Shanghai, CHINA - Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Water Villas an Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC (Maldives) resort, won the ‘Maldives Leading Water Villas’ award at the inaugural World Travel Awards Asia and Indian Ocean Ceremony held on 19th June, 2008 in China. This most sought after awards programme spotlights the ‘best of the best’ in the global travel & tourism industry. The biggest internationally acclaimed hotel chains of the region came out in force for the star-studded gala event held at the Swissôtel GRAND, in Shanghai.

The World Travel Awards were launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry. The awards are regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel or hotel product could ever aspire to receive. Travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries cast thousands of votes across the globe in order to select the winners of the awards.

Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Water Villas competed with several leading international brands operating in the Maldives, and was selected as the “Leading Water Villas” in the Indian Ocean’s Prime Destination.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mr. Chethiya Perera, CEO/MD of Adaaran Resorts, Maldives, who also serves as Director of Aitken Spence Hotels Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka had this to say “Most of the international hotel brands are present in the Maldives and everyone competes to provide the best level of luxury. At Adaaran, we differ ourselves by providing our valued guests “unique concepts” offering luxury and the highest standards, in fulfilling their personal preferences. At Adaaran Prestige, guests tailor-make their own, holiday and we deliver it”.

Situated on Meedhupparu Island in Raa Atoll, the 20 luxury water villas are the epitome of what one could wish for and offer unparalleled comfort and pampering to the most discerning traveller. Each suite has been made with meticulous attention to detail by a French interior designer to satisfy guest’s every requirement in offering total comfort and luxury. The spacious villas are equipped with private Jacuzzis on their open sun decks, large screen LCD TV, home theatre system, a collection of DVD s to select from and an espresso machine amongst many other facilities and amenities of internationally renowned brands that contribute in making this a luxury boutique resort. The Water Villas are complimented with an exclusive over water restaurant, bar and an infinity swimming pool located within a beautifully landscaped garden.

The guests have total flexibility in meal times, dining locations and a variety of facilities such as a Balinese spa, Ayurveda treatment centre, authentic Chinese reflexology, diving, snorkelling, water sports and different types of excursions to choose from, amongst the usual facilities such as the gym, sauna, tennis, discotheques and daily entertainment.

At Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Water Villas, a personal butler drives the guest to his villa in a club car and welcomes him with the finest bottle of champagne, in a serene ambiance complemented with soft music, creating a personalized heaven and accommodating every wish of its guest, and providing him with ‘The next level in luxury’.

Earlier this year, the butler service at the Water Villas was awarded a brilliant 5 stars by the prestigious International Institute of Modern Butlers (IIMB) in London.

The Adaaran resorts own eight properties which include the