Heritance Kandalama has been named the Gold Winner in the Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort category at the 10th edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The Silver Winners of the category were: SKS Inn Resort, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa, Dhumra Farm Resort.

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 Heritance Kandalama 

Heritance Kandalama is a flagship five-star eco-resort nestled in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, masterfully built directly into a natural cliff face overlooking the serene Kandalama Lake. Designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the iconic property seamlessly integrates tropical modernism with its surrounding jungle landscape. The luxury resort offers refined guest rooms, infinity pools, fine dining venues, and a tranquil spa, all while providing an immersive, nature-centric experience. Globally celebrated as the world's first LEED-certified hotel and Asia's first Green Globe 21 certified resort, it stands as an award-winning benchmark for sustainable hospitality, cultural luxury, and architectural innovation. 

About SKS Inn Resort 

SKS Inn Resort is a premier eco-friendly four-star sanctuary in Gaibandha, standing as the largest resort property in Northern Bengal, Bangladesh. Set amid tranquil greenery and natural lakes, it features modern tower rooms, private villas, dual restaurants, an outdoor pool, and event spaces. It serves as a leading regional haven balancing pristine natural beauty with upscale comfort for leisure and corporate guests. 

About Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu 

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is an eco-conscious luxury resort located in the pristine Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and turquoise lagoons, it offers traditional thatched-roof villas, fine dining, a serene spa, and dedicated marine conservation programs. The resort delivers an authentic, sustainable Maldivian retreat centered on tropical elegance and environmental protection. 

About Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa 

Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa is a luxury eco-resort perched on a shoreline hill in Wayanad, Kerala, offering 270-degree views of the majestic Banasura Sagar Lake. The property features earth-inspired villas, fine dining options, an infinity pool, and a signature J Wellness Circle spa. It stands as a sophisticated sanctuary blending world-class hospitality, local architectural heritage, and immersive nature experiences.

About Dhumra Farm Resort 

Dhumra Farm Resort is an intimate, high-end eco-farm resort located in the peaceful valley of Punakha, Bhutan. Overlooking the historic Punakha Dzong, the resort offers traditional Bhutanese accommodations, farm-to-table organic dining, and scenic agricultural grounds. Positioned as a sustainable heritage retreat, it offers travelers an authentic, tranquil connection to Bhutanese farming and natural surroundings. 

SATA 2026 Partners include: 

1. Host Partner – Barceló Nasandhura Malé

2. Destination Partner – Visit Maldives Corporation 

3. Platinum Partner – Gulf Craft Maldives

4. Gold Partner – Hawks Pvt Ltd

5. Gold Partner – Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives 

6. Beverage Partner – Nescafe

7.Silver Partner – Velana International Airport

8. Silver Partner – Marine Vibe

9. Silver Partner – Pro AC

10. Digital Partner – Dhiraagu 

11. Printing Partner – Print Lab Creative

12. Hospitality Partner – Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan (Bangladesh)

13. Hospitality Partner – Hulhule Island Hotel (Maldives)

14. Hospitality Partner – Zhiwaling Heritage (Bhutan)

15. Hospitality Partner –  Aarya Hotel & Spa (Nepal)

16. Hospitality Partner – Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway (India)

17. Hospitality Partner – Cinnamon Grand Colombo (Sri Lanka)

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