Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in Noonu Atoll has been named ‘Leading Luxury Resort’ at this year’s Maldives Travel Awards gala.

The Randheli, where a night’s stay would set one back by $2,500 at the very least, is a 45-villa complex with over-water, on-island, and ‘garden’ accommodation, as well as a private island for hire.

25 award categories in ‘product and service, beach and water, wellness and spa, airlines, brand and management, food and beverage, responsible tourism, and liveaboards’ are featured at the gala.

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) held their last awards event for this year on Thursday night at the Paradise Island Resort, with Tourism Minister Ali Waheed as chief guest.

MATATO president Abdulla Saud said that they have received tremendous support for all three of their events this year, with about half-a-million people having voted for their total 300 nominations.

MATATO’s Maldives Travel Awards is held for three categories, which they call editions, the Gala Edition, the People’s Edition, and the Guesthouse Edition.