Featured
Maldives reports third coronavirus death
Maldives has reported its third coronavirus related fatality after an elderly man in intensive care died Thursday.
The 80-year-old man was being treated at the Dharumavantha Hospital in capital Male after he tested positive on April 21 for the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
He was transferred to intensive care on April 30.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) said the man died at 11.20pm Thursday.
The Maldives has reported three coronavirus related deaths, with the previous being a 33-year-old Bangladeshi worker who died Tuesday and an 83-year-old local woman who passed away on April 30.
Meanwhile, 17 new infections were detected Thursday from capital Male, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the 6.8 square kilometre island-city to 612 and the national tally to 648.
The confirmed local transmission clusters in the country now include 344 Bangladeshis, 216 Maldivians, 55 Indians, five Nepalis, four Sri Lankans and three Pakistanis.
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, a widespread 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.
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 April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 648.
Three deaths have been reported and 20 have made full recoveries. Five remain in intensive care.
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 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.
Photo: Sun Online
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.
Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.
The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.
With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.
Siyam World Maldives, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Lifestyle Collection, is preparing to host ten days of activities and entertainment from 20 to 31 October 2025. The programme will combine sports, culinary showcases, music events, and a large-scale Halloween experience.
The line-up begins with a three-day Rugby Camp from 20 to 22 October, led by England rugby player Danny Care. This will be followed by a Football Camp from 23 to 27 October, with former professionals Marco Negri, Marco Materazzi, and Ciru Caruso guiding young participants through drills, games, and training sessions.
Culinary highlights will feature Chef Junichi Tanaka and sake sommelier Yasuyuki Suzuki at the resort’s Japanese fine-dining venue, Arigato. Chef Tanaka, co-founder of Bincho Tanaka in Ito, Japan, is recognised for his approach combining charcoal cooking, fermentation, and cultural storytelling. Together with Suzuki, they will present a set menu paired with Japanese sake.
On 28 October, the resort will mark its fourth anniversary with a beachside celebration featuring DJ performances by LOVRA and Tom Zanetti. The event will create a festival-style atmosphere with live music and dancing.
For Halloween on 31 October, Siyam World will introduce a themed haunted walkthrough inspired by The Conjuring Universe. Characters including Annabelle, The Nun, La Llorona, and the Crooked Man will be featured. Guests who complete the walkthrough will be able to attend a dance performance inspired by one of the franchise’s stories, followed by a Halloween party with DJs and live acts.
Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Siyam World, commented: “At Siyam World, we don’t just host events, we create legendary experiences. Our fourth birthday and Halloween takeover are more than celebrations – they are experiences that continue to redefine events in the Maldives.”
Alongside the scheduled events, guests will have access to Siyam World’s wider facilities and activities, including spa treatments, watersports, horse riding, the island’s go-kart track, and the resort’s 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive package.
The October programme reinforces Siyam World’s positioning as a resort designed for large-scale experiences, combining sports, entertainment, and dining with its ‘no-rules, just vibes’ philosophy.
This festive season, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is set to host Festive Royale, a holiday celebration designed exclusively for adults, where glamour meets playful mischief and every evening offers a new story. Running from 22 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the resort will transform into a lively stage for cheeky elves, daring parties, and sparkling celebrations that extend well beyond midnight.
Santa’s scout Elf and his companions will take charge at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, bringing mischief and energy to the celebrations. On Christmas Eve, Alita Restaurant will be transformed into a lively Elves’ playground for the Elf on a Shelf Christmas Eve Gala Dinner, followed by a DJ-led party beneath the stars. On Christmas Day, the Grinch will make a dramatic appearance, while guests will enjoy a festive breakfast, followed by indulgent lunch and dinner buffets. With the Elves in charge, the holiday mood will remain playful, spirited, and delightfully mischievous.
As the year concludes, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo will unveil Operation Countdown, a New Year’s Eve event inspired by the suave world of James Bond. The evening will begin with cocktails at the Pool Bar Deck, leading into a gala dinner marked by style, intrigue, and celebration. The night will culminate in a poolside countdown party, with DJ performances carrying the festivities into the early hours of 2026. On New Year’s Day, Alita Restaurant will welcome guests for an extended champagne brunch.
Beyond the nightly festivities, the resort will provide opportunities for both fun and rejuvenation. Guests may join pool gatherings, cocktail-making and cooking classes, or restore balance with yoga, meditation, and treatments at Suvadiva Spa. Mornings will bring ‘Elf on a Shelf’ hunts with hidden prizes, while evenings will offer reflective experiences such as sound healing under the stars, creating a balance between playful energy and mindful renewal.
Cluster General Manager, Riaan Drever, remarked: “This is the season where Elves run wild, the Grinch takes centre stage, and the New Year feels like the set of a Bond film. At Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, guests can expect celebrations that combine mischief with glamour, keeping the island alive with energy from morning hunts to late-night beats.”
This December, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites guests to embrace a festive playground of charm, cheek, and celebration, where no two nights are ever the same and every moment holds the promise of something unexpected.
-
Cooking1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives marks Chefs Day with ‘Around the World in Five Courses’ culinary journey
-
Action1 week agoMaldives welcomes first PADI TecRec Dive Center
-
News1 week agoKuramathi Maldives refreshes spa menu with enhanced treatments
-
Drink1 week agoOktoberfest comes to shore at SO/ Maldives with bratwurst & beats
-
News1 week agoBandos Maldives achieves Green Globe Certification
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives reimagines art of celebration this festive season
-
News1 week ago‘Haunted Elegance’ at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: Adults-only Halloween under the stars
-
News1 week ago‘Secrets of the Haunted Manor’: Addams family-inspired Halloween at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa