.Here Baa Atoll, the ultra-luxury private island retreat in the Maldives' Baa Atoll, has won three titles at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, the resort announced in November 2026. The headline award names it the World's Best Luxury New Resort.

The three awards

  • World's Best Luxury New Resort (global)

  • Best Luxury Private Island Resort, Indian Ocean (regional)

  • Best Luxury Boutique Resort, Maldives (national)

The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts worldwide for their service, design and guest experience.

Nine residences on two islands

The retreat sits within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has just nine residences across two islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, joined by a natural sandbank. Somewhere Island has seven three- and four-bedroom residences that combine beachfront and overwater living, each with a private infinity pool and a dedicated Roohu host.

A two-storey timber residence with an overwater deck and steps into a turquoise lagoon, with a white beach and palm trees behind
A four-bedroom residence on Somewhere Island. - Photo: .Here Baa Atoll

Nowhere, which we covered when Nowhere Private Island opened, is an eight-bedroom private island for families and groups, with its own cinema, spa, gym, large pool and dining spaces.

Aerial view of a small private island with thatched-roof villas, palm trees, a pool and a jetty, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and open ocean
Nowhere Private Island at .Here Baa Atoll. - Photo: .Here Baa Atoll

Guests dine at SAFAR, the resort's overwater restaurant, and can explore Baa Atoll on the private yacht ASMAS. The resort is owned and managed by Seaside Collection, a group of 11 boutique hotels founded in 1969.

A run of 2026 accolades

The resort says the awards add to its other 2026 recognition, including the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two wins at the AHEAD Asia Awards, DestinAsian's Luxe List and a place among the top Indian Ocean resorts in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards.

Planning a Maldives trip? See our Travel Maldives guide.