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$50k ‘safe tourism licence’, $100 visa fee, virus testing: Maldives invites comments on tourism reopening proposals

Tourism authorities in Maldives have invited comments from industry stakeholders on draft guidelines, which — if finalised — will see the introduction of a $100 visa fee and mandatory on-arrival testing for coronavirus for all tourists when the island nation reopens its borders to visitors.
Draft guidelines published Tuesday by the archipelago’s tourism ministry say entry visa will be charged at $100 “until further notice” and will be issued only to tourists that have confirmed a minimum of 14 days’ stay at a single tourist facility with a “safe tourism licence”.
Before the Maldives closed its borders to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, it issued a 30-day free visa on arrival to tourists of all nationalities.
Meanwhile, tourists arriving in the Maldives will be required to present a medical certificate not older than seven days for antigen PCR test or 14 days for antibody test which confirms negative Covid-19 test findings.
But all tourists will still have to undergo PCR testing on arrival. The PCR test will cost $100 per person.
Vacant middle seat
Speedboats as well as aircraft carrying tourists to resorts and liveaboards from the airport will have to keep every alternate seat vacant.
On arrival at the resort, guests will be escorted directly to their rooms without waiting for check-in at the reception. Guests will be provided with an online check-in form to be completed in their rooms.
Guests will not be able to leave their rooms until they get the result of the coronavirus test done at the airport. It is hoped that the results will be provided within a maximum of 48 hours.
During the “quarantine period”, meals will be served directly to guest rooms.
After test results are received, guests can go out and enjoy all the facilities available at the resort, but they have to practise social distancing whilst interacting with other guests or employees. Tables at restaurants will also be set at a distance of at least two metres and buffet meals will not be served.
Mandatory protective gear
Airports are required to have disinfection procedures in place for body, luggage and travel documents of visitors.
All staff, including airport employees, resort representatives and luggage handlers, will be required to wear face masks and gloves at all times. Luggage trolleys will be disinfected after every use and kept separately.
Tourists will be required to wear face masks on arrival, at the airport and during the domestic transfer to the resort.
Just like at the airport, staff will be required to wear whilst welcoming guests to the resort. Employees will also have to keep a minimum distance of one metre when communicating with guests.
Similar requirements will apply to tourists that have booked stays with liveaboard vessels.
What is the ‘safe tourism licence’?
The draft guidelines restrict tourism activity to tourist establishments with a so-called safe tourism licence.
This licence will only be issued to resorts and liveaboards that pay $50,000.
The conditions that have to be met by the resorts and liveaboards to get the licence include:
- Allocate 10 per cent of registered guest rooms for isolation purposes.
- Allocate facilities for quarantining staff, equivalent to 10 per cent of total workforce
- Train guest service staff in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Train staff in social distancing and disinfection procedures
- Emergency procedures in place to deal with suspected cases
- Adequate stock of medically certified PPE
- A resident doctor and nurse
Phased reopening
According to the guidelines, only resorts and liveaboard vessels that have the safe tourism licence will be permitted to open at first.
Guests can come to these tourist establishments either by private jet or superyacht from June 1, followed by charter and commercial flights a month later.
Charter flights and private jets will be charged a landing fee of $50,000. Superyachts will also have pay an entry fee fo $10,000.
Meanwhile, guesthouses and hotels will only be allowed to open from August.
There are no plans yet to allow cruise ships.
The tourism ministry expects the restrictions to be in effect until September “unless extended by the government”.
The ministry says the guidelines will only be finalised based on industry feedback.
“Ministry of tourism wishes to emphasise that this document is an initial draft and the government’s official policy will only be finalised and published after incorporating comments and suggestions from all industry stakeholders,” a statement read.
“We invite all concerned parties to highlight any concerns and to share their suggestions in relation to the procedures set forth by this document by emailing bureau@tourism.gov.mv before 25th May 2020.”
Maldivian officials have been bullish on their ability to contain the coronavirus outbreak and reopen the country in the third quarter of the year.
The government earlier formulated five scenarios with possible timelines for reopening borders and the tourism sector.
The best case scenario sees the country reopen borders by May, but the most likely scenario projects a July date for reopening the borders and restarting tourism in October. In the worst case, borders may only open by January 2021.
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.
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.
Note: This article was updated at 9.42pm local time Tuesday to better reflect the draft nature of the proposals and to include comments made by the tourism ministry in its statement.
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Celebrate love in paradise: magical Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and the creation of lasting memories. Few places offer a more romantic setting than the pristine shores of the Maldives. Canareef Resort Maldives is curating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience, featuring a magical beach dinner under the stars, alongside special spa and photography offers to enhance a romantic getaway.
To elevate relaxation during the Valentine’s period, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering exclusive spa experiences:
- Complimentary Head or Foot Massage: Guests who book a one-hour couples massage will receive a complimentary 30-minute head or foot massage to further unwind together.
- Extended Relaxation: Those who choose the “Couples Harmony” package, a two-hour experience, will receive an extra hour at no additional cost. This three-hour indulgence includes a one-hour massage, a one-hour body scrub, and a one-hour natural facial, leaving couples feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
To commemorate a romantic escape, Canareef Resort Maldives is offering a special Valentine’s Day photography package:
- Valentine’s Special Photo Offer: A professional photoshoot captures the essence of love in a 20-minute session at a picturesque location. The package includes 10 beautifully edited photos as cherished keepsakes, priced at $85++ (plus taxes and service charge). Bookings open on February 7th, with the offer valid until February 14th.
On Wednesday, February 14th, 2025, guests can indulge in a specially curated Valentine’s Dinner on the beach, designed to delight the senses.
The evening begins with ‘Let’s Fire’, featuring succulent prawns with asparagus salad, providing a light yet flavourful start to the meal. This is followed by a comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup, setting the stage for the upcoming courses. A Lemon Mint Sorbet palate cleanser refreshes the taste buds before the “Burning Passion” main course selection.
Guests can choose from three exquisite main course options:
- Seafood Medley: A symphony of ocean flavours, served with crispy vegetable salad and heart-shaped roasted pumpkin garlic butter.
- Fillet of Beef Tournedos: Tender, perfectly cooked beef accompanied by seasonal vegetables and heart-shaped fondant potatoes with hollandaise sauce.
- Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini: A vegetarian delight, featuring delicate pasta in a white wine and basil cream sauce.
The evening concludes with “Consuming Love”, a decadent raspberry cheesecake with strawberry coulis and a Valentine’s chocolate fortifier, accompanied by tea or coffee.
This enchanting dining experience is priced at USD 85 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charge. To enhance the romantic ambiance, each couple will receive a complimentary rose and a glass of champagne.
Valentine’s Day at Canareef Resort Maldives is more than just a dinner; it is an experience. It offers an opportunity to create cherished moments against the stunning Maldivian backdrop, under a canopy of stars, with the soothing sound of waves in the background. It is a celebration of unique connections in an idyllic setting, ensuring an unforgettable romantic escape.
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Unforgettable love stories begin at Ifuru Island Maldives

Ifuru Island Maldives offers the ultimate romantic escape, featuring 147 luxurious beach suites and villas designed for couples seeking a modern and elegant retreat. Ideal for honeymoons, weddings, proposals, or peaceful getaways, the resort provides a secluded and picturesque haven where every detail is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments. From private ‘kissing spots’ and exclusive romantic packages to curated wedding offers and exceptional deals, Ifuru Island Maldives caters to every couple’s desires. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the resort aims to inspire couples, whether they are planning significant milestones or simply enjoying each other’s company.
The Love in Paradise Package at Ifuru Island Maldives allows couples to create lasting memories with an ultimate romantic getaway. Offering luxurious upgrades, exclusive dining experiences, and thoughtful touches, this package sets the perfect stage for love. Highlights include:
- Romantic Dining: Floating breakfasts, canapés & cocktails, private dinners, and sunset cocktails.
- Couples’ Indulgences: A spa treatment, bubble bath setups, and romantic turn-downs.
- Memorable Moments: Private sunset cruises, lagoon dives, art classes, and photo sessions.
- Adventure Awaits: Complimentary water sports and snorkelling gear.
- Special Perks: $100 resort credit per person and bespoke keepsakes.
Ifuru Island Maldives offers couples the opportunity to experience their dream wedding with its Free Wedding Package, which includes a range of complimentary features designed to create an unforgettable celebration. This package ensures that every detail is carefully arranged, allowing couples to relax and enjoy their special day. Package highlights include signature cocktails, a dedicated wedding planner, a private and elegantly styled wedding venue, a wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, and thoughtful touches such as a unique villa turn-down and a decorated buggy ride to the ceremony. From a scenic venue to intimate details, this package transforms a wedding into an extraordinary event in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
The package is available for bookings on the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive plan between 1 May 2025 and 30 September 2025, with a minimum stay of seven nights required.
Visitors to Ifuru Island Maldives can discover charming ‘kissing spots’ scattered throughout the island, thoughtfully designed to create dreamy, picture-perfect moments. These special locations provide guests with the opportunity to capture memories in stunning natural settings, with the breathtaking turquoise waters serving as a picturesque backdrop.
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AMRA Skincare arrives at Javvu Spa, Amilla Maldives

Javvu Spa at Amilla Maldives introduces an elevated realm of rejuvenation with the launch of AMRA, a renowned skincare line rooted in nature and refined by science. This carefully curated collection has been seamlessly integrated into the spa’s bespoke treatments, reflecting Amilla’s dedication to mindful well-being and sustainability.
Blending the healing properties of the island’s indigenous ingredients with AMRA’s advanced formulations, the AMRA Signature treatments at Amilla Maldives are designed to leave guests feeling renewed and deeply nurtured. Among the highlights is The Amilla Signature Journey by AMRA, which features gold and vitamin C exfoliation, a green caviar rhassoul mask, a 24kt gold stone massage, and a gold and green caviar facial—offering relaxation, skin refinement, and deep hydration (USD 570, 180 minutes). Additionally, the AMRA Olfactory Sound Bath Experience provides a restorative sense of balance through a combination of cleansing foot rituals, aura misting, personalised facial and hair treatments, sound baths, and chakra massage (USD 590, 180 minutes).
To ensure that each treatment aligns with AMRA’s philosophy, the therapists at Javvu Spa have undergone an immersive training program led by AMRA experts. This hands-on experience has deepened their understanding of AMRA’s innovative techniques and unique formulations, equipping them to deliver personalised, transformative treatments.
Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “With AMRA as our skincare partner, we are very excited about the variety of face and body treatments we will be offering our guests. The introduction of AMRA complements our ethos of creating serene, nurturing experiences that reflect the natural beauty of Amilla and the surrounding ocean.”
Each AMRA product is crafted using rare botanicals, precious minerals, and pure oils, designed to nourish the skin and soothe the soul. This harmonious blend of nature and innovation aligns with Amilla’s commitment to preserving the island’s tranquil surroundings while offering memorable moments of connection and care.
Guests are invited to explore the new offerings at Javvu Spa, where every treatment serves as a sensory journey—an opportunity to pause, unwind, and reconnect.
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