properties at the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. Huvafen Fushi, Milaidhoo, and Baros ranked among the best resorts in the Indian Ocean.

For over five decades, Universal Resorts has led luxury tourism in the Maldives. The resorts offer unforgettable stays that embody the warmth and elegance of Maldivian hospitality. Each award-winning resort provides a unique experience:

Huvafen Fushi: This resort redefines luxury. It offers private plunge pools, the world’s first underwater spa, and dedicated butler service. With fewer than 50 rooms, Huvafen Fushi provides an intimate, boutique experience.
Baros: Famous for exceptional diving and underwater experiences, Baros offers tranquil escapes. Overwater villas with private pools and panoramic ocean views ensure a peaceful stay.
Kurumba: Located near Malé, Kurumba combines laid-back luxury with vibrant energy. It features pristine beaches, water sports, cultural experiences, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

New Developments and Enhancements Across Universal Resorts

Universal Resorts continues to innovate and exceed guest expectations with exciting new offerings at several properties:

Huvafen Fushi: Recently renovated, Huvafen Fushi has partnered with luxury beauty brands, including Natura Bissé and Aromatherapy Associates. These collaborations enhance the resort’s secluded island sanctuary, which reopened in October 2023 after a comprehensive renovation.

Kurumba Maldives: The resort has introduced new family-friendly experiences. The certified Kids Club now features activities like an AR Sandbox and Coconut Kitchen for young explorers. The spa has also updated its menu, offering global beauty icons such as Aromatherapy Associates and Obsidian Skincare for men. Dining at Kurumba has taken a bold step with Executive Chef Pedro Pecego. His international flair shines in unique creations, including South American grill nights at Thila, immersive ‘Omakase’ experiences at Hamakase, Middle Eastern flavors at Al Qasr, and North and South Indian-inspired dishes at Mahal.

For more information about the World Travel Awards 2024 winners, please click here.

Feature image: Baros Maldives

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Universal Resorts Earns Top Honors at World Travel Awards 2024

Maldives Recognized as the World’s Leading Destination

A Legacy of Pioneering Luxury

New Developments and Enhancements Across Universal Resorts

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