Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives Secure Top Honours at SATA 2025
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives strengthened its presence in the regional tourism landscape at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, securing two Gold accolades that highlight both legacy excellence and new milestones.
Held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo on 20th September 2025, the 9th edition of SATA brought together industry leaders from across South Asia to recognise outstanding achievements in travel and hospitality.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was named Leading Surf Resort for the seventh time and for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s most established surf destinations. Located in North Malé Atoll and home to the renowned Pasta Point surf break, the resort continues to attract surf enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond the waves, guests can explore a diverse offering of water sports, wellness facilities, and immersive Maldivian experiences, shaping a well-rounded island escape.
Meanwhile, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives marked a significant milestone by securing its first-ever Gold award as Leading Beach Resort. Known for its expansive lagoon, pristine shoreline, and collection of beachfront and overwater villas, the private island retreat has steadily built its reputation for combining relaxation with curated experiences. Its wellness programmes, dining concepts, and family-friendly activities contribute to a holistic guest journey in the Maldives.
Commenting on the achievement, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, stated: “For us, these two awards tell a story of legacy and new milestones. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, with its iconic Pasta Point, has once again proven why it remains the heartbeat of the surf community as South Asia’s Leading Surf Resort. At the same time, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives’ first Gold as Leading Beach Resort is a celebration of the island’s natural beauty and the passion of our teams who create unforgettable moments for guests. Together, these wins reaffirm Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives as a destination where adventure and serenity meet.”
SATA 2025 recognised 53 Gold and 113 Silver award recipients across Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. In addition to the resort honours, the Maldives was named Leading Adventure Destination, while Bhutan received recognition as Leading Heritage Destination — underscoring the region’s diverse tourism strengths.
