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Coronavirus in the Maldives: The couple trapped on never-ending honeymoon

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By Secunder Kermani, BBC News

It began with a wedding in Egypt’s capital Cairo on 6 March: eight years after they first met, 36-year-old Khaled and Peri, 35, married in front of their friends and families.

A few days later, the Dubai-based couple left for Cancún, Mexico, with barely a worry in the world: coronavirus seemed a distant concern, as it had yet to fully spread across the globe.

So while the couple were careful to avoid crowded places, they say they “never expected” travel restrictions to affect their plans.

But by the time they were returning home to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via Turkey on 19 March, the full scale was becoming apparent.

“While we were on the plane we had access to internet and then we started getting messages from people ‘Are you going to be able to get to Dubai? There’s a new law, they’re banning expats,'” Peri told the BBC.

Still, as they were already in the air, they assumed they would be allowed to travel. But when they tried to board their connecting flight in Istanbul, they were told they could not board.

The new rules had come into place just as they set off from Mexico.

The couple were left stranded at the airport for two days. Restrictions in Turkey meant they were not allowed to leave and enter the city.

Whilst, without a valid boarding pass they struggled to buy toiletries and clothes, and were not even allowed to collect their luggage.

But when they tried to return, they found themselves trapped. PHOTO/ PERI/ BBC

Unable to enter the UAE, and with flights to Egypt suspended, they needed a plan.

“We decided to go on Google and check all the countries that allowed Egyptians without a visa, and then check if they had flights,” Peri said. It appeared they only had one option: the Maldives.

A set of islands with clear white sand and turquoise water in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Khaled and Peri had even considered heading there for their honeymoon instead of Mexico.

However, on this occasion it was not the prospect of the beaches and snorkelling opportunities that excited the couple the most.

“I remember that moment we were let through immigration,” Peri recalled. “We looked at each other and we were very happy that at least we would be sleeping in a bed as opposed to airport seats!”

Khaled, a telecoms engineer, said, laughing: “We were so happy to see our luggage.”

But once the immediate stress of finding a place to stay had been resolved, new challenges dawned on them.

“We started realising there is a major financial burden, our jobs – we wouldn’t be able to perform them well. We didn’t pack our laptops,” said Peri, who works in media. “When you’re on honeymoon you don’t expect to be working much.”

Their only option was to fly to a new “honeymoon” destination, the Maldives. PHOTO/ KHALID/ BBC

On reaching their island resort the couple realised they were amongst only a handful of guests, most of whom were waiting for flights home.

As the others left, the hotel shut down, and the couple were shifted to another island, where the same thing happened.

They have spent the last month in a special isolation facility set up by the Maldivian government at a resort on the island of Olhuveli.

They are grateful to the authorities, who are charging a reduced rate, and to the resort staff.

“They’re doing their best to actually make this a nicer experience for us. So, in the evening, they play music, they have a DJ every day, and sometimes we even feel bad because nobody’s dancing,” Khaled said.

There are about 70 others at the resort, many of whom are also honeymooners. The only difference, according to Peri, is that the others “chose the Maldives as their honeymoon destination – we didn’t”.

It seems an idyllic spot to be trapped – but they still have to work. PHOTO/ PERI/ BBC

There are close to 300 tourists left in the Maldives, which has now stopped new visitors from arriving. But while there may be many worse places to spend in lockdown, the couple are desperate to return to Dubai.

They say they have only managed to visit the beach “a couple of times”, partly because of heavy rain during the current monsoon season, and also because they are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Both are also back at work, but struggle to connect via wi-fi to conference calls.

But getting home is not straightforward. As residents of the UAE, but not citizens, they say they were not allowed onto flights returning others to the Gulf.

And while flying to Egypt on a repatriation flight could have been an option, it would have meant a 14-day quarantine in a government facility – and still being unable to return to their home in Dubai.

They are calling on the UAE authorities to help them and other residents who are stranded. They have applied for approval to travel from the government’s official portal, but are yet to receive permission.

And, in any case, no flights are currently available.

“It gets more stressful every time we read in the news that the airlines are postponing the date of going back into operation… We’ll definitely do whatever we’re asked when it comes to quarantine whether at a hotel or self-quarantining home,” Peri said.

Their two month trip has been far from what they thought when they left for Mexico. PHOTO/ KHALID AND PERI/ BBC

When it comes to the mounting cost of the trip, the couple have decided “not to do the maths until we go back, because we don’t know when it’s going to end”.

Still, they know others around the world are in far more difficult positions. But they emphasise the trip has been far from an extended honeymoon.

“It’s always sad when you’re in a resort and you’re the last guests there, and all the staff are waving bye-bye to you. You feel bad for them too… that happened twice to us,” said Khaled. “Places like this should be full of people and good moments, that’s not the case right now.”

“Every time we tell people we are stuck in the Maldives, they laugh and they’re like ‘it’s not the worst situation, I wish I could be in your position’,” Peri added. “It’s not as easy or happy, it’s definitely very stressful… enjoy being at home with family. I would take that over anything.”

Note: This story originally appeared on BBC News. It has been reproduced without any alterations. The original story can be viewed here.

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Condé Nast Traveller applauds Maldives as a lovers’ paradise

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The Maldives has long been synonymous with romance, and now it takes centre stage in Condé Nast Traveller’s curated list of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’. The magazine highlights the archipelago’s unparalleled ability to create dreamlike escapes for couples, setting a gold standard for intimate getaways.

From the moment you set foot in the Maldives, the enchantment begins. Confetti-like tropical fish flit through crystal-clear lagoons, while overwater villas offer vistas of mantas gliding gracefully beneath. Add in the luxury of floating breakfasts served in your private pool and intimate dinners on pristine beaches, and you have the perfect recipe for romance.

Condé Nast Traveller notes that while the Maldives caters to families too, its essence of romance is unrivalled. The country’s private island resorts, nestled amid lush jungles and encircled by house reefs, redefine luxury. With world-class spas, fine dining, and starlit experiences, the Maldives effortlessly marries natural beauty with bespoke hospitality.

The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most celebrated resorts, and Condé Nast highlights a few that stand out:

  • Vakkaru Maldives: A lush retreat where couples can enjoy a private dinner and movie at the island’s jungle cinema under the stars.
  • Six Senses Laamu: The brand’s latest addition to the Maldives offers an exceptional spa experience, complete with a couples’ suite for ultimate relaxation.
  • Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: This eco-luxury resort epitomises romantic aesthetics with its overwater villas set against one of the country’s most mesmerszing lagoons.

For hoteliers and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, this recognition underscores the archipelago’s enduring allure as a romantic haven. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining world-class service, crafting unique guest experiences, and preserving the pristine beauty that defines the Maldives.

The Condé Nast Traveller mention is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity for local hoteliers to further cement the Maldives’ position as the ultimate destination for couples seeking an off-grid escape steeped in romance.

As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in hospitality, there’s no doubt that its reputation as a lovers’ paradise will only grow stronger. For the industry, this is a call to celebrate the archipelago’s unique offerings and ensure that each guest leaves with memories as enduring as the turquoise waters that surround them.

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Celebration

Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La

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As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.

On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.

“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”

Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:

  • A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
  • An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
  • A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa

The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.

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Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils sustainable holiday centrepiece

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Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, has introduced the Maldives’ most sustainable Christmas tree for 2024, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious holiday celebrations. The tree, crafted entirely from natural materials such as dry rattans and bamboo, ensures that every component will be repurposed after the festive season, leaving no waste behind.

Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, emphasised the resort’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the Christmas tree exemplifies how luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist. He highlighted the use of thoughtful design and natural materials to create a visually striking centrepiece with a lasting positive impact.

The tree’s minimalist design reflects the resort’s dedication to balance and harmony with nature, showcasing the potential of renewable materials while embodying the festive spirit. Following the holiday season, the materials will be repurposed into practical or decorative items, aligning with the resort’s circular economy initiatives.

Guests are encouraged to view this remarkable centrepiece and engage in a festive experience that mirrors the resort’s core values of sustainability and thoughtful design.

This initiative complements Patina Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, including renewable energy adoption, zero-waste kitchens, and marine conservation programs. By integrating these principles into holiday traditions, the resort reinforces its belief that luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

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