Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 Names Winners Across 35 Categories at Kurumba Ceremony

The Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 took place on 26 April at NIVA Kurumba Maldives, bringing together resort operators, hospitality professionals, and industry partners to recognise the people behind the country's tourism sector. Now in its third edition, the awards remain the only national platform in the Maldives dedicated exclusively to resort employees.

This year's ceremony expanded significantly from previous editions. Winners were announced across 23 individual categories and 12 team categories, covering everything from front-line guest services to engineering, procurement, and wellness. Four Dedicated Service Awards were also presented, honouring individuals whose careers span decades in Maldivian tourism.

The awards were presented by Bestbuy Maldives as Title Sponsor, with Dhiraagu as Platinum Partner. More than 250,000 public votes were cast during the voting period, with final winners determined through a combined process of 60% expert judging and 40% public vote.

Among the individual winners, Aminath Malsa Shiyam of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands took the Concierge and Guest Services Personality of the Year award. Mayuree Khamnonmuang from Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Wellness Personality of the Year, recognised for her role across three spa pre-openings and her contribution to wellness revenue and training. Abdulla Ibrahim of Sun Siyam Olhuveli won Landscaper of the Year for introducing native and climate-suitable planting across the resort and repurposing seagrass as natural fertiliser.

In aviation, Captain Shazeen of Manta Air received recognition for flight training, safety oversight, and CORSIA compliance. Abdul Muhaimin Adam of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives was named Mariner of the Year for his work in VIP guest handling and marine safety coaching. Yaugoob Ishag of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili won Security Officer of the Year after nearly two decades in resort safety and security.

The four Dedicated Service Awards went to Adam Saeed of Bandos Maldives, Mohamed Waheed of Equator Village, Mohamed Naeem of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, and Abdul Samad Ibrahim of Club Med Maldives. Their careers collectively cover much of the Maldives' development as a tourism destination, from the early resort years through to today's internationally branded hospitality market.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said the 2026 winners reflect the depth of talent and professionalism present across the country's resorts and hospitality businesses.

The Hotelier Maldives Awards were established in 2024. The fourth edition is expected next year.