A cluster of Maldivian islands picked up major hospitality awards in 2026, giving travellers a fresh shortlist if they're weighing up which atoll escape to book.

Madifushi Private Island took home "Sensation of the Year" at the Global Destination Awards, handed out at a gala in Moscow run by World Fashion Channel and Global Destination Group. The ceremony covered 33 categories across Russian and international hotels and resorts, judging on service, innovation, architecture and guest experience. General manager Mohamed Hilmy put the island's appeal down to its lagoon colours, beaches and the kind of quiet that makes you actually slow down — the essentials, really, of a Maldives trip.

Bigger news for wellness travellers: JOALI BEING has been upgraded to Three MICHELIN Keys, the MICHELIN Guide's highest hotel distinction, moving up from Two. The Raa Atoll resort is unusual in that it's an entire island built around wellbeing rather than a resort with a spa bolted on. Its programmes revolve around four pillars — Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy — personalised to each guest, with facilities including the AREKA wellbeing centre, the KAASHI hydrotherapy hall, an herbology space called AKTAR, sound therapy venues and a fitness hub. There are 68 beachfront and overwater villas designed along biophilic principles, mindful dining tied to the microbiome approach, and a kids' programme (B'Kidult) so families can join in rather than treating wellness as an adults-only indulgence.

JOALI's original island, the art-focused JOALI Maldives, held onto its One MICHELIN Key. It positions itself as an art-immersive resort where contemporary installations sit around the island and guests can get hands-on in the Ceramics Studio or through artist-led sessions — a decent pick if you want more to do than lie on a sun lounger.

Meanwhile, You & Me Maldives in Raa Atoll was named Best Adults-Only Resort at the TTM Awards 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August. The resort marked seven years of operation with the win, and caters squarely to couples, honeymooners and solo travellers after a child-free, romance-leaning stay.

Why it matters: if you're comparing Maldives resorts, these awards are a useful signal of what each island actually does best. Want a structured, science-backed wellness reset? JOALI BEING now has Michelin's top hotel rating to back its claims. Travelling with children but still want wellbeing credentials? Same island works. Prefer art and creative workshops alongside the usual overwater-villa routine? JOALI Maldives. Honeymoon or adults-only trip? You & Me. And if you just want a beautiful, quieter island with freshly stamped credentials, Madifushi is newly on the map.

Read the original reporting on Maldives Insider.