Amaya Hills, Kandy has been named the Gold Winner in the Leading Hill Resort/Hotel category at the 10th edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The Silver Winners of the category were: Fountain Mahabaleshwar - IHCL SeleQtions, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, and Dawa At Hilltop By Heeton.

Held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the milestone SATA 2026 Grand Gala brought together leading tourism and hospitality professionals from across South Asia and the region.

About Amaya Hills, Kandy 

Nestled in the lush Hanthana mountain range overlooking the Heerassagala forest, Amaya Hills, Kandy is a premier 4.5-star luxury hilltop resort located just minutes from the cultural heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Reflecting the rich heritage and traditional motifs of the ancient Kandyan kingdom, the property offers a sophisticated blend of authentic local architecture and contemporary hospitality. Guests can indulge in upscale accommodations featuring private balconies with panoramic valley views, an luxury Ayurvedic spa, an outdoor pool, and signature fine-dining venues. Positioned as an idyllic sanctuary for travelers seeking peace and regal splendor, the resort effortlessly pairs serene natural beauty with world-class comforts.  

About Fountain Mahabaleshwar - IHCL SeleQtions 

Fountain Mahabaleshwar - IHCL SeleQtions sits on Tapola Road, overlooking Maharashtra's Koyna Valley. The boutique resort features an outdoor pool, a spa, and the signature Saddleback restaurant. Guests enjoy an 11,000 sq. ft. viewing deck, adventure sports, and pet-friendly rooms. Positioned as a luxury hill retreat, it targets leisure travelers and corporate getaways.  

About Sarangkot Mountain Lodge 

Sarangkot Mountain Lodge is a luxury hill retreat in Pokhara, Nepal, overlooking the Annapurna range. It offers boutique rooms with private balconies, an infinity pool, a spa, and local dining. Guests enjoy panoramic sunrise views and easy access to hiking trails. 

About Dawa At Hilltop By Heeton 

Dawa At Hilltop By Heeton is a luxury resort set on the scenic slopes of Paro, Bhutan. It features modern rooms with private balconies, Bhutan’s largest indoor heated pool, a spa, and signature dining. The property offers panoramic valley views and convenient access to key cultural sites. 

SATA 2026 Partners include: 

Destination Partner: Visit Maldives Corporation

Host Hotel: Barcelo’ Nasandhura

Platinum Partner: Gulf Craft Maldives

Gold Partners: The Hawks Pvt Ltd, Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives

Beverage Partner: Nescafé

Silver Partners: Velana International Airport, Marine Vibe, Pro AC

Digital Ad Partner - Infinity Pro

Print Partner - Printlab Creative

Photography and Videography Partner - STUDI07

PR Partner - PR Network

Broadcasting Partner: SSTV

Hospitality Partners: Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Sri Lanka), Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway (India), Aarya Hotel & Spa (Nepal), Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan), Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan (Bangladesh) and Hulhule Island Hotel (Maldives).

About SATA

The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is an annual platform celebrating excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries in South Asia. The awards recognise outstanding hotels, resorts, travel companies, tourism organisations and industry professionals for their achievements and contributions to the region's tourism sector.

For more information, please visit: www.southasiantravelawards.com