Galle Face Hotel has been named the Gold Winner in the Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort category at the 10th edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The Silver Winners of the category were: Sayeman Heritage, Aarya Hotel & Spa, Zhiwaling Heritage, and Taj Malabar Resort & Spa.

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 Galle Face Hotel 

Established in 1864, the iconic Galle Face Hotel sits along the historic Galle Face Green oceanfront in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka. As one of the oldest operating grand hotels east of the Suez Canal, it offers guests Sri Lanka's only direct ocean-front hotel access alongside sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Key offerings include luxury rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, Colombo’s only saltwater swimming pool, and an in-house museum displaying historical memorabilia. Positioned at the intersection of timeless Victorian colonial grandeur and modern hospitality, the property seamlessly fuses rich heritage with world-class resort experiences. 

About Sayeman Heritage 

First established in 1964 in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Sayeman Heritage is a landmark oceanfront hotel near Laboni Point. The property offers guest rooms, dining, and event spaces set against serene coastal surroundings. Positioned as a vintage-chic escape, it combines modern comfort with its rich legacy as Bangladesh's original private holiday retreat. 

About Aarya Hotel & Spa 

Located in the heart of Kathmandu’s Thamel district, Aarya Hotel & Spa is a modern heritage property near key cultural landmarks. Key offerings include guest rooms, gourmet dining, an outdoor pool, and a holistic spa with traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Positioned as a serene urban sanctuary, it combines modern comfort with classic Nepalese architecture and hospitality.

About Zhiwaling Heritage 

Located in Paro Valley, Bhutan, Zhiwaling Heritage is a 5-star property built in traditional Bhutanese style. It features luxury suites, gourmet dining, a holistic spa with hot-stone baths, and a meditation shrine. Positioned as a spiritual sanctuary, it combines ancient cultural heritage with modern luxury. 

About Taj Malabar Resort & Spa 

Situated on Willingdon Island in Kochi, India, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel featuring scenic harbour and backwater views. Key offerings include sea-view rooms, signature dining, an infinity pool, and wellness therapies at J Wellness Circle. Positioned as a luxury coastal sanctuary, it combines Victorian-era heritage with modern elegance. 

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