Latest news with #TripadvisorTravelers'ChoiceAwards
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Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Scotsman
Travel with me to the Maldives for my delayed honeymoon
Dear diary, I awoke on an island in heaven. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Admittedly, the aforementioned heavens opened and I lay awake at 3am as my husband slept, listening to the crashing of rain and waves in our water villa at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido in the Maldives' North Male Atoll. But the dramatic weather, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, heightened the desert island experience and feels far away from cookie-cutter Instagram images of young couples wearing designer clothes amid luxurious over-water Maldives villas. Reality is far better and when we reached morning to the sounds of exotic seabirds swooping down to breakfast on tiny unseen fish, the sun shone like nothing ever happened. Of course that is not to say perfection (and luxury) wasn't around us in our romantic escape. But the luxury is not a must-have handbag or designer bikini but the caring, smiling, staff and the incredible array of home-made, carefully sourced, food and wine on offer. It's in the careful decisions made about renewable materials, planting, and privacy. It's in the staggering customer service and the never having to pay for anything during our stay thanks to the package. Not forgetting the constantly refreshed mini-bar, the not wearing shoes, and the complete absence of cars on your castaway paradise. Then there's the elaborately hand crafted swan made of cotton sheets and scattered with rose petals for your arrival - along with a bottle of champagne. Nicola stayed in a water villa with pool at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO | OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO The nature in this astonishing part of the world is a luxury in itself. The seas that turn a greenish blue after storms, the stingray making its nonchalant laps around the lagoon, the sharks never far away from the carefully managed reef and the bats flying from tree to tree like ghouls. A privileged moment in time in a fragile world with a finite amount. The unique Maldives experience - and the reason it is a honeymoon favourite - is in the strangeness of the warm and sometimes stormy evenings, sandy roads and transportation via golf buggy and bicycle, and the busy crabs scuttling across their beach domain, stopping only occasionally to touch base with each other. And yes, it's living in a luxurious wooden villa with a pool above the changeable ocean, far away from home and yet home. There's a reason Helengeli has clinched the coveted Best of the Best title in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide for 2025. We treated our visit as as part one of our long-delayed honeymoon. But for us the trip was not about tanning or starting our lives as we are already well on with the latter and my complexion does not do baking in the sun. Don't let filtered images of tanned, 20-something, influencer perfection put you off visiting. Everyone here is treated like royalty, greeted by staff members with a wide smile and hello. Nothing is too much, no request too inconvenient, on a resort which is never busy even at full capacity. I can confirm those endless, empty, sandy beaches are not just staged for the 'gram'. The extraordinary house reef at Helengeli island | OBLU NATURE Helengeli We arrived at Helengeli island after a long flight, arriving at Male airport where we were whisked into a speedboat by a friendly boat crew for the 50 minute journey to the island. Further islands often require a trip by tiny seaplane but Helengeli is boat only and quite unique as it sits away from other islands next to its own house reef, making the snorkelling mind-blowing. For the latter I donned my flippers and snorkel and was treated to my own guided tour. My guide pointed out a large turtle, grazing on the seabed as Nemo and his friends burbled about, seemingly unfazed by the human with flippers staring down wide eyed from the surface. It's a once in a lifetime experience. A privileged moment in time in a fragile world with a finite amount Nicola Adam Food and drink is also taken seriously at Helengeli. We were greeted with an astonishing meal paired with wine to showcase parent company's Atmosphere Core's dedication to careful and quality sourcing and selection. For context, alcohol consumption in the Maldives is restricted to licensed resorts and boats for tourists and there are also import restrictions. Here they have built significant relationships with global partners through an extensive wine programme with family-owned businesses. These include Champagne Guy Charbaut, Bodegas Viñátigo, Glenelly Estate ( Stellenbosch) and Bodegas Martín Códax ( Rías Baixas ). The sommeliers and teams are not only experts on these offerings but many have also travelled across the world visit the wineries and owners themselves as part of ongoing programme to ensure the best of the best and celebrate the heritage behind each bottle. It's hard to fault and on a par with many top European restaurants who do not have to fight the red tape - their choices are delicious and attention to detail second to none. The jetty for the water villas at OBLU Nature Helengeli, Maldives | OBLU Nature Helengeli Dining experiences are myriad. From the Maldives resort dining experience at The Spice, featuring a turquoise lagoon-facing wooden deck and indoor seating with a natural sandy floor to fine dining at the relaxed Just Grill to progressive Indian cuisine at Raga Route or a chic pools side experience at the Raa Bandhi bar with its over water hammocks. You are never far way from lapping water and sand in the toes. It's all laced with romance and we were treated to another bookable experience with a candlelight dinner on the beach. And just a reminder to curry lovers that a Maldivian curry is a must on any visit - don't forget how close the Maldives are to India. There is a mouth-watering selection of curries and accompaniments on offer and I've even been known to have it for breakfast. When on holiday... READ MORE: My Maldivian date with a shark Our water villa with pool, one of 153 villas and suites available within eight categories, was perfection. To complement our gigantic bed, positioned to ensure you wake up looking at your panoramic view of the ocean, you have a luxurious bathroom with separate toilet and shower area. You can even stare out to sea from your porcelain throne - but watch out for passing boats (there IS a blind!). The fridges, with water, beer and wine restocked daily, are perfect for grabbing a cold drink and taking to your personal deck complete with sunbeds, plunge pool and steps down into the bluest of water where you can snorkel or just dip your toes and watch passing fish. Exhausted after all this relaxing ( we glimpsed but never quite made it into to the stunning over-water gym ) we headed to the ELE|NA spa. Just entering the spa is an experience, it's a stunning design with greenery-laced ponds complete with Koi and natural materials - we enjoyed a couples' full body massage and came away truly fully serene. So we were already at one with nature for our cruise at sunset, where we motored through the gleeful pods of adult and baby dolphins who were keen to show their best leaping. One of those many Maldivian moments imprinted on the memory forever. USEFUL INFORMATION OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and dive centre partner 'TGI Maldives' jointly received the 'Outstanding Contribution to Women's Diving' award from PADI® Website: The four-star superior resort, a part of the COLOURS OF OBLU brand by Atmosphere Core, was comprehensively renovated in 2023 Prices start from £409 per night in August (excl. taxes and fees), based on two adults staying in a Deluxe Beach Villa Nicola stayed at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO as a guest of Atmosphere Core but this review remains her unedited opinion
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Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Scotsman
Travel with me to the Maldives for my delayed honeymoon
Dear diary, I awoke on an island in heaven. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Admittedly, the aforementioned heavens opened and I lay awake at 3am as my husband slept, listening to the crashing of rain and waves in our water villa at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido in the Maldives' North Male Atoll. But the dramatic weather, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, heightened the desert island experience and feels far away from cookie-cutter Instagram images of young couples wearing designer clothes amid luxurious over-water Maldives villas. Reality is far better and when we reached morning to the sounds of exotic seabirds swooping down to breakfast on tiny unseen fish, the sun shone like nothing ever happened. Of course that is not to say perfection (and luxury) wasn't around us in our romantic escape. But the luxury is not a must-have handbag or designer bikini but the caring, smiling, staff and the incredible array of home-made, carefully sourced, food and wine on offer. It's in the careful decisions made about renewable materials, planting, and privacy. It's in the staggering customer service and the never having to pay for anything during our stay thanks to the package. Not forgetting the constantly refreshed mini-bar, the not wearing shoes, and the complete absence of cars on your castaway paradise. Then there's the elaborately hand crafted swan made of cotton sheets and scattered with rose petals for your arrival - along with a bottle of champagne. Nicola stayed in a water villa with pool at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO | OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO The nature in this astonishing part of the world is a luxury in itself. The seas that turn a greenish blue after storms, the stingray making its nonchalant laps around the lagoon, the sharks never far away from the carefully managed reef and the bats flying from tree to tree like ghouls. A privileged moment in time in a fragile world with a finite amount. The unique Maldives experience - and the reason it is a honeymoon favourite - is in the strangeness of the warm and sometimes stormy evenings, sandy roads and transportation via golf buggy and bicycle, and the busy crabs scuttling across their beach domain, stopping only occasionally to touch base with each other. And yes, it's living in a luxurious wooden villa with a pool above the changeable ocean, far away from home and yet home. There's a reason Helengeli has clinched the coveted Best of the Best title in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide for 2025. We treated our visit as as part one of our long-delayed honeymoon. But for us the trip was not about tanning or starting our lives as we are already well on with the latter and my complexion does not do baking in the sun. Don't let filtered images of tanned, 20-something, influencer perfection put you off visiting. Everyone here is treated like royalty, greeted by staff members with a wide smile and hello. Nothing is too much, no request too inconvenient, on a resort which is never busy even at full capacity. I can confirm those endless, empty, sandy beaches are not just staged for the 'gram'. The extraordinary house reef at Helengeli island | OBLU NATURE Helengeli We arrived at Helengeli island after a long flight, arriving at Male airport where we were whisked into a speedboat by a friendly boat crew for the 50 minute journey to the island. Further islands often require a trip by tiny seaplane but Helengeli is boat only and quite unique as it sits away from other islands next to its own house reef, making the snorkelling mind-blowing. For the latter I donned my flippers and snorkel and was treated to my own guided tour. My guide pointed out a large turtle, grazing on the seabed as Nemo and his friends burbled about, seemingly unfazed by the human with flippers staring down wide eyed from the surface. It's a once in a lifetime experience. A privileged moment in time in a fragile world with a finite amount Nicola Adam Food and drink is also taken seriously at Helengeli. We were greeted with an astonishing meal paired with wine to showcase parent company's Atmosphere Core's dedication to careful and quality sourcing and selection. For context, alcohol consumption in the Maldives is restricted to licensed resorts and boats for tourists and there are also import restrictions. Here they have built significant relationships with global partners through an extensive wine programme with family-owned businesses. These include Champagne Guy Charbaut, Bodegas Viñátigo, Glenelly Estate ( Stellenbosch) and Bodegas Martín Códax ( Rías Baixas ). The sommeliers and teams are not only experts on these offerings but many have also travelled across the world visit the wineries and owners themselves as part of ongoing programme to ensure the best of the best and celebrate the heritage behind each bottle. It's hard to fault and on a par with many top European restaurants who do not have to fight the red tape - their choices are delicious and attention to detail second to none. The jetty for the water villas at OBLU Nature Helengeli, Maldives | OBLU Nature Helengeli Dining experiences are myriad. From the Maldives resort dining experience at The Spice, featuring a turquoise lagoon-facing wooden deck and indoor seating with a natural sandy floor to fine dining at the relaxed Just Grill to progressive Indian cuisine at Raga Route or a chic pools side experience at the Raa Bandhi bar with its over water hammocks. You are never far way from lapping water and sand in the toes. It's all laced with romance and we were treated to another bookable experience with a candlelight dinner on the beach. And just a reminder to curry lovers that a Maldivian curry is a must on any visit - don't forget how close the Maldives are to India. There is a mouth-watering selection of curries and accompaniments on offer and I've even been known to have it for breakfast. When on holiday... READ MORE: My Maldivian date with a shark Our water villa with pool, one of 153 villas and suites available within eight categories, was perfection. To complement our gigantic bed, positioned to ensure you wake up looking at your panoramic view of the ocean, you have a luxurious bathroom with separate toilet and shower area. You can even stare out to sea from your porcelain throne - but watch out for passing boats (there IS a blind!). The fridges, with water, beer and wine restocked daily, are perfect for grabbing a cold drink and taking to your personal deck complete with sunbeds, plunge pool and steps down into the bluest of water where you can snorkel or just dip your toes and watch passing fish. Exhausted after all this relaxing ( we glimpsed but never quite made it into to the stunning over-water gym ) we headed to the ELE|NA spa. Just entering the spa is an experience, it's a stunning design with greenery-laced ponds complete with Koi and natural materials - we enjoyed a couples' full body massage and came away truly fully serene. So we were already at one with nature for our cruise at sunset, where we motored through the gleeful pods of adult and baby dolphins who were keen to show their best leaping. One of those many Maldivian moments imprinted on the memory forever. USEFUL INFORMATION
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cocana Resort Named Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide - Awarded 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award
GILI TRAWANGAN, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 – Cocana Resort is proud to announce it has been named a winner in the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for 2025, placing us in the top 10% of hotels worldwide. This global recognition reflects the consistent excellence in guest reviews and service that define the Cocana Resort experience. Over the past year, travelers from around the world have chosen Cocana Resort as one of their favourite destinations, praising the resort's signature barefoot luxury experience, stunning Gili T beachfront resort grounds, thoughtful hospitality and service. The award is based entirely on guest feedback shared on Tripadvisor — genuine, first-hand experiences that speak to the heart Cocana Resort. To add to the celebration, Cocana Resort was also the top-performing hotel in regional revenue on Expedia in the past year, a testament not only to the guest satisfaction but also to the resort's strength as a standout luxury destination in the market. Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton has said, 'Congratulations to Cocana Resort on its recognition in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2025. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you've made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many took time to go online and leave glowing reviews. We hope this recognition continues to drive success in 2025 and beyond.' Cocana Resort features 45 private-pool villas offering spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options, and 38 intimate deluxe lagoon suites on the stunning Gili Trawangan beachfront. 'We're incredibly honoured to be recognised as a Travelers' Choice Award winner this year,' said Alain Eggenschwiler, General Manager of Cocana Resort. 'This award belongs to our guests — for sharing their stories — and to our remarkable team, whose passion and dedication continue to elevate every stay.' The Travelers' Choice Awards are among the most respected accolades in the global travel industry. Being named in the top 10% of hotels worldwide is a powerful affirmation that Cocana Resort is delivering world-class experiences that leave lasting impressions. Cocana Resort is home to Cocana Sunset Club, Pacifica Restaurant, and SAO Spa giving guests an elevated luxury stays in one of the world's most beautiful island destinations.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
ALL 10 STAYPINEAPPLE HOTELS RECOGNIZED WITH 2025 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARDS
Driven by outstanding guest reviews, Staypineapple hotels rank in the top 10% worldwide, leading the way in exceptional hospitality BELLEVUE, Wash., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, announces that all 10 of its hotels have received 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, an honor based on consistently strong guest feedback and a commitment to hospitality excellence. Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards celebrate the top 10 percent of hotels worldwide, determined by real reviews and opinions from millions of travelers around the world. The recognition reflects the quality of service, guest satisfaction and memorable experiences provided over the past year. "We've been fortunate to receive this recognition in the past, and we're incredibly proud to see each of our properties acknowledged by guests again this year," said Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple. "We're so thankful to our guests for taking the time to share their experiences. This recognition is also a testament to our team members at every hotel who thoughtfully surprise and delight, creating warm, personalized moments that make each stay truly memorable." Staypineapple offers accommodations in some of the country's most beloved cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Boston and New York. Known for personalized service and pet-friendly stays, the brand is also loved for its signature amenities like Afternoon Delights, a daily offering of complimentary coffee and pineapple cookies, plus beach cruisers for exploring the city, and The Naked Experience, featuring European-style bedding with cozy double duvets in every room. From leisure getaways to business trips, Staypineapple continues to offer a refreshingly unique boutique stay for travelers seeking comfort and a little playful charm in the heart of the city. To learn more or book your next stay, visit About StaypineappleStaypineapple is a brand of upscale, out-of-the-ordinary boutique hotels in urban markets nationwide, managed by Staypineapple Hotels Inc., based in Bellevue, Wash. Focused on thoughtful service and design, with an uncanny knack for anticipating needs, the pet-friendly hotels wholeheartedly embrace the pineapple's symbol of hospitality and joy. For more information or to make a reservation, visit or call (866) 866-7977. Follow Staypineapple on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Staypineapple
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
ALL 10 STAYPINEAPPLE HOTELS RECOGNIZED WITH 2025 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARDS
Driven by outstanding guest reviews, Staypineapple hotels rank in the top 10% worldwide, leading the way in exceptional hospitality BELLEVUE, Wash., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Staypineapple, the national boutique hotel brand, announces that all 10 of its hotels have received 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, an honor based on consistently strong guest feedback and a commitment to hospitality excellence. Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards celebrate the top 10 percent of hotels worldwide, determined by real reviews and opinions from millions of travelers around the world. The recognition reflects the quality of service, guest satisfaction and memorable experiences provided over the past year. "We've been fortunate to receive this recognition in the past, and we're incredibly proud to see each of our properties acknowledged by guests again this year," said Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple. "We're so thankful to our guests for taking the time to share their experiences. This recognition is also a testament to our team members at every hotel who thoughtfully surprise and delight, creating warm, personalized moments that make each stay truly memorable." Staypineapple offers accommodations in some of the country's most beloved cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Boston and New York. Known for personalized service and pet-friendly stays, the brand is also loved for its signature amenities like Afternoon Delights, a daily offering of complimentary coffee and pineapple cookies, plus beach cruisers for exploring the city, and The Naked Experience, featuring European-style bedding with cozy double duvets in every room. From leisure getaways to business trips, Staypineapple continues to offer a refreshingly unique boutique stay for travelers seeking comfort and a little playful charm in the heart of the city. To learn more or book your next stay, visit About StaypineappleStaypineapple is a brand of upscale, out-of-the-ordinary boutique hotels in urban markets nationwide, managed by Staypineapple Hotels Inc., based in Bellevue, Wash. Focused on thoughtful service and design, with an uncanny knack for anticipating needs, the pet-friendly hotels wholeheartedly embrace the pineapple's symbol of hospitality and joy. For more information or to make a reservation, visit or call (866) 866-7977. Follow Staypineapple on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Staypineapple Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
