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Maldives extends health emergency state, warns of widespread coronavirus outbreak risk

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A state of public health emergency in Maldives has been extended, allowing health authorities to continue the restrictive measures in place to contain a potential widespread outbreak of the coronavirus.

Health minister Abdulla Ameen said on Friday that the 30-day health emergency, declared on March 12, will be in effect until the end of April.

The minister said it was extended based on the recommendation of the Director General of Public Health, the top official responsible for coordinating the government’s response in a public health emergency.

“The Director General of Public Health believes that the risk of a widespread outbreak of Covid-19 in Maldives remains, and as such special measures must be taken in order to minimise the risk and safeguard the health of our people,” the declaration issued by the health minister read.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Seventeen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except four Maldivians who had returned from the United Kingdom — were later identified.

However, 13 out of the 17 have made full recoveries. The four Maldivian patients are being treated at designated quarantine facilities, whilst the other two had been repatriated to their home country of Italy.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including a partial curfew in capital Male and its suburbs which has since been lifted.

However, all other measures, including a nationwide closing of schools, colleges and universities, remain in place. Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.

The Maldives has also enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.

All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran were also cancelled.

Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.

The Covid-19 outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.

With arrival numbers falling and a blanket visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 5.7 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

Photo: Mihaaru News

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Kuramathi Maldives secures Travelife Gold Certification for sustainable excellence

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Kuramathi Maldives has renewed its Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised accolade that underscores its commitment to sustainability. Travelife, an industry-led program, emphasises social responsibility and environmental management, encouraging sustainable practices among tour operators and accommodation providers. Achieving this award reflects the resort’s consistent efforts toward corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, including preserving biodiversity, monitoring the marine ecosystem, implementing energy and water-saving measures, and collaborating with the local community on education and employment initiatives. A key aspect of this approach aligns with Travelife’s emphasis on employee welfare, ensuring fair wages, ethical working conditions, professional development opportunities, and adherence to health and safety standards. Furthermore, inclusive practices, such as providing equal employment opportunities and involving employees in sustainability efforts, contribute to a positive workplace culture where team members share a sense of ownership in CSR initiatives.

Central to these sustainability efforts is Kuramathi’s Eco Centre, managed by a team that includes a Sustainability Manager, Horticulturist, and Eco Centre Coordinator. This team works closely with the resort’s environment committee, which comprises members from various operational areas, to implement initiatives promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By minimising environmental impacts, enhancing community benefits, and upholding human rights and fair labor practices, Kuramathi demonstrates responsible tourism, seamlessly integrating growth with conservation.

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JOALI launches first-ever wellbeing residences in Maldives

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JOALI has introduced Island Homes, offering a unique opportunity to own a private residence on the award-winning, first-of-its-kind wellbeing island in the Maldives. Accessible via a 40-minute scenic seaplane journey from Velana International Airport or a 90-minute yacht cruise from Maafaru International Airport, the island combines convenience and exclusivity. Buyers can select from one- to four-bedroom residences, either on the beach or overwater, designed with biophillic architectural principles.

Each residence, spanning 230 to 1,700 square meters, features cathedral ceilings, intricate mosaic finishes, and natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interiors to the surrounding tropical environment. The homes include private swimming pools, spacious sundecks, indoor and outdoor showers, and luxurious standalone or sunken bathtubs. A state-of-the-art home operating system ensures optimal ambiance and temperature control.

The Four-Bedroom Wellbeing Private Ocean Residence is the pinnacle of luxury. Situated above turquoise waters near a vibrant house reef, it offers breathtaking sunset views and proximity to marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. This residence includes four generously sized bedrooms, three with sea views, a 118-square-meter infinity pool, an enclosed kitchen, and a dedicated wellbeing complex with a private sauna, a treatment room, and a movement studio equipped with Technogym equipment and a Pilates Cadillac.

For those who prefer a beachside retreat, the Three-Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence offers elegant indoor and outdoor living and dining spaces. It features a 105-square-meter private pool, a kitchen with an island, a gym, a massage bed in an open-air cabana, and a private sauna. Each bedroom boasts Indian Ocean views, walk-in wardrobes, and luxurious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor elements.

JOALI fully manages these Island Homes and provides owners with an attractive rental returns plan. The island itself is dedicated to wellbeing, hosting 68 well-living villas and residences alongside 39 transformational spaces, such as Watsu Pools, a Himalayan Salt Inhalation Room, a Cryotherapy Chamber, and a Sound Healing Room. The offerings align with the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING—Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy—developed by Oxford University professor and wellness expert Gerry Bodeker. Bespoke wellbeing journeys are guided by an in-house team of naturopaths, nutritionists, therapists, herbalists, and practitioners of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Guests of all ages can engage with wellbeing workshops and activities at B’Kidult, the first multi-generational playground of its kind. From crafting natural self-care products with resident herbalists to exploring sound healing, the space offers enriching experiences for families.

The culinary offerings at JOALI BEING are guided by an earth-to-table philosophy. FLOW Restaurant features international cuisine from interactive kitchens, including Su for pescatarian dishes, Plantae for vegetarian and vegan options, and B’Well for premium meat and poultry selections. MOJO, the island’s beach sanctuary, serves Mediterranean and international fare, while Yutori offers mindful Japanese cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Yamamoto Hidemasi.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate is among the fastest-growing sectors, increasing from $225 billion in 2019 to $438 billion in 2023. Reflecting on JOALI’s expansion into this market, Founder and Vice President Esin Giral Argat noted, “Since JOALI’s founding in 2019, our approach has been to introduce a lifestyle brand with a soul, redefining luxury hospitality. With JOALI Maldives as the first art-immersive resort and JOALI BEING as the first wellbeing island in the Maldives, we are thrilled to expand into wellness real estate, creating an exclusive community for our loyal customers.”

Island Homes at JOALI BEING are available starting at USD 5 million.

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Exclusive benefits await Maldives Border Miles members at Dusit Thani Maldives

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In an exciting development, Maldives Border Miles has announced a partnership with Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury resort renowned for its exceptional guest experiences, to enhance loyalty rewards for travellers seeking an extraordinary stay in the Maldives. This collaboration introduces exclusive benefits for Maldives Border Miles members, offering enhanced privileges and the opportunity to enjoy Dusit Thani’s renowned Thai hospitality in the heart of paradise.

Dusit Thani Maldives, widely recognised for its luxurious accommodations and outstanding guest services, has joined forces with Maldives Border Miles to elevate the loyalty rewards experience for travellers. Through this partnership, guests staying at Dusit Thani Maldives can access exclusive privileges and unique benefits offered by the loyalty program throughout the Maldives.

Maldives Border Miles, the first-ever loyalty program for travellers to the Maldives, rewards frequent visitors with tailored benefits and exclusive experiences across the island nation. By collaborating with Dusit Thani Maldives, the program continues its mission to deliver exceptional value and unique experiences to its members. The seamless integration of the program with Dusit Thani’s offerings ensures a customised and rewarding stay, catering to guests seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion.

Dusit Thani Maldives extends a range of exclusive add-ons for Maldives Border Miles members, further enriching their loyalty rewards. These include a welcome drink and fruit basket upon arrival, personalised butler service, champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling wine on arrival, a 20% discount on Dusit Thani’s signature Borderless Dining experiences and spa treatments, and a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment for two per stay for premium tier members.

Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Thani Maldives, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Maldives Border Miles in welcoming members to experience Dusit Thani Maldives.”

Maldives Border Miles members can now accumulate points and progress through the program’s tiers, unlocking a curated range of experiences at Dusit Thani Maldives and creating new opportunities for memorable Maldivian getaways.

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