Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives has been named the Gold winner in the Leading Beach Hotel/Resort category at the 10th edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The Silver Winners of the category were: Sayeman Beach Resort, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, The Eden Beruwala.

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 Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives 

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is a 5-star luxury resort in the Vaavu Atoll, accessible from Malé via a 25-minute seaplane flight or 75-minute speedboat ride. Featuring 90 sleek beach lofts and overwater suites, the property offers direct access to world-class diving and famous nurse shark snorkeling sites. Guests enjoy diverse dining, an overwater Balinese spa, and pristine beaches framed by turquoise waters. Positioned as a premier island hideaway, it delivers an effortless blend of privacy, natural beauty, and warm Maldivian hospitality. 

About Sayeman Beach Resort 

Located along Marine Drive in Cox’s Bazar, Sayeman Beach Resort is a premier oceanfront property overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Reborn from the region's first private hotel (est. 1964), it features 228 modern rooms with private ocean-view balconies. Key offerings include a sea-view infinity pool, an oceanfront spa, multi-cuisine dining, and event spaces. The resort stands as a benchmark for beachfront luxury, blending regional heritage with contemporary elegance. 

About Taj Bekal Resort & Spa 

Located along Kappil Beach in Northern Kerala, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa is a luxury backwater sanctuary inspired by traditional Kettuvallam houseboats. The resort features 75 rooms and villas, many with private plunge pools, alongside the J Wellness Circle Spa, backwater cruises, and coastal dining. Positioned as a serene wellness retreat, it blends nature, heritage, and world-class Indian hospitality.

About The Eden Beruwala 

Set along the famous Beruwala beach on Sri Lanka’s golden west coast, The Eden Beruwala is a 5-star beachfront resort overlooking the Indian Ocean. It features 158 guest rooms and suites centered around a large pool with a swim-up bar. Offerings include direct beach access, Ayuwasa Ayurvedic Spa treatments, global dining, and water sports. The resort combines seaside relaxation, holistic wellness, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality.

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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