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One third of Maldivians multidimensionally poor, new study finds

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Almost one third of the Maldives population is multidimensionally poor, a joint study has found.

The first ever Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of the Maldives, released Thursday, showed that 28 per cent of the country’s population was multidimensionally poor — meaning they lack access to health care, education, proper nutrition, or adequate housing — in 2016.

A regional comparison revealed that 10 per cent of the population in capital was multidimensionally poor whereas 40 per cent of the population is poor in the atolls.

Even though only 61 per cent of the population lived in the atolls, 87 per cent of the Maldives’ poor population lived in the atolls. Only about 13 per cent of the country’s multidimensionally poor lived in the capital, disproportionately less than the city’s population share.

“This implies that in order to improve the condition of the poor, better targeted poverty reduction programmes need to be carried out for the population living in the atolls,” the joint study by the National Bureau of Statistics, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNICEF read.

The new findings are a stark contrast from traditional poverty indexes which are based on monetary indicators and uses data from household income surveys.

According to income poverty, only eight per cent of the population was poor. Close to 13 per cent of the population was poor in the atolls and less than three per cent were poor in Male.

“The large difference between the two measures illustrates the vital importance of using both measures to inform policy and planning, as they convey information about people who are poor in different ways and thus inform different policy interventions,” the report said.

According to the study, children in the Maldives have a higher likelihood of being multidimensionally poor than any other age group; 34 per cent of 0-17 year olds live in multidimensionally poor households. Among the youth, aged 18-35, this rate is around 22 per cent.

But the good news is that the study did not find any major difference in the level of multidimensional poverty between male and female headed households.

Multidimensional poverty has also reduced significantly. Between 2009 and 2017, the index has decreased to one third of its original value – from 0.425 to 0.145.

“Over the 8 years, education and living standard dimension showed the most visible improvement,” the report read.

“Eighty percent of the indicators have shown improvement over the years, immediate action is needed to improve the health condition of the population given that health indicators remained without much improvement.”

The study follows a decision by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in February to adopt the MPI as the assessment tool for poverty in the Maldives.

The MPI, which covers over 100 developing countries, complements traditional monetary-based poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations that each person faces in education, health and living standards.

Photo: Corporate Maldives

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Awards

Heritance Aarah celebrated as a leading resort in the Indian Ocean at Condé Nast Traveller Awards

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Heritance Aarah Maldives has been recognised as one of the Best Resorts in the World within the Indian Ocean category by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, earning a remarkable score based on votes from the publication’s discerning readers. Situated in the serene Raa Atoll, this Premium All-Inclusive barefoot paradise offers the ultimate island escape.

From the moment guests step into the dedicated seaplane lounge, the Heritance Aarah experience exudes elegance and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay. The resort boasts an impressive array of world-class amenities, curated to provide an exceptional Maldivian retreat.

Guests can choose from a diverse range of accommodations, including stunning Ocean and Beach Villas, sophisticated Ocean Suites, and a private Ocean Residence featuring exclusive pools. Each option is meticulously designed to blend luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Culinary excellence is a hallmark of Heritance Aarah, with seven distinguished restaurants offering all-day gourmet dining experiences. Each venue presents a unique gastronomic journey, enhanced by an extensive collection of international wines and spirits available at five distinctive bars. Whether savouring Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes, indulging in fusion cuisine that marries Sri Lankan and Maldivian flavours, or enjoying the vibrant tastes of Tokyo and Bangkok street food, dining at Heritance Aarah is a true celebration. With over 80 premium spirits, 150 beverage options, and a signature cocktail menu featuring more than 30 creative concoctions, every meal is elevated to an unforgettable occasion.

Heritance Aarah goes beyond culinary indulgence, embracing a holistic approach to luxury that caters to both wellness and adventure. Guests can unwind at the IASO Medi Spa with a variety of treatments, including Reiki healing, Moxibustion, Shirodhara Ayurvedic therapies, and personalised yoga or tai chi sessions. Additional wellness offerings include sound healing and Tibetan Kunye healing, all designed to promote both physical and emotional well-being.

One of the resort’s standout features is its live Maldivian Village Museum, where guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through traditional cuisine, intricate handicrafts, and stories from the island’s history, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the local culture in an intimate and engaging setting.

For families, the Koka Kids Club offers a world of adventure with a dynamic range of activities. Young explorers can take part in treasure hunts, create sustainable crafts, delve into Maldivian cuisine, engage in science experiments, or enjoy water sports, all thoughtfully crafted for an exciting family experience. With a kids’ club and in-villa babysitting services available, parents can relax and make the most of their time at the resort, knowing their little ones are well entertained.

Adventure enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities at Heritance Aarah. The resort features a fully equipped gym, along with courts for tennis, futsal, badminton, and volleyball. Guests can also explore the surrounding waters through thrilling experiences like catamaran sailing, diving, and dolphin cruises, or partake in stargazing, sunset fishing, and cultural excursions.

As a pioneer in Premium All-Inclusive luxury, Heritance Aarah continues to set new benchmarks in hospitality, crafting unforgettable moments that resonate long after guests leave this island haven.

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Awards

Baros Maldives named among top 20 Indian Ocean Resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

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Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, recognising Baros Maldives as one of the top 20 resorts in the Indian Ocean.

This year’s awards featured separate surveys conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom for the first time in five years. Over 575,000 readers from the United States and more than 126,000 readers from the UK participated, sharing their global travel experiences. The awards are considered the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, serving as the ultimate benchmark of excellence in the sector.

Baros Maldives has once again been named among the top 20 resorts in the Indian Ocean, as voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the second consecutive year. Since its founding in 1973, this locally owned luxury private island resort has set the standard for luxury travel in the Maldives, showcasing the very best the region has to offer.

Boasting pristine white-sand beaches and a world-class house reef, Baros Maldives is a tropical oasis nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Guests are invited to explore the island’s lush surroundings or participate in eco-friendly activities led by resident marine biologists and members of the marine team. These experiences provide guests with the opportunity to learn about the island’s diverse marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of other species.

Enhancing the island’s natural beauty, Baros’s Serenity Spa offers guests personalised wellness journeys. Expert therapists provide a range of treatments tailored for individuals and couples, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort’s luxurious accommodations, personalised service, and exclusive experiences, such as the secluded Piano Deck for vow renewals, private dining, and intimate massages, have made Baros a favoured destination for honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions.

Dining at Baros is an exceptional experience, with three distinguished restaurants: Lime, Cayenne Grill, and the signature Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge. Each venue offers a variety of culinary options, ranging from perfectly grilled steaks to the finest island dining. At The Lighthouse Restaurant, renowned chefs blend innovative techniques with exotic ingredients to create culinary masterpieces. The menu highlights local flavours, featuring sustainable seafood, coconut, and tropical fruits that reflect the island’s distinct Maldivian essence.

With a longstanding reputation for excellence and numerous accolades, including the recent recognition from Condé Nast Traveler readers in both the UK and US, Baros Maldives continues to set the benchmark for luxury island travel. The resort remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences to its guests.

Expressing his appreciation, General Manager Ibrahim Shijah stated, “On behalf of our team, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our esteemed guests and trade partners for their loyalty and support, without which we would not be where we are today.”

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Awards

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli shines in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

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Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been ranked No. 8 among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean. This recognition highlights the resort’s dedication to providing exceptional luxury experiences and outstanding service.

The Readers’ Choice Awards, considered one of the travel industry’s most prestigious accolades, garnered participation from over 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers who shared their insights and ratings based on their travel experiences around the world.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this award from Condé Nast Traveler. This prestigious accolade reflects our commitment to excellence and our focus on offering our guests unparalleled experiences. The award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our teams who go above and beyond to ensure that every stay is truly memorable,” said Oriol Montal, Managing Director, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “We are also grateful to our loyal guests for their continued support and feedback, which continuously inspires us to further elevate our services.”

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on its own private island, is known for its luxurious accommodations, stunning design, and breathtaking natural surroundings, making it a dream destination for travellers seeking an extraordinary getaway in the Maldives.

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