Featured
Maldives enters nationwide total lockdown after coronavirus community transmission
Health authorities in Maldives has announced a nationwide lockdown, in a drastic escalation of the island nation’s response aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The new measures, ordered by Director General of Public Health Maimoona Abu Bark specifically for outside the greater Male region, include a ban on inter-island transport across the archipelago of 1,192 coral islands.
Public gatherings, including ceremonies and parties of all kinds, sporting events, and picnics, are also covered under the ban.
The restrictions will come into force at 4pm local time Friday and will be in effect indefinitely.
Local authorities have been asked to make the necessary arrangements to maintain an adequate stock of essential supplies in the islands.
The nationwide lockdown comes hours after the Health Protection Agency (HPA) extended a 24-hour lockdown imposed in capital Male and its suburbs on Wednesday.
The initial lockdown in one of the world’s most densely populated cities came after a Maldivian who presented to a dedicated flu clinic tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus which originated in China in December.
Two more direct contacts have since tested positive, making it the first virus cluster in the country.
All the previous cases had been linked to foreigners working or staying at tourist resorts and Maldivians that had returned from abroad.
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.
Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.
A three-case cluster, detected in Male Wednesday, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus and put the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Maldives to 23.
However, 16 out of the 23 have made full recoveries. Six Maldivian patients are being treated at designated quarantine facilities, whilst another 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 nationwide closing of schools, colleges and universities. 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 coronavirus 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.
All international airlines have suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March 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.
With arrival numbers falling and the 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.
Cover photo: Mihaaru News
THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards
Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
Angsana Velavaru has been honoured as Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for overwater luxury. The accolade highlights a growing recognition of travel experiences that blend privacy, spacious design, and understated elegance.
Situated in the serene South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru is home to the renowned InOcean Pool Villas—a collection of standalone overwater villas entirely surrounded by open sea and detached from the island’s main area. This thoughtful separation ensures an exceptional level of privacy and uninterrupted ocean vistas, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and refined.
Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, the InOcean Pool Villas are designed for both flexibility and comfort. Each villa spans two levels and features a private infinity pool, an open-air deck, and generous living spaces. The rooftop terrace offers an additional retreat—ideal for sunset drinks, casual barbecues, or simply enjoying the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. These villas cater equally to couples in search of serenity and families desiring meaningful togetherness.
Guests also benefit from proximity to Azzurro Restaurant and Bar, an elegant Mediterranean-inspired dining venue perched over water. The restaurant delivers a carefully curated menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, complemented by sweeping sea views that enhance the overall dining experience.
Reflecting on the recognition, General Manager Ahmed Zahir expressed gratitude: “This award is a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our entire team. At Angsana Velavaru, we strive to offer a thoughtful and personalised stay. The InOcean Pool Villas represent a unique proposition in the Maldives—space, serenity, and a slower pace that deeply resonates with our guests. This honour encourages us to further elevate our standards and remain aligned with what matters most to those who choose to stay with us.”
This award stands as a significant milestone for Angsana Velavaru, underscoring its continued commitment to delivering ease, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality. In a destination famed for overwater accommodations, the InOcean Pool Villa experience distinguishes itself through simplicity, spaciousness, and a seamless connection with the natural world.
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