Featured
SriLankan Airlines to operate more repatriation flights from Maldives

SriLankan Airlines has announced plans to operate four repatriation flights from Maldives to major hubs in the world.
The neighbouring Sri Lanka’s flag carrier will fly from Male to Melbourne in Australia and Tokyo (Narita) in Japan via Colombo Wednesday.
Australians stranded in the Maldives can take the flight to Melbourne for a fixed fare of $1,298 ($1,057 for a child). For Japanese nationals, the flight to Tokyo will cost $1,170 ($936 for a child).
Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines will operate a flight to London (Heathrow) in the United Kingdom and another to Moscow in Russia via Colombo from Male Thursday.
British passport holders, or passengers with onwards tickets to destinations in the European Union, the United States or Canada can take the flight to London at a fixed fare of $1,285 ($1,042 for a child).
For Russians stranded in the Maldives, a seat on the repatriation flight to Moscow will cost $1,778.
These repatriation flights follow similar exercises by India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, Turkey and Italy in recent weeks.
The EU and UK have also 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 13 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 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 1,106.
Four deaths have been reported and 80 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.
For bookings, please call +9607916779 or email mle.sales@srilankan.com
Featured
ELE|NA teams up with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health for personalised wellness in Maldives

ELE|NA, a trailblazer in transformative wellness experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with Fit Bodies, Inc. and Muhdo Health. This collaboration brings together world-class wellness programs and advanced DNA-based health insights to ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can now enjoy an integrated approach to fitness, mindfulness, and personalised health optimisation in a luxurious island setting.
Through this partnership, ELE|NA now offers expert-led wellness experiences curated by Fit Bodies, Inc., the world’s largest provider of fitness, yoga, and sports instructors for luxury resorts. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests have access to:
- Two daily group fitness sessions, including Paddle Yoga, Aqua Fitness, Water Pilates, Latin Dance, and Tai Chi.
- One private session per week with a visiting instructor, offering personalised attention and skill development.
- Two weekly workshops covering diverse topics such as self-care rituals, breath work, sound healing, and mindful movement.
Guests are also invited to participate in immersive experiences such as Luxury Sleep Recovery techniques, Sunrise & Sunset Rituals, and Art Therapy. These offerings provide a comprehensive approach that nurtures the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, year-round wellness experiences like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling are available to support deeper transformation.
Throughout April, special wellness workshops featuring live music are available, creating a serene yet energising environment that enhances each practice.
ELE|NA’s partnership with Muhdo Health adds a new dimension of personalisation to the wellness journey through DNA-based insights. Guests can access Muhdo’s exclusive DNA Kits—available only in the Maldives—to receive customised recommendations in the areas of:
- Nutrition and fitness, based on individual genetic profiles.
- Sleep optimisation strategies for improved recovery.
- Cognitive and stress resilience methods to enhance mental clarity and overall well-being.
To ensure a seamless experience, DNA Kits must be pre-booked prior to arrival, allowing each guest to begin their wellness journey with a fully prepared health report.
By blending scientific innovation with expert-guided wellness programming, ELE|NA continues to redefine luxury wellness travel, offering unique experiences that empower guests to pursue optimal health both during their stay and beyond.
ELE|NA offers a vibrant year-round schedule featuring practices such as Power Yoga Vinyasa, Deep Slow Flow, Yin Classes, Sweat & Surrender, and Restorative Yoga. These are complemented by holistic services like Reiki, Spiritual Guidance, and Nutritional Counselling. During April, guests can also enjoy enhanced sessions with live music, amplifying the tranquil yet invigorating ambiance.
This innovative collaboration signals a new era in customised wellness travel. By combining leading-edge health insights with transformative lifestyle experiences, ELE|NA at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invites guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery, movement, and renewal—guided by some of the most respected wellness experts in the world.
Awards
Angsana Velavaru wins 2024 British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award

Angsana Velavaru has been honoured with the esteemed British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024, a recognition that underscores the resort’s steadfast dedication to delivering outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences. With an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, the resort has secured its position among the highest-rated hotels worldwide, as determined by unbiased reviews from its guests.
In a hospitality landscape where perfection is often pursued but seldom attained, Angsana Velavaru shines as a symbol of excellence. Its strong reputation is rooted in flawless service, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a deep connection to the untouched beauty of the Maldives. Guests are welcomed into a serene escape, featuring spacious InOcean villas and beachfront villas designed to provide not only comfort but a sense of home. The resort offers a wide range of experiences, from private dining to extraordinary marine excursions, ensuring that every stay becomes a lasting memory.
Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the award reflects the team’s dedication to delivering more than just a stay – but an experience that lingers with guests long after they depart. He emphasised that this recognition from British Airways Holidays further reinforces the resort’s commitment to excellence.
British Airways Holidays, a prominent name in the UK travel industry, bases its Customer Excellence Awards on over 72,000 independent guest reviews collected in 2024. These awards are determined through comprehensive evaluations focused on location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director at British Airways Holidays, shared his appreciation for Angsana Velavaru’s performance, noting that the awards celebrate hotels that mirror the company’s mission to provide unforgettable travel experiences. He highlighted that the recognition helps travellers make informed choices and ensures their holidays are truly memorable.
This award serves not only as validation of Angsana Velavaru’s outstanding offerings but also as a reaffirmation of its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most desirable destinations. With its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, the resort continues to redefine what it means to experience paradise.
Featured
Celebrate Easter 2025 in style at CROSSROADS Maldives

CROSSROADS Maldives is offering a festive calendar that blends sun-soaked celebrations with island-style play, creating a colourful Easter week. From beachside beats to treasure hunts in technicolor, Easter 2025 brings together the best of both worlds—SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives—offering a line-up that entertains, excites, and shines across the destination.
At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, Easter extends into a week of island adventures for curious children and their families. From 14 to 20 April, the daily programme at Koimala and Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp is filled with engaging activities. Children can enjoy paddle boat rides, friendly competitions, creative crafts like bunny masks and egg painting, and treasure hunts that lead to golden egg discoveries. Beyond fun, the programme incorporates nature through coral planting sessions and up-cycled art workshops that entertain while educating. Midday cool-downs are provided by gelato tastings and poolside bubbles, and as the sun sets, the energy picks up with DJ sets, kids’ mini discos, and themed cinema nights. These events offer families opportunities to bond and establish new traditions in a tropical setting.
At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, guests are invited to experience a combination of daytime beats and nighttime excitement. Easter kicks off with Bunny Beats at the Pool, where live DJ music mixes with splash-filled games. The afternoon sees Sessions transformed into a sugary studio with the Easter Cookie Jam, a sweet mix of decoration and music. As golden hour arrives, the Octagon Garden becomes a relaxing space with ambient tones. Saturday begins with the Roxity Fun Fair and Tie Dye Party, where vibrant colours and laughter fill the air. The evening turns electric with an Easter Feast and Live Show that combines sound, spectacle, and flavour. On Easter Sunday, brunch at The Elephant and The Butterfly offers tropical rhythms, a surprise bunny visit, and a show that leaves a lasting impression. Young Rock Stars join the Roxity crew for an egg hunt, then dance at the Roxity Easter Party, where aerial performers take to the skies and music fills every corner of the island. As the weekend winds down, Hera’s Acoustic Vibes invite everyone to unwind under the stars before the Limbo Showdown turns the Pool Deck into a final burst of energy.
The celebration extends beyond events. At Hard Rock’s Rock Shop, guests who make qualifying purchases will receive a complimentary item of selected apparel or accessories, available at both Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. The BE BOLD BE HAPPY promotion encourages guests to add something extra to their Easter style, providing an exclusive retail experience that enhances the holiday spirit.
Easter 2025 at CROSSROADS Maldives is a place where the soundtrack never stops, each day is filled with discovery, and the only rule is to have more fun than planned.
-
Family1 week ago
Hop into unforgettable eco-friendly Easter at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
-
Family1 week ago
Sweet sensations take centre stage: Easter at Hideaway Beach Resort with Chef Thomas Alphonsine
-
Family1 week ago
Siyam World’s Toon-tastic Easter Bash
-
News6 days ago
Ananda in the Himalayas returns to The Nautilus Maldives for soulful healing residency
-
Awards6 days ago
Villa Nautica wins DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award
-
News7 days ago
Celebrate sustainability, exclusive offers, meaningful connections at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
-
News6 days ago
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes guests with new standard of serenity
-
Drink7 days ago
Le Méridien Maldives Resort’s La Vie: Reimagined adults-only bar, pool experience