Soneva Fushi in the Maldives has been awarded the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025.
The resort, located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the first of two special award winners to be announced before the main ceremony on 30 October in London. The award is voted for by more than 800 members of the World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, who were asked to identify the hotel where they had experienced the best hospitality over the past two years.
The accolade is intended to recognise hotels for service and attention to detail across all aspects of the guest experience, from reception and housekeeping to food and beverage. Judges considered factors such as ambience, experiential elements and overall warmth of hospitality.
Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “This award celebrates the foundation of hospitality and honours the emotional connection that guests have with a hotel and its team. For three decades, Soneva Fushi has been delivering memorable service at the highest level that puts the guest at the heart of every interaction.”
Soneva Fushi, opened in the 1990s, was the brand’s first property and has been described as a model for “barefoot luxury” resorts. The site includes 71 villas either set within forest or built over water, each with private pools and butler service. Activities on offer include wellness programmes, stargazing and private dining, alongside diving and snorkelling excursions.
General manager Antony Paton said the award “belongs to the entire team” and reflected the resort’s focus on creating “moments of joy, connection and wonder every single day”.
Giancarlo Mancino, chief executive of SeiBellissimi, the Italian company sponsoring the award, said Soneva Fushi’s approach “is a seamless extension of a lifestyle deeply rooted in sustainability, wellness, and mindful luxury”.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards were launched in 2023, building on the model of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and World’s 50 Best Bars rankings.
