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Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A New Jewel of the Indian Ocean That's Already Claiming Awards

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. indian-ocean-that-s-already-claiming-awards.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 5:40 GMT by Travel Daily Media

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives: A New Jewel of the Indian Ocean That’s Already Claiming Awards

Travel Daily Media’s recent profile of the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives gives readers a first‑hand look at a luxury resort that has already earned recognition on the world stage. While the property is still brand new, the article emphasizes that its design, service, and sustainable practices have positioned it among the top resorts in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points covered in the original article, along with additional context pulled from linked sources and the resort’s own website.

1. Location and Setting

The resort sits on a private, reef‑protected island in the North Ari Atoll, about 5.5 km from the mainland airport. Guests are greeted by a pristine white‑sand beach that opens onto crystal‑clear, turquoise lagoon waters. The island’s isolation is framed by a vibrant coral reef that is accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering a front‑row seat to the Maldives’ world‑renowned marine life.

2. Design and Architecture

Centara has taken a “natural luxury” approach to the resort’s architecture, using locally sourced, sustainable materials such as bamboo, rattan, and reclaimed teak. Each villa and pool villa is built with an emphasis on maximizing natural ventilation, thereby reducing reliance on air conditioning. The design team worked closely with a Maldives‑based design firm to ensure that the resort’s aesthetic complements the local environment without overwhelming it.

A standout feature is the Lagoon Infinity Pool, a massive 25‑meter pool that appears to extend into the horizon. The pool’s walls are made of glass‑reinforced concrete, offering unobstructed views of the lagoon and making the water feel like a part of the surrounding landscape. In addition, the resort’s restaurants and lounges are positioned to offer panoramic views of the ocean and of the island’s dramatic sunsets.

3. Guest Accommodation

Centara offers a variety of accommodation types:

All rooms come with modern amenities such as flat‑screen smart TVs, Wi‑Fi, climate control, and luxury bath products. The interior décor follows a contemporary, minimalist theme with natural wood accents and neutral color palettes. The resort’s design also prioritizes privacy, ensuring that even the most social travelers can enjoy their own secluded space.

4. Dining Experience

The resort hosts four restaurants and three bars, each catering to a different palate:

1. Café Centara – A relaxed, open‑air setting that serves international breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce.
2. Lagoon Restaurant – A fine‑dining venue offering a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, with a specialty menu of seafood dishes.
3. Sushi & Sashimi Bar – For those craving Japanese delicacies, this bar serves freshly prepared sushi, sashimi, and a selection of sake.
4. Sunset Bar – Located on the beachfront, it serves signature cocktails and light bites while guests soak up the sun.

Each restaurant is designed to showcase the surrounding scenery, with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the lagoon and the sea. The resort’s bars provide an evening lounge atmosphere, with live music and sunset views.

5. Wellness, Spa, and Recreational Facilities

The Centara Wellness & Spa is a full‑service facility offering a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and therapeutic body wraps. The spa’s design incorporates natural elements such as stone, wood, and water, reinforcing the resort’s “natural luxury” ethos.

For active travelers, the resort provides:

• Water sports: kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a diving school that offers courses from beginner to advanced levels.
• Fitness center: a state‑of‑the‑art gym with cardio and strength‑training equipment.
• Children’s club: a supervised space for kids, complete with themed activities, games, and a swim area.

6. Sustainable Initiatives

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. The resort has integrated several eco‑friendly measures, such as:

• Solar power: A photovoltaic system that supplies up to 30% of the resort’s energy needs.
• Water conservation: A grey‑water recycling system that reduces potable water usage by 25%.
• Recycling and waste management: A comprehensive program that segregates waste and reduces landfill contributions.
• Marine conservation: Partnerships with local NGOs to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

The resort’s sustainability credentials were highlighted in a feature interview with the resort’s sustainability manager, who explained that the goal is to create a “zero‑impact resort” that does not harm the natural environment.

7. Awards and Accolades

Within months of its opening, the resort earned a number of prestigious awards, underscoring its immediate impact:

• TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award: Recognizing the resort as one of the top 10 destinations worldwide for 2024.
• Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Award (Emerging Resort Category): Acknowledging the resort’s design, service, and sustainability initiatives.
• Condé Nast Traveller’s “Best New Resort” Award: Highlighting the unique blend of luxury and nature.

These accolades are especially impressive given the resort’s nascent stage and reflect the hard work of the Centara team in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

8. Guest Experience and Feedback

The article features several quotes from early guests and travel writers. Guests praised the resort’s “serene ambiance, impeccable service, and the sheer beauty of the surrounding lagoon.” Several reviewers also highlighted the attention to detail in the design and the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

A local travel blogger interviewed at the resort noted that “the staff go above and beyond to make every stay personalized, from customized welcome drinks to tailored itineraries for island excursions.”

9. Future Developments

Centara plans to expand the resort’s offerings over the next year, including the opening of a private island excursion service and the launch of a “Moments of the Maldives” cultural program that will feature local arts, music, and culinary workshops.

The resort’s management also indicated that they are exploring additional sustainability initiatives, such as a “zero‑plastic” policy and the use of biodegradable amenities.

Bottom Line

The Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives has quickly become a must‑visit destination for luxury travelers seeking both opulent comfort and authentic environmental stewardship. With its stunning architecture, top‑tier dining, world‑class wellness facilities, and an impressive lineup of awards, the resort is a shining example of how modern hospitality can harmonize with the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first‑time visitor to the Maldives, the resort promises an unforgettable experience that balances indulgence, adventure, and respect for the fragile island ecosystem.