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Ahead of July reopening, Maldives again assures no extra fees

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Tourism authorities in Maldives on Saturday assured potential travellers that no additional charges will be levied when the upmarket Indian Ocean tourist destination reopens its borders to visitors.

The Maldives tourism ministry said the island nation will reopen its borders in July. However, a date was not specified.

“We want to assure our guests that they will not charged any additional fees to enter the Maldives,” a statement read.

“We hope to see you soon on these sandy shores.”

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced plans to reopen the country’s borders and restart its worst-hit tourism industry in July.

The country’s tourism ministry has drafted and invited comments from industry stakeholders on its own guidelines on reopening the borders.

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.

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.

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 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 1,633.

Five deaths have been reported and 242 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.

Photo: Public Service Media (PSM)

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Luxurious Valentine’s getaways at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa

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This Valentine’s Day, love takes centre stage at Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa as the island transforms into a haven of romance with its enchanting Tropical Love celebration. Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Maldives, the resort invites couples to indulge in an unforgettable escape, curated with passion, luxury, and intimacy in mind. From private island getaways to candlelit beach dinners, every experience is designed to celebrate love in its most magical form.

Throughout the celebration, guests can enjoy a variety of romantic experiences designed to create lasting memories. Exclusive dining options range from elegant wine dinners to intimate beachside feasts under the stars, each featuring expertly crafted menus paired with premium champagnes.

Couples can embark on a breathtaking sunset cruise leading to a secluded island retreat, where an intimate dining experience awaits amidst the serene sounds of the waves. For those seeking relaxation and pampering, indulgent spa treatments and floating breakfasts offer moments of tranquility and connection. Guests can unwind with a luxurious couple’s massage, followed by a serene breakfast served in the comfort of their private pool, where the scent of fresh tropical blooms and the gentle sea breeze enhance the experience.

The Tropical Love affair experiences include:

  • Love & Escape – A sunset cruise to a private island, followed by an intimate five-course dinner with Bruno Paillard Rosé and luxury indulgences.
  • Celebrate Love in Style – A refined five-course dining experience at Oak Wine Lounge, paired with Taittinger Rosé and exclusive romantic touches.
  • A Night of Love – Dining under the stars with a five-course menu, Bottega Rose Gold Spumante, and handcrafted island chocolates.
  • A Night of Romance Under the Stars – A candlelit beach dinner featuring a gourmet five-course menu, B&G Sparkling Rosé, and sweet island treats.
  • Floating Valentine – A luxurious floating breakfast in a private pool, paired with Taittinger Rosé for a perfect start to the day.
  • Floating Champagne with Canapés – A celebration of love with Taittinger Rosé and canapés, served in the tranquility of a villa pool.
  • Ruinart Romance Surprise – A timeless romantic gesture with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a delicate rose.

Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa’s Tropical Love experience serves as a tribute to romance in its most exquisite form. Whether indulging in fine dining, toasting to love under the stars, or escaping to a private island retreat, each experience is designed to create timeless memories in the heart of the Maldives.

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Chocolate, spirits, and gourmet pairings with Patrick Gelencser at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

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Renowned master chocolatier Patrick Gelencser will bring a touch of indulgence to Niyama Private Islands Maldives, hosting exclusive tasting sessions from February 21-25, 2025.

Born into a legacy of chocolate craftsmanship, Gelencser represents the third generation of the esteemed House of Gelencser. As one of only 15 chocolatiers in France specialising in bean-to-bar production, he has received numerous international accolades. His meticulously crafted creations are so exceptional that they are showcased in a chocolate museum in the Loire Valley, as well as in nearly half a dozen boutiques.

Guests at Niyama will have the rare opportunity to witness Gelencser’s artistry firsthand as he curates a series of tasting experiences set against the resort’s breathtaking backdrops.

  • Single-Origin Chocolate & Rum: The terroir of the cocoa bean influences its flavour, resulting in creamy, fruity, citrusy, or nutty notes. Guests will explore the origins of Gelencser’s single-origin chocolates, expertly paired with the finest Caribbean and South American rums, in a setting like no other—perched half a kilometre out to sea amidst the sunset.
  • Ganache, Praline & Whiskey: A masterful contrast of textures awaits with smooth, creamy ganache and nutty, complex pralines, complemented by a premium selection of whiskeys. This refined post-dinner experience will be hosted at the heart of the island of Chill.
  • Tapas, Chocolate, Wine & Port: For the grand finale, guests will embark on a full gastronomic journey, surrounded by lush tropical beauty. The experience begins with tapas and wine, followed by a curated selection of chocolates and port, personally presented by Gelencser to an intimate gathering of 12 guests.

“We are thrilled to host rarefied events such as these, led by masters of their craft like Patrick Gelencser,” says Thierry Vergnault, Executive Chef of Niyama. “We take great pride in our culinary offerings, creating spectacular experiences found nowhere else, and look forward to hosting many more.”

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Oaga Art Resort’s unique Valentine’s Day celebration

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This Valentine’s Day, Oaga Art Resort is redefining traditional romance, inviting guests to embrace a broader celebration of love—one that honours self-love, friendship, and meaningful connections in all their forms. ‘A Different Kind of Love Story’ at Oaga is more than just an event; it is a movement.

Oaga Art Resort envisions Valentine’s Day as an inclusive celebration, welcoming singles, best friends, and those seeking to deepen their relationship with themselves. By shifting the focus beyond conventional narratives, the resort creates an atmosphere where guests can explore self-worth and celebrate the many dimensions of love.

The resort’s Valentine’s Day program offers curated experiences designed to inspire self-love and joyful connections:

  • Self-Love Hours: Rejuvenating sessions at Hoba Spa, promoting self-acceptance and wellness. Guests can participate in a Face Massage Workshop, Harmony and Kindness Meditation, and Hydrotherapy & Skincare Rituals. Pre-booking is required.
  • Live Music by Soul Salad: The soothing jazz melodies of Soul Salad set the perfect mood for relaxation and connection.
  • Self-Love Celebration: A lively beach party under the stars featuring Digital.flock (Mirah Allly) encourages guests to dance and embrace the joy of self-expression.
  • Self-Love Garden: Guests can plant a seedling along with a personal self-affirmation note, contributing to a growing sanctuary dedicated to self-love.
  • Dinner for Two: A premium dining experience featuring a curated five- or six-course menu, complemented by wine, live music, and a romantic beachfront setting. Pre-booking is required.
  • Colour Splatter Canvas: A large collective art installation invites guests to freely express themselves through painting.

Oaga Art Resort is inviting guests to break free from traditional Valentine’s Day expectations and embrace an unforgettable celebration of self-love, friendship, and joy. By redefining love beyond February 14th, the resort encourages individuals to nurture the most important relationship of all—the one with themselves.

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