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Italy, Indonesia, Philippines to evacuate citizens from Maldives

Published

5 years ago

April 24, 2020

Italy, Indonesia and Philippines are evacuating their nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Italy’s Neos Airlines will operate an evacuation flight to the Maldives via Sri Lanka Friday.

Garuda Indonesia will also operate a direct flight between Jakarta and Male on Friday.

Meanwhile, a Philippines Airlines flight from Manila will arrive in the Maldives Saturday to carry Filipinos in the island nation back to their home.

As the Maldives capital region is in lockdown, confirmed ticket holders will have to obtain a permit from the police to travel to the country’s main Velana International Airport.

These repatriation operations come weeks after the EU, UK and Russia evacuated their nationals from the Indian Ocean tourist paradise.

The Maldives has 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 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.

With the visa suspension in effect and no international airlines flying into the country, 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.

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 last week, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 116.

No deaths have been reported and 16 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.

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Ifuru Island Maldives hosts visiting practitioner Devendra Pokhriyal at Xanadu Spa

Published

1 hour ago

October 6, 2025

m@ldives

Xanadu Spa at Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Devendra Pokhriyal, a highly regarded wellness practitioner from the Himalayan foothills of India, who will serve as a Visiting Practitioner from 23 October 2025 to 7 January 2026. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience his renowned healing therapies during this four-month residency.

Hailing from the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, Devendra brings extensive expertise across a diverse range of holistic disciplines, including Ayurvedic consultations, detox programmes, myofascial release, dry needling, marma therapy, and energy healing. His therapies are recognised for their ability to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and restore harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

“We are excited to welcome Devendra as a Visiting Practitioner at Xanadu Spa,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “His authentic Himalayan knowledge and holistic approach will enrich our guests’ wellness journeys and add a distinctive dimension to their time on the island.”

During his residency, Devendra will offer a curated menu of treatments, including:

Ayurvedic Consultations – personalised wellness guidance based on Ayurvedic principles.
Marma Healing Therapy – revitalising energy flow and vitality through ancient Ayurvedic techniques.
Remedial Massage – a bespoke full-body experience combining deep-tissue techniques, Thai stretching, and wooden tapping along meridian lines.
Detox and Healing Therapies – including slimming detox massages, myofascial release, and nasya sinus cleansing.

Known for his compassionate and intuitive approach, Devendra has guided guests across the world toward relaxation, recovery, and transformation. His limited-time residency at Xanadu Spa presents a rare opportunity for guests of Ifuru Island to immerse themselves in authentic Himalayan-inspired wellness in the heart of the Maldives.

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Sun Siyam Resorts celebrates 35th anniversary with global Instagram giveaway

Published

2 hours ago

October 6, 2025

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the launch of its global Instagram giveaway, Win the Maldivian Spirit, marking a key milestone in the group’s 35th anniversary celebrations of Maldivian hospitality. Running from October to November 2025, the campaign invites travellers from around the world to experience the Maldives in style, with one winner and three companions receiving a seven-night stay at any resort within the Sun Siyam Lifestyle Collection.

The prize includes a 24-hour all-inclusive package, airport transfers, a luxury spa treatment, a private dining experience, and a choice between diving or watersports adventures.

The initiative coincides with the unveiling of Sun Siyam Resorts’ brand (r)evolution — a transformation that extends beyond a visual refresh. Centred on the new brand statement, The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, the rebrand unites all six resorts under The House of Siyam, now grouped into three distinctive collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle. Alongside this, the brand has introduced new Signature Experiences and launched Siyam Rewards to strengthen guest engagement.

Participation in the giveaway is straightforward:

Follow @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram
Like the giveaway post

Open globally, the campaign seeks to grow Sun Siyam’s online community while showcasing its refreshed identity. Through engaging reels, influencer collaborations, and interactive content, the campaign aims to share a glimpse of the authentic warmth and spirit that define Maldivian hospitality.

“We are thrilled to share the Maldivian Spirit with a global audience through this campaign,” said Shammun Mohamed, Director of Digital Communications at Sun Siyam. “This is not just a chance to win a holiday; it’s an invitation to experience the beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments that define Sun Siyam.”

The giveaway will close on 25 November 2025, with the winner announced on 30 November 2025 via @sunsiyamresorts on Instagram, where all campaign details are available.

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Sun, sea, and serenity: Villa Nautica’s Winter Escape awaits

Published

2 hours ago

October 6, 2025

m@ldives

Villa Nautica is inviting travellers to escape the winter chill and embrace the warmth of the Maldives with its Winter Escape Offer, providing up to 20% off stays. Conveniently located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort combines contemporary design with authentic Maldivian hospitality, creating an ideal island retreat for the season.

Nestled among pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Villa Nautica features beach pool villas, overwater villas, and ocean suites, each designed for comfort and offering sweeping ocean views. Guests can explore the lagoon with the resort’s PADI Five-Star Dive Centre, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Araamu Spa, or unwind by the island’s signature infinity pool—recently named the Best Pool in the Maldives at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025.

Culinary experiences at Villa Nautica span global flavours, from Japanese and Italian to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Evenings are marked by live music and cocktails beneath the stars. Families are catered for with engaging activities at the Wavy Navy Kids Club, while couples can enjoy tranquil moments along the shoreline.

Committed to sustainability, Villa Nautica proudly holds Green Key certification, underscoring its dedication to responsible tourism. The resort utilises solar power, has eliminated single-use plastics, and supports coral restoration projects to protect marine biodiversity.

Guests booking directly through villaresorts.com can enjoy exclusive benefits, flexible booking options, and the best available rates.