Nine-residence .Here Baa Atoll takes the global prize for best new luxury resort
With nine residences spread over two islands, .Here Baa Atoll has taken three titles at this year's World Luxury Hotel Awards, headed by the global award for best new luxury resort, according to the property.
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in Baa Atoll with only nine residences, has been judged the world's best new luxury resort at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards, according to an announcement from the resort in November 2026. The global accolade was one of three the property received.
The programme rewards properties around the world, judging service, design and the guest experience.
The three titles
- Worldwide: World's Best Luxury New Resort
- Indian Ocean (regional): Best Luxury Private Island Resort
- Maldives (national): Best Luxury Boutique Resort
Somewhere and Nowhere
Set inside Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the retreat divides its nine residences between two islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, connected by a natural sandbank.
Seven of them, with three or four bedrooms each, stand on Somewhere Island, where beachfront and overwater living are combined. Every one has a private infinity pool and its own Roohu host.
Nowhere, an eight-bedroom island designed for families and groups, has a cinema, gym, spa, large pool and dining spaces of its own.
The overwater restaurant SAFAR is among the dining options, and the private yacht ASMAS takes guests around Baa Atoll. Seaside Collection, the owner and operator, was founded in 1969 and has 11 boutique hotels.
Earlier 2026 recognition
The resort says the new titles add to honours already received this year: inclusion on the Hot List compiled by Condé Nast Traveller, two AHEAD Asia Awards, selection for DestinAsian's Luxe List and a ranking among the leading Indian Ocean resorts in the Readers' Choice Awards run by Condé Nast Traveller.
