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Maldives sees coronavirus cases double in a day, reveals scale of migrant worker infections

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Health authorities in Maldives confirmed 17 more coronavirus infections on Sunday, a new daily record, the vast majority of which are amongst migrant workers living in dormitories.

Authorities managed to mitigate the spread of the virus and the Covid-19 respiratory disease it causes amongst the Maldives’ citizens and residents early on by closing the Indian Ocean tourist paradise’s borders, earning praise from the World Health Organisation.

But the disease is now spreading rapidly, especially within the large migrant worker community in capital Male. Authorities have ramped up relocating workers from the cramped up dormitories in one of the world’s most densely populated cities to temporary accommodation units.

An estimated 63,000 foreign nationals work in the Maldives illegally out of a migrant worker population close to 145,000.

Foreign workers in the Maldives, predominantly Bangladeshi and Indian men, are subjected to practices indicative of forced labour, including fraudulent recruitment, confiscation of identity and travel documents, withholding or non-payment of wages, and debt bondage.

As most migrant workers live in extremely poor conditions, an outbreak amongst them could lead to large virus clusters, overwhelming the country’s already under staffed and strained healthcare system and making it harder for authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

Infections doubled on Sunday, as 13 Bangladeshis residing in the same dormitory in capital Male tested positive after being in contact with a colleague that contracted the disease on Saturday.

Another Bangladeshi that reported to a flu clinic in Male, as well as two Indian nationals working as air condition technicians in the capital also tested positive on Sunday.

The first case in an inhabited island other than Male in the archipelago of 1,190 coral islands was also confirmed on Sunday, as a local tested positive in the island of Uligan in the northernmost Haa Alif atoll. Authorities say the person had recently travelled to Male.

Sunday’s new cases — an overnight doubling of infections — takes the total in the archipelago, which is under a partial lockdown, to 52. It has reported no deaths from the disease.

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 six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on Wednesday, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 52.

However, 16 out of the 52 have made full recoveries.

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 stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, 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.

Photo: Mihaaru

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SAii Lagoon Maldives introduces brand signatures in wellness-led evolution

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SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – part of the SAii Hotels & Resorts portfolio under S Hotels & Resorts – has officially relaunched with a refreshed brand identity built around the philosophy that ‘Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury.’ In this renewed chapter, the resort positions itself not merely as a destination, but as a sanctuary of calm where personalised service, nature-inspired design, meaningful encounters, and sustainability are central to the guest experience.

The relaunch arrives at a moment when international travellers are placing increasing value on mindful journeys — prioritising not only physical comfort, but emotional clarity, genuine connection, and thoughtful care. SAii Lagoon Maldives’ new identity has been crafted in response to this shift, embracing slower, more intentional travel with a focus on wellbeing and cultural resonance.

This evolution signals more than just a visual rebrand. The introduction of Brand Signatures — a collection of curated experiences offered across the resort — marks a fundamental transformation. Designed to foster joy and tranquillity, these initiatives include:

  • SAii Gurus, a team of friendly local experts who provide a warm welcome and help guests uncover authentic experiences and hidden gems;
  • SAii Wellness Gurus, wellness specialists who deliver tailored care through yoga, guided meditation and spa therapies;
  • Sensory Reception, an arrival experience that soothes with natural elements, calming aromas, and serene lighting;
  • Digital Detox, an invitation to disconnect from screens and reconnect with self, nature, and companions, with electronic devices securely stored and charged;
  • Fresh, Healthy, Happy, a dining philosophy that champions sustainably sourced ingredients and wholesome preparation across its signature outlets: Terra & Mar, Mr. Tomyam, Miss Olive Oyl, and the SAii Beach Club.

Guests can also enjoy refreshed spaces and an updated visual identity, with the newly imagined SAii Beach Club and SAii Spa anchoring the resort’s wellness-centric transformation. These enhancements aim to reflect SAii’s vibrant, relaxed spirit.

Alongside its guest-centred innovations, the resort maintains a strong commitment to environmental and community stewardship. SAii Lagoon Maldives has achieved Green Globe certification for three consecutive years and recently earned Gold Certification from the Environmental Impact Certification (EIC) by The Events Industry Council. Its sustainability efforts span the elimination of single-use plastics, carbon footprint reduction, marine conservation, and partnerships with local artisans and producers to support the regional economy.

Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Crossroads Marina, remarked, “At SAii Lagoon Maldives, peace of mind begins the moment your toes touch our sun-kissed sands. More than just a stay, it’s a multi-island escape where ease, connection and purpose converge. From overwater serenity to underwater discovery, our refreshed identity and Brand Signatures ensure every moment is crafted with care — for our guests, the planet, and the communities around us.”

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.Here Maldives to redefine ultra-luxury with dual-island concept

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Set to open in December 2025, the new ultra-bespoke private islands of .Here aim to redefine luxury travel in the Maldives. Envisioned as the pinnacle of modern hospitality, the retreat promises an elevated guest experience through intuitive service, transformative encounters and complete seclusion. Spanning two natural islands named Somewhere and Nowhere, .Here is designed to appeal to the world’s most discerning travellers, combining understated luxury with a sense of playfulness, all while placing the guest at the heart of the experience.

Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for vibrant marine life and outstanding snorkelling and diving, the islands will feature just nine exclusive residences. A dedicated restaurant and bar will serve imaginative fusion cuisine inspired by global flavours. Guests of .Here will also have access to the amenities of the nearby Finolhu Baa Atoll, offering the opportunity to blend peaceful retreat with more lively diversions.

The project has been conceived by architectural firm KulörGroup, whose design respects and accentuates the slender shape of the islands. The concept balances immersive natural beauty with tailored luxury, catering to today’s elite travellers. Each residence will offer views of both sunrise and sunset and a unique mix of jungle canopy and vibrant turquoise waters—an embodiment of the duality that lies at the core of the brand’s identity.

On the island of Somewhere, expansive villas are positioned across both beach and sea, creating a hybrid of overwater and beachfront living for those unwilling to choose between the two. Each villa includes a 47-metre sky infinity pool complete with a cascading waterfall, and the interiors span over 1,200 square metres. Five residences comprise three en-suite bedrooms for up to eight adults, while two larger villas offer four bedrooms and over 1,400 square metres of space, accommodating up to eleven adults. Amenities include a bar, kitchen, indoor and outdoor living areas, water sports centre, 24-hour in-villa dining, and a dedicated Roohu (butler).

Nowhere, the second island, is intended as a fully private booking, exemplifying a new standard in exclusivity. It consists of a three-bedroom overwater villa of 1,000 square metres with a 15-metre private pool, and a five-bedroom Presidential Villa set across 2,400 square metres with a 28-metre pool and a private beach. Designed to accommodate up to 24 adults, Nowhere also houses the Fehi Spa and the resort’s fitness facilities.

Fehi Wellness, named after the Dhivehi word for ‘green,’ is reserved for guests staying on Nowhere, although treatments can also be arranged in-villa for those on Somewhere. The spa’s bespoke treatments merge ancient healing traditions with modern science, offering options such as salt stone and jade stone massages and aquatic reflexology. Each programme is tailored to individual preferences, further reflecting the island’s theme of duality.

Service across the island is elevated by the presence of a dedicated Roohu—meaning ‘soul’ in Dhivehi—assigned to each residence. These butlers are tasked with curating deeply personal and entirely unique guest experiences, operating with discretion and precision.

The dining experience is centred around the restaurant and bar, Safar, meaning ‘journey’ in Dhivehi. Open around the clock, resident chefs craft bespoke menus for guests to enjoy in-residence or at the overwater venue. From fine dining to relaxed beach picnics and villa-side barbecues, each meal is an invitation to discover new flavours.

Design elements across .Here have been conceived by the award-winning British studio Muza Lab, led by Inge Moore and Nathan Hutchins. Their interiors draw from the textures and tones of the natural environment, incorporating carved timbers, stones, and marbles that pay homage to Maldivian craft and culture, such as Dhoni boats and traditional Feyli sarongs.

Access to .Here is via a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, completing the journey to a destination that promises to be unlike any other in the Maldives.

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Ocean-led healing: Blue Prescription returns to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, embraced by the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, has enhanced its acclaimed Blue Prescription wellness journey, first introduced in 2024. This elevated offering expands the resort’s commitment to promoting wellbeing through the healing power of water, with experiences designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Drawing on the calming effects of the ocean and inspired by the science of the ‘blue mind’ state, the reimagined Blue Prescription package brings together expert-led encounters, restorative landscapes and daily rituals, all under a new ‘Blue Rate’ that highlights the mental and emotional benefits of aquatic environments.

Mounting scientific evidence continues to underscore the importance of water-based landscapes, or ‘blue spaces’, in supporting mental health. Time spent near or in water has been shown to lower stress levels, ease anxiety, and promote feelings of calm, joy and connection. The rhythmic presence of water encourages a shift away from the overstimulated ‘red mind’ state into a more relaxed, creative and focused frame of mind. This connection between human wellbeing and the natural world is central to the philosophy behind the Blue Prescription.

For those seeking a reprieve from stress or looking to embed long-term wellness practices into their daily lives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offers the ideal setting. Surrounded by panoramic ocean views and carefully designed to reflect the flow of the sea, the resort’s iconic Ocean Pool Villas serve as calming sanctuaries. With uninterrupted views, private sun decks, plunge pools, and Bamford’s organic amenities, these villas provide a space to soothe the nervous system and encourage restorative sleep.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the ocean’s influence from morning to evening. Each stay begins with a welcome from the resort’s naturalists, offering an introduction to the island’s reef and marine life. Guided meditation takes place on the villa’s private deck, followed by a floating breakfast ceremony. Throughout the day, guests may explore floating sound baths, barefoot myofascial massage with Sarga Bodywork beside the sea, and guided snorkelling sessions that offer transformative encounters with vibrant marine ecosystems, including eagle rays and hawksbill turtles.

At the heart of the wellness experience is the B Balanced treatment at the resort’s spa, set above the shimmering lagoon. This 90-minute Bamford ritual uses breathwork, bamboo tapping and gua sha massage to recalibrate hormonal and energy imbalances. Surrounded by the gentle rhythm of the ocean, the treatment is designed to restore both body and mind.

A luxury yacht cruise invites guests to witness the natural joy of dolphins in the open sea, while the resort’s signature Defining Moment marks the day’s end with a sunset ritual featuring traditional Boduberu drumming and the blowing of the Sangu shell. These moments of natural ceremony are intended to honour the cycles of nature and reinforce a sense of presence.

As part of the Deep Blue Boost, guests may take part in the Masters of Crafts and Visiting Heroes programme, featuring leaders in wellness, conservation and adventure. From 19th to 22nd September, National Geographic Explorer and Kenyan shark scientist Gibbs Kuguru will visit the resort in collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, offering guided snorkelling, conservation workshops and reflective sessions. Bamford’s wellness expert CJ Jones-Leake and breathwork coach Anthony Mullally will lead sessions on mindful movement, stress relief and holistic recovery, with a focus on improving vitality and mental clarity.

Even indirect exposure to water — such as listening to waves or visualising aquatic scenes — has been shown to activate calming neural pathways. To encourage this practice beyond the resort, each guest will receive a piece of artwork by resident Maldivian artist Shimha Shakeeb, alongside a wearable blue bangle made from ghost nets recovered through the resort’s Eye in the Sky conservation programme.

For those seeking a shorter or more simplified immersion, the Blue Rate Blue Rituals daily rate includes accommodation in an Ocean Pool Villa, a welcome session with resort naturalists, a floating breakfast ceremony and daily in-villa meditation.

The 2025 Blue Prescription includes a minimum four-night stay in an Ocean Pool Villa, a welcome by the resort’s naturalist team, one floating breakfast, daily poolside meditation, a 90-minute Bamford B Balanced treatment, a private coral regeneration session, guided snorkelling or diving with a naturalist, a Sarga Bodywork session on the villa’s deck, a luxury sunset yacht cruise, and mindful departure gifts including a painting by Shimha Shakeeb and a bracelet made from ghost nets. Prices start at USD 24,000 per person based on two adults sharing, and USD 20,500 for single occupancy, inclusive of all taxes and subject to availability.

Participation in Deep Blue Boost activities with visiting experts is subject to schedule and individually priced. The Blue Rate Blue Rituals daily rate is priced at USD 6,000 per person per night for double occupancy and USD 5,500 for single occupancy, including all taxes and subject to availability.

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