MATATO represents more than 50 travel agents and tour operators in the Maldives and presents its awards annually in a number of different categories in recognition of resorts that provide outstanding service and facilities.

The criteria for the award nominations in the Family Resort category include special services, programmes and facilities for families such as family bungalows, interconnecting rooms, baby sitters, child care centres, food for children, and entertainment for families travelling with children.

"We are delighted and honoured to be presented with the Leading Family Resort Award," says Chris Bailey, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts.

"Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa has been designed as a family resort with an environment that kids will really enjoy and that will keep them totally occupied, but at the same time their parents, and other couples with no children, will also find much to enjoy.

"So while the kids are having fun with their own activities and excursions, their parents can be relaxing with some of the island's other activities, such as a complimentary spa session at the award winning Spa Cenvaree, or just swimming and sunbathing in peace."

In addition to fulfilling all the criteria required for the award, Centara has its own Kids' Club with supervised Camp Safari activities for the very young and an E-Zone for the teenagers.

"The secret, as all parents know, is in keeping the kids fully occupied," says Voytek Klasicki, area general manager, Maldives. "Busy kids are happy kids. When they get bored they become noticeable to other guests.

"Here on the island there is so much for everyone, children included, that the youngsters need never be bored. Parents can relax because everything is safe and trained supervisors take care of their kids. Other guests won't be annoyed by kids running wild or getting under their feet.

"So families can relax together and enjoy whatever they please."

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading operator of hotels, with 38 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.  A further 18  resorts in the Maldives, Vietnam, Bali Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Mauritius Indian Ocean, brings the present total to 56 properties. 

For more information, please e-mail to rsoau@chr.co.th or visit our website at http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cirm