Featured
Maldives extends council terms after coronavirus forced election delay
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday ratified constitutional and legislative measures in a bid to ensure the continued functioning of decentralised government until fresh elections.
The president ratified amendments to to Article 231 of the constitution, which relates to the elections for local councils.
The amendments add two new provisions under the article, allowing for the tenure of incumbent atoll, city and island councils to be extended past their specified term-limits of three years, under exceptional circumstances.
The exceptional circumstances refer to a situation in which new council members are unable to replace sitting council members after the expiration of the latter’s electoral tenures.
According to the newly enacted changes, under these circumstances, special elections are to be held for local councils when possible, and incumbent council members will remain in their posts, provisionally, until new members can take office.
The constitutional amendments were passed by the parliament in a midnight sitting Monday.
Meanwhile, an emergency law followed the constitutional amendments.
The law delineates the powers and expected conduct of council members who remain in office in an interim capacity.
The act supplements the constitutional amendments and a previous sunset law, which allows for the local council elections initially scheduled for April to be delayed until they can be held safely.
The legislative measures were necessitated by the impractical nature of holding elections during the coronavirus outbreak.
Collectively, the constitutional amendment and supplementary legislation will ensure that decentralised government continues to function without practical interruption or legal obstacle during the pandemic.
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 1,841.
Seven deaths have been reported and 608 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.
The restrictions in the capital region are now being eased in phases, with the first phase lasting at least until mid June. Most restrictions remain in place for the time.
Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts marks Valentine’s season with multi-resort celebrations
Sun Siyam Resorts is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s season across its collection of Maldivian island resorts, with each destination offering a distinct rhythm and character. From unhurried island experiences to celebrations shaped by nature and shared moments, the programme presents couples with a range of intimate ways to reconnect in settings designed to feel personal and considered.
At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Valentine’s celebrations will take place from 12 to 14 February, unfolding through a series of tailored experiences focused on togetherness. The programme includes floating breakfasts, sunset moments in private pool villas, secluded island picnics and snorkelling excursions. Evenings feature experiences such as Cinema by Moonlight on the water, live DJ sessions and couple-focused spa rituals, creating a balance between relaxed romance and private time.
From 11 to 14 February, Sun Siyam Iru Veli will present a Valentine’s programme centred on candle-lit dining, beachfront gatherings and personalised experiences across lagoon and sandbank locations. Live performances by Maldivian saxophonist Shahy Siraj will accompany sunsets and evening celebrations, offering couples a setting designed to feel relaxed and timeless.
Throughout February, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef will host a month-long Valentine’s journey inspired by coastal tones and slower-paced island living. The programme includes outdoor dining experiences, sunset performances, beachside theatre and personalised couple activities across dining, spa and excursions, inviting guests to engage with a more extended celebration of the season.
At Siyam World, Valentine’s Day on 13 and 14 February will be marked by a more expressive programme where romance is paired with music, performances and island-wide dining experiences. The celebrations culminate in a signature Valentine’s show, presenting a high-energy approach to the occasion.
From 13 to 20 February, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will offer a week-long Valentine’s escape focused on shared experiences, food and island life. The programme includes evening performances by DJ Slim Belghith and a culinary residency by Italian chef Francesca Gambacorta, alongside beachfront dining, wellness experiences and activities designed for couples to spend time together at a relaxed pace.
Across the Sun Siyam portfolio in the Maldives, Valentine’s season is defined by time spent together through shared meals, music, unhurried days and the natural island setting. Couples are invited to explore seasonal offers and programmes across the collection via the Sun Siyam Resorts website.
Featured
Ifuru Island Maldives presents intimate Valentine’s escape for couples
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two, a Valentine’s season programme featuring a collection of experiences designed for couples seeking connection in a private island setting shaped by natural surroundings and a restrained approach to luxury.
Central to the offering are romantic beach dinners held under the night sky, alongside an exclusive private dining experience at the resort’s Secret Spot. This secluded location is reserved for couples seeking privacy and is available by prior arrangement. Each dining experience is curated by the culinary team and includes bespoke menus, candlelit table settings and personalised service.
For couples wishing to spend time on the water, the resort is introducing a private romantic yacht charter in collaboration with Blend. The experience offers a quiet journey across the lagoon and open waters, with curated refreshments and uninterrupted sunset views. Designed for a limited number of couples, the charter is positioned for occasions such as proposals, anniversaries and Valentine’s celebrations.
Wellness experiences form an additional element of the Valentine’s programme. Couples can book a dedicated spa package focused on shared relaxation rituals in a calm setting. For guests interested in mindfulness, a guided meditation and bonding session led by visiting practitioner Dr. Sha is available on selected dates, offering an opportunity for reflection and balance within the island environment.
Through private dining, ocean-based experiences, spa rituals and mindful moments, A Valentine’s Escape, Curated for Two presents couples with the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s season in a manner that is personal, unhurried and considered.
Awards
Atmosphere Core earns triple honours at Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards
Atmosphere Core concluded 2025 with a strong industry showing, securing three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The accolades underscore the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort concepts for diverse traveller profiles, while maintaining a consistent emphasis on quality, comfort and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.
At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives. Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, while OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. The honours are based on Layalina’s independent editorial assessment and established quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury hospitality, all-inclusive offerings and lifestyle-led design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with a strong readership and influence across the GCC and wider region.
Collectively, the awards highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of evolving travel expectations, delivering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted and easy to enjoy, whether guests are seeking tranquillity, variety or social energy.
Each of the recognised resorts brings a distinct identity to the group’s Maldivian portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is defined by its serene environment and castaway-artist concept, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect through nature, creativity and adventure. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, offering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, expansive villas and a long, natural island setting that appeals to both families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi delivers a more dynamic island escape, characterised by contemporary design and a lively social atmosphere that resonates with travellers drawn to shared spaces, movement and modern aesthetics. Together, the accolades reflect a carefully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travel moods and preferences.
Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said the group was honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising the three resorts across distinct categories. He noted that the recognition reflects the company’s carefully curated experiences, shaped by a strong sense of product, space and genuine care, and credited the passion and commitment of the teams, as well as the continued trust of guests, for the achievement.
Central to these successes is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, which positions hospitality around care, generosity and attention to detail. This approach informs destinations that feel closely connected to their natural surroundings and supports bespoke experiences that anticipate guest needs. The result, the group says, is a style of hospitality that is welcoming, effortless and personal, creating meaningful moments that endure beyond the stay itself.
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