Surfers’ Paradise, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives wins Surf Resort Award

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was awarded ‘Leading Surf Hotel/Resort in the South Asia Region’ at the inaugural South Asian Travel Awards 2016 (SATA) held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This award was given in recognition of the resort’s exceptional service and hospitality especially catering to the surfing community that enjoys the waters at Pasta Point known as the ‘wave-machine’ in the North Male Atoll.

The resort has hosted surfing celebrities such as Bethany Hamilton and Lakey Paterson who have sought refuge on the island for its surfing experience that’s coupled with the warm hospitality of Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. “Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is geared to attract world-class surfers especially with our partnership with Atoll Adventures,” said John Keells Group Executive Vice President and Maldives Resorts Head Jayantissa Kehelpannala. 

Over 270 nominees across 39 categories from leading hospitality brands were a part of the inaugural South Asian Travel Awards. The categories were further divided into 10 segments. A total participation of 19 countries, namely – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, TPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam were recognised at the awards. Kehelpannala added, “As a premier resort for surfing in the region, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives further augments its position with this achievement.” 

SATA is the first travel awards program endorsed by regional organisations including the Colombo Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka, the Association of Travel Agents Maldives, the Liveaboard Association of Maldives, the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, the Association of Professionals in Tourism India, the Kerala Hotel General Manager’s Club and the Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators India.  Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a part of the contemporary Sri Lankan hospitality brand Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and is one of the brand’s three resorts present in the Maldives. Each resort has its own unique experiences, with vibrant and modern spaces focusing on people and inspired living.

This award-winning resort is just a 20-minute speed boat ride away from the Male city and international airport making it extremely convenient especially for short breaks.

Magnificent waves and a policy of sustainable surfing combine to make Pasta Point at Cinnamon Dhonveli one of the most sought after surfing locations by award-winning surfers from around the world.