Double Distinction: Crown & Champa Resorts Secures Two Forbes Five-Star Honors for 2026

16 February, 2026

The Maldives has long been synonymous with overwater bungalows and azure lagoons, but in the realm of luxury hospitality, few accolades carry the weight of a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award. In a significant achievement for Maldivian tourism, Crown & Champa Resorts has secured not one, but two of these prestigious honors in the 2026 Star Awards .

This milestone reaffirms the group’s position as a dominant force in the ultra-luxury segment of the Indian Ocean. For travel planners, luxury enthusiasts, and industry professionals, this dual recognition serves as a powerful signal of consistent, world-class service standards across the Crown & Champa portfolio .

The Prestige of the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Star Awards

The Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards are often referred to as the "Oscars of Hospitality." Unlike other rating systems that rely on amenity checklists, Forbes employs a team of anonymous professional inspectors who evaluate properties against hundreds of rigorous standards, with a specific focus on service excellence .

The 2026 list marks the 68th annual edition and represents a significant milestone, spanning over 100 countries for the first time. This year’s awards introduced several "firsts," including the world’s first Five-Star cruise ship and cruise ship restaurant .

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, noted that the 2026 winners "showcase an exciting evolution in luxury," moving from one-size-fits-all hospitality toward a bespoke, personalized model deeply rooted in the destination . This shift toward intimacy and customization perfectly aligns with the ethos of Crown & Champa's winning properties.

The Winners: Kudadoo and Hurawalhi

While the Crown & Champa portfolio includes 11 distinct resorts across the archipelago , two specific properties stood out to the Forbes inspectors this year: Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Hurawalhi Island Resort .

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island: The Pinnacle of Personalization

Kudadoo is not just a resort; it is a philosophy of "luxury with a conscience." Having previously earned accolades for its sustainable design—including the Hospitality Design Award for 'Sustainable Resort' in 2019—Kudadoo’s 2026 Forbes Five-Star win solidifies its reputation as a leader in the high-end market .

• The Concept: Operating on an "anything, anytime, anywhere" concept, Kudadoo offers a fully personalized experience. It is an exclusive-use or book-by-the-villa private island, ensuring utmost privacy.

• Sustainability: The resort is built entirely of sustainable materials and runs on 100% solar energy, proving that environmental responsibility and extreme luxury can coexist.

• The Vibe: Recently named the "Best All-Inclusive Hotel" by Condé Nast Traveler, Kudadoo caters to discerning travelers who expect bespoke journeys rather than pre-packaged vacations .

Hurawalhi Island Resort: Chic Adults-Only Elegance

Just a short boat ride away from Kudadoo lies its sister property, Hurawalhi Island Resort. Designed exclusively for guests aged 15 and above, Hurawalhi offers a "naturally chic" atmosphere where luxury treads lightly .

• The 5.8 Undersea Restaurant: Hurawalhi is home to the world's largest all-glass undersea restaurant, 5.8. This architectural marvel allows guests to dine 5.8 meters below the surface, surrounded by the vibrant marine life of Lhaviyani Atoll .

• Culinary Scene: Beyond the underwater spectacle, the resort boasts a diverse culinary landscape including the Kashibo Restaurant & Bar and the Champagne Pavilion, offering an abundance of all-inclusive options that defy the typical constraints of package dining .

The Crown & Champa Portfolio: A Spectrum of Luxury

The 2026 Forbes Five-Star wins add to a growing list of accolades for the group. Recently, the collection also celebrated the HolidayCheck Award 2026 for multiple properties, including Hurawalhi, Jawakara, Komandoo, Meeru, Vilamendhoo, and Kuredu, demonstrating strength across various travel segments .

Crown & Champa Resorts has strategically diversified its portfolio to cater to different traveler demographics :

• For Couples & Romance: Resorts like Veligandu and Komandoo Island Resort & Spa (an adults-only boutique island) are perennially popular for honeymoons, often ranking among the top romantic hotels in Asia .

• For Families & Vibrancy: Properties like Kuredu Island Resort & Spa and the newly opened Jawakara Islands Maldives offer expansive facilities, multiple dining venues, and activities that cater to guests of all ages. Jawakara, in particular, introduces a unique "two islands, one resort" concept connected by a 700-meter bridge .

• For Wellness: Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa in North Malé Atoll focuses on curated wellness journeys, offering an intimate all-pool villa setting that emphasizes balance and authenticity .

Why This Matters for Luxury Travel in 2026

The travel landscape in 2026 is defined by a search for authenticity and privacy. According to the Forbes Travel Guide report, luxury is pivoting from "prescribed to personal" . Travelers are no longer satisfied with standard luxury; they demand experiences that are customized, immersive, and exclusive.

Crown & Champa's dual Five-Star status is a powerful indicator that the group is meeting these evolved expectations. Whether it is the private solar-powered sanctuary of Kudadoo or the immersive undersea dining at Hurawalhi, these resorts offer the kind of experiential luxury that defines modern high-end travel.

Furthermore, with the recent rebranding of Innahura Maldives Resort to Nala Maldives by Jawakara—which operates on 1.8 MW of fully solar-generated power—the group continues to expand its footprint while adhering to sustainable practices .

Conclusion

The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards have placed a global spotlight on Crown & Champa Resorts, confirming that Maldivian hospitality can compete with—and often exceed—the world's best. For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury in the Indian Ocean, Kudadoo and Hurawalhi represent the gold standard.

As the group celebrates these honors, the message is clear: Crown & Champa Resorts is not just offering a place to stay; they are offering a definitive vision of paradise, validated by the most trusted name in luxury travel .

For media inquiries or to plan your visit to these award-winning islands, visit the official Crown & Champa Resorts website.

VIEW ALL OFFERS

Related pages

• Crown & Champa Resorts Comparison: Find Your Perfect Maldives Escape
• Dining Under the Stars: A Guide to Destination Dining at Crown & Champa Resorts
• The Budget-Savvy Guide to Luxury: Crown & Champa Resorts Special Offers Decoded
• Your Epic Guide to Romantic, Adults-Only Maldives All-Inclusive Holidays
• Crown & Champa Resorts: Find Your Perfect All-Inclusive Maldives Escape
• Underwater Adventures in Maldives with Crown & Champa Resorts
• Quick Guide to Dining at Crown & Champa Resorts