Equator Village Maldives has won the Leading Airport and City Hotel category at the annual Maldives Travel Awards.
Mohamed Waheed, Equator Village’s resort manager, received the trophy at the Maldives Travel Awards Gala held on Thursday at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort.
Speaking at the ceremony, Waheed said: “I’m delighted to receive this award on behalf of Equator Village Maldives. After recent improvements, the resort is looking better than ever and I’m delighted our work has been recognised with this honour.”
Equator Village, located on Gan island in the southernmost atoll of Addu, enjoys a score of 4.0 on TripAdvisor, based on reviews by 189 guests, with a plurality of guests ranking the resort as “excellent”.
The resort has recently been refurbished, and has 78 spacious garden bungalows, a restaurant, poolside bar and a large swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
A wide variety of activities are available including squash, table tennis, tennis, and live music. The Serena Spa offers a wide selection of aromatic oils and wellness packages are available to sooth your mind and body.
Equator Village is located in what used to be the British Royal Air Force’s Sergeant’s Mess, and the hotel’s grounds still retain a unique colonial charm, with large trees, manicured lawns and English-style flower gardens. The resort is connected to neighbouring islands via the Addu link road, enabling guests to explore nearby Maldivian villages and beaches by bicycle.
Initiated in 2012 by Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.
This year, MATATO has for the first time branched out the prestigious awards into three categories; the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.
As the first event held under the Maldives Travel Awards brand, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi hosted the People’s Edition on July 13, where 10 individuals were recognised for their immense contributions to the development of the Maldives tourism industry.
The Guesthouse Edition, held in the island of Maafushi on October 30, expanded on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrated the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.
The Gala Edition held at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort on November 23 recognised the best products and services available in the resorts, airlines and liveaboards segments.
Main photo: Ibrahim Asad