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Crushed hopes: Maldives lockdown exit plans draw ire for ‘failing to address emotional toll’
Residents of Maldives capital Male raised concerns Thursday over whether they could cope with a series of unprecedented restrictive measures any longer after the government unveiled a roadmap to slowly ease one of the world’s most densely populated cities out of lockdown.
The restrictions in Male region which stem from the coronavirus pandemic are being eased in phases, with the first phase starting Thursday and lasting at least two weeks. Despite some relief, most restrictions remain in place during the first phase.
Shortly after the government unveiled its reopening plans, people took to social media to criticise the plans as “too little, too late”.
The barrage of criticism centres around how the reopening plans fail to take into account the heavy emotional and psychological toll of the extended lockdown measures.
“In most countries, one of the first step of easing the lockdown was allowing people to go out for exercise. This is something we can do, with social distancing measures,” Ahmed Marzooq, Secretary General of the Maldives Olympic Committee, said on Twitter.
His comments are being echoed by dozens of social media users who say they were hoping for more.
Parents and guardians are also adding their voice to the debate. They say not allowing children below the age of 15 to go out until the second phase of reopening will lead to both short and long term mental health issues.
“This is unacceptable. We should be allowed to take our kids out for at least a few hours every week,” Fathimath Yusra, mother of an eight-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl, said.
What can you do in the first phase?
The lockdown and stay-at-home orders in the capital region were initially ordered on April 15 for two weeks. It has since been extended four times.
The lockdown bans all public activity and travel in Male and its suburbs of Hulhumale and Villimale. Any movement in and out Male and its suburbs, as well as the neighbouring industrial islands of Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu are also banned.
The restrictions in Male region will only be eased in phases, with the first phase starting Thursday and lasting at least two weeks.
Since authorities placed capital Male and its suburbs on lockdown on April 15, police had been issuing permits for essential needs. The permit allows one person from each household to go out for one hour every three days.
From Thursday, a maximum of three people from each household will be allowed to go out for up to three hours twice a week but they will still have to get a police permit beforehand.
Businesses that can open from Thursday include:
- Retail shops
- Bakery
- Supermarkets
- Bookshops
- Pharmacies
- Hardware shops
- Shops specialising in childcare items
Speciality shops such as those selling cosmetics and textiles can also take orders online and provide delivery service.
Banks will be allowed to provide essential services for three days a week in the first two weeks. In the second phase, banks can increase their service days to five a week.
Restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to provide takeaway and delivery service in the first two weeks. Dine-in will not be allowed until a later phase.
Government offices will also remain closed, but essential staff can go to office under special permits. Private offices can open for essential needs under a special permission from the economic ministry.
Colleges and universities can also resume online classes.
Parks, beaches, recreation centres and gyms, as well as schools and mosques in capital Male and its suburbs will remain shut for the first two weeks. No outdoor exercise is allowed.
Inter-island transport will also remain banned.
‘New normal’
Despite the public criticism, health officials say the lockdown has had a major effect on slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“The reproduction number has been cut to 1.4 from 3.8,” health minister Abdulla Ameen said, during a press conference Wednesday evening.
Officials say the lockdown measures can only be relaxed in phases.
“There are certain things we have to consider before we take every decision. We can’t take any risks,” Dr Nazla Rafeeq, a medical officer with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), told reporters Wednesday.
Health officials say the gradual loosening of restrictions can only be implemented in the context of a “new normal” phase to avoid a second wave of infections.
“The lockdown measures might have to be reimposed if a surge is detected. Further easing will also depend on how well people comply with the measures,” Dr Ali Latheef from HPA said.
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 later spread rapidly 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 1,457.
Five deaths have been reported and 242 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 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 were also shut.
Restaurants and cafes in the capital were 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.
Sun Siyam has unveiled a milestone transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the brand’s evolution introduces a new statement anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, reinforcing its position as one of the Maldives’ most culturally authentic resort operators. The transformation enhances guest journeys through the introduction of Signature Experiences across all six resorts and strengthens customer relationships via Siyam Rewards.
The group has unified its five Maldivian resorts and Sri Lankan retreat under a single identity, The House of Siyam. To provide greater clarity for guests and partners, properties are now grouped under three distinct collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle.
- Luxury Collection: Representing the highest calibre of island indulgence, led by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, this collection offers premium exclusivity.
- Lifestyle Collection: Designed for energetic adventure and diverse experiences, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World form part of this portfolio.
- Privé Collection: Centred on privacy and bespoke comfort, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka comprise this category.
A central feature of the transformation is the introduction of Signature Experiences, designed to extend beyond villa stays and integrate Maldivian heritage and imagination into every visit. Guests may participate in Maldivian Roots, a weekly culinary and cultural series, book the Maldives’ first overwater photo studio, the Insta Villa, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Sun Siyam Beach Club. Other offerings include the Wow Welcome, Hidden Treasure Chests, Plant Based Bliss dining, and Moonlit Cinemas.
The brand has also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, and optional carbon offsets. Members benefit from rewards starting with their first booking. Each stay contributes to marine conservation and community projects through the group’s sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Care.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Founder, Owner & Managing Director, said, “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990 and later opened our first resort in 1998, our goal was simple: to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation keeps that soul alive while giving us the space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”
Chief Executive Officer Deepak Booneady added, “This rebrand is not just about design, it is about experience. It is about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality and creating moments that spark joy. With the Maldives’ widest choice of villas, the region’s most generous premium all-inclusive plan and now our Signature Experiences, we are setting the stage for the future of island travel.”
The redesigned website, sunsiyam.com, brings the new brand identity across all touchpoints with a look and feel that is both distinctly Maldivian and modern.
The rebrand was developed with leading industry experts: JHAGGER&CO as brand advisors; StudioSixty7, led by Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for interior restyling; and Dominik Ruhl, a Maldives hospitality pioneer, for operational standards and experiences. Implementation was carried out by Sun Siyam’s operations team, General Managers, Resort Managers, and brand, sales, marketing, and public relations teams, coordinated by Abdulla Thamheed, VP of Operations.
The outcome is a design system that retains Maldivian heritage while embracing a contemporary edge.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named ‘Best Design Resort’ at the TTM Awards 2025, an accolade that recognises architectural excellence combining innovation with distinctive aesthetics. The award highlights the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ most striking luxury properties, known for its design vision and refined guest experiences.
Located on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, the resort is distinguished by its architectural concept created by Singapore-based WOW Architects. Its design draws inspiration from the natural environment of the Maldives, incorporating organic forms and local motifs with a modern interpretation. Among the resort’s most notable structures are the Whale Bar, shaped in the likeness of a whale shark, and the overwater Iridium Spa, designed to resemble a seashell, both exemplifying the seamless integration of luxury and nature.
The property’s design approach extends across its 77 private villas, positioned to offer either ocean or jungle views. Each villa is designed to blend with the island landscape, integrating sustainable elements while maintaining comfort, privacy, and style. The resort’s spaces reflect a balance between contemporary lines and Maldivian influences, creating a distinct sense of place.
The TTM Awards, presented annually during Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), recognise outstanding contributions to the region’s hospitality sector. This year’s award reinforces The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s reputation as a leader in design and attention to detail.
Since its opening, the resort has become known for uncompromising luxury, featuring celebrated dining options, an extensive wine cellar, and curated experiences supported by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The recognition at the TTM Awards 2025 further strengthens its status as a global benchmark in design-led hospitality.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced its Festive Early Bird package, inviting guests to celebrate the holiday season amidst tropical gardens and white sandy beaches. Available for stays between 20 December 2025 and 10 January 2026, the offer combines dining, family-friendly experiences, and wellness, creating a seamless festive escape.
The package includes a full-board meal plan across the resort’s restaurants. Children aged 11 and under stay and dine with compliments when sharing accommodation with their parents, reinforcing the family-focused spirit of the season.
Each day begins with a buffet breakfast at Feast, featuring fresh juices, coffees, and teas. Lunch is served à la carte across four venues, with menus showcasing Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican, and Asian-inspired cuisine. Evenings offer either a buffet dinner at Feast or a curated three-course à la carte menu at selected outlets. Adults also receive dining credits to experience the distinctive Thai flavours of Baan Thai or seafood specialities at Sea Salt.
Guests benefit from complimentary shared speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport, ensuring a smooth arrival. During their stay, they may enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and tennis. Additional relaxation awaits at Shine Spa for Sheraton, where a 15% saving is available on selected treatments.
The resort has tailored the festive programme with carefully considered details, blending leisure, cuisine, and wellness to create lasting memories. The Festive Early Bird package reflects the essence of a Maldivian holiday, combining turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and moments of celebration.
Reservations for the Festive Early Bird package are open until 15 October 2025, offering guests the opportunity to secure a seasonal retreat at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
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