Maldivian hospitality group The Hawks Hotels has been awarded the Leading Boutique Hotel/Resort title at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026, recognizing the brand's boutique island concept and contribution to local tourism.
The award was presented during the annual SATA gala ceremony, which celebrates hospitality excellence, service quality, and regional travel innovation across South Asia.
Expanding boutique portfolio
The Hawks Hotels operates four distinctive properties comprising 92 guest rooms across the Maldives: Swarn by Hawks Hotels, Biosphere by Hawks Hotels, Wings by Hawks Hotels, and Nest by Hawks Hotels. The company has positioned its brand around authentic island immersion, personalized service, and architectural harmony with local surroundings.
Among its key locations is Swarn by Hawks Hotels situated on the inhabited island of Kamadhoo in Baa Atoll, located within a UNESCO biosphere reserve recognized globally for its vibrant marine biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems.
"This award celebrates the dedication, professionalism, and collective efforts of our entire team, whose commitment to authentic hospitality made this milestone possible," the hotel group said in an official statement.
Local island tourism model
The hospitality group highlighted that its operational approach pairs luxury boutique amenities with direct economic engagement in island communities, creating local employment and sourcing fresh produce from atoll producers.
Guests at the properties are transferred via scheduled seaplane and domestic air connections, allowing travellers to explore traditional Maldivian island life alongside marine excursions such as diving and snorkeling in protected biosphere waters. The recognition at SATA comes amidst broader industry growth in the boutique and guesthouse hospitality sector across the Maldives.
