Featured
Maldives main airport to upgrade apron for A380 jets
The main international airport in Maldives is upgrading its apron to accommodate A380 superjumbo jets.
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the state-owned airport operator, said Wednesday that a 35,000sqm space from the Velana International Airport’s existing west apron is being refurbished.
“When completed this will have 2 Code F MARS stands which can accommodate parking spaces for 2 A380 aircraft,” the company said, on Twitter.
When the 70,000sqm west apron opened in 2019, it had three Code E Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) stands, two dedicated Code E stands and one dedicated Code C stand. It had a combined capacity to accommodate either five wide body aircraft and one narrow body aircraft or two wide body aircraft with seven narrow body aircraft at a time.
MACL is also building another new apron at the eastern side of the airport island. This 60,000 sqm apron will feature four MARS stands, which can accommodate either four wide body aircraft or eight narrow body aircraft at a time.
The apron upgrading is in line with MACL’s plans to bring a newly built runway to operation soon. The 3,400 metre by 60 metre Code F runway can accommodate A380 jets, the world’s largest passenger jet plane.
A USD 800 million mega project has been launched to expand and upgrade the main Velana International Airport. The project involves building a brand new runway, an international passenger terminal and a seaplane terminal as well as other support facilities, including a fuel farm that can store 45 million litres and a 120,000 tonne cargo facility.
The airport is a key infrastructure that supports the Maldives multi-billion dollar tourism industry. Expansion of the airport is expected to boost tourist arrivals to the island nation as it aims to attract at least two million tourists in the coming years.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted these plans.
A night time airport closure is in effect at VIA due to the drop in demand.
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.
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.
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 1,872.
Seven deaths have been reported and 648 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 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.
Cooking
Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare joins The St. Regis Maldives for exclusive culinary experience
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, an exclusive luxury retreat situated on a private natural island, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Iside De Cesare to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with an exceptional culinary experience.
Through the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments program, members have the opportunity to bid on a five-night stay for two in an overwater villa from March 25-30, 2025. This extraordinary package includes a private six-course dinner with wine pairings, curated by Chef Iside De Cesare, allowing guests to savour her Michelin-starred cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the package offers a daily breakfast with breathtaking views of the Maldivian waves, a signature spa treatment, and a Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool experience at the award-winning Iridium Spa, along with return seaplane transfers.
Chef Iside De Cesare is a distinguished Italian culinary expert renowned for her Michelin-starred restaurant, La Parolina, located in Trevinano. Her cuisine strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, emphasising seasonality, simplicity, and the use of high-quality, local ingredients. Her expertly crafted dishes reflect a dedication to innovation while remaining rooted in traditional Italian flavours. With a strong commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability, her philosophy aligns seamlessly with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s dedication to refined dining, sophisticated indulgence, and environmental conservation.
Upon arrival, the winning bidder will be welcomed at a special reception and introduced to the serene surroundings of the resort. On March 27, guests will embark on a culinary journey with Chef Iside De Cesare, experiencing her exquisite creations and a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine. Marriott Bonvoy members are invited to bid for a chance to indulge in Chef Iside De Cesare’s Michelin-starred cuisine while enjoying an unparalleled luxury escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provides an enchanting setting for an unforgettable celebration of love. Surrounded by swaying palms and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort seamlessly combines serenity and romance, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking to rekindle their connection and create cherished memories.
Guests at the resort can wake up to the soothing sound of lapping waves and enjoy a nutritious floating breakfast delivered to their private overwater villa. These spacious, turtle-shaped accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase endless ocean views, along with glass floor panels in the living area offering glimpses of the vibrant marine life below. The Art of Love, a rejuvenating retreat at Heavenly Spa by Westin, is designed to refresh the senses and strengthen emotional bonds. This experience includes a 60-minute couple’s massage, a 30-minute facial, and a 30-minute heavenly bath, enhanced with sparkling wine and romantic décor. As the day progresses, guests can immerse themselves in the island’s tranquil beauty with a sunset yoga session or a breathing workshop led by the resort’s wellness specialist.
Dining at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is an art form, where each meal becomes a memorable experience. On Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a five-course Japanese set menu at the elegant restaurant Pearl, accompanied by a bottle of champagne. Alternatively, an intimate candlelight dinner by the sea offers a five-course set menu with live BBQ prepared by a private chef and complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine. As the night unfolds, visitors can celebrate under the Maldivian sky with a DJ party at Sunset Bar. Beyond Valentine’s Day, the resort’s Destination Dining provides various private beach dinner experiences available year-round.
For those looking to stay active, the resort offers a range of invigorating activities. The 24/7 WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio features state-of-the-art TRX equipment, while a full-sized tennis court allows guests to maintain their fitness routines. Adventure seekers can embark on a dolphin cruise or snorkelling excursion to explore the vibrant underwater world together. For a more leisurely experience, complimentary ocean kayaks are available for guests to paddle through the crystal-clear lagoon.
Situated on a natural island within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort harmonises with its breathtaking surroundings, providing an idyllic sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Coco Bodu Hithi, an authentic Maldivian retreat set in the crystal-clear waters of Malé Atoll, presents a gourmet getaway with a newly curated culinary journey designed for romance and indulgence.
Visitors can experience global flavours and exceptional wines from Bodegas Familia Zuccardi as Coco Bodu Hithi marks the beginning of the love season on 8 February. Zuccardi, known for its dedication to quality and sustainability, consistently produces award-winning wines that reflect the essence of Mendoza’s terroir. The winery has been recognised as a leader in the industry, securing the #1 ranking by ‘World’s Best Vineyards’ in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and earning a place in the Hall of Fame in 2022.
On 14 February, couples are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Eternal Shores Valentine’s Beach Barbecue. This special evening offers an opportunity to enjoy a carefully curated beachside barbecue under the stars, creating an unforgettable and intimate experience.
Throughout the year, the island hosts Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity talents, exclusive wine dinners, and unique dining experiences. This February, food enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting lineup, including the Art-of-Fire Culinary Journey from 24 to 26 February, featuring renowned Chef Jord Althuizen, celebrated for his Whole Hog BBQ. Guests will have the chance to savour a range of exceptional culinary offerings during their stay.
During this romantic season, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of intimate experiences. The ‘From the Heart’ offerings include some of the island’s most enchanting activities, such as a private five-course dinner under the stars in a secluded pergola, a sunset cruise around the island, or a stay in a Beach Villa with Pool. This beachfront retreat provides the perfect blend of privacy and comfort, ensuring an elevated romantic escape.
Renowned for its romantic ambiance, the island has been recognised as the Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives by the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 2024 and named among the Top 50 Honeymoon Resorts in the World by Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine in 2024.
Travellers looking to experience this Maldivian paradise can take advantage of the Coco Summer Escape offer, which includes a 40% discount and a complimentary meal plan upgrade, enhancing their stay at Coco Bodu Hithi.
-
Cooking1 week agoNew Tapasake restaurant at One&Only Reethi Rah
-
Love1 week agoRoot your love story at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
-
Drink1 week agoAtmosphere Core partners with Italy’s award-winning Prosecco Bottega
-
Love1 week agoExperience an island of endless firsts at Kandima Maldives
-
Meditation6 days agoTransformative wellness journeys at Amilla Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoFushifaru Maldives hosts ‘Sweet Escape’ with celebrity Chef Damiano Carrara
-
Celebration1 week agoSun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils ultimate Valentine’s getaway with luxury, music & romance
-
Featured5 days agoConstance Maldives Resorts shine in Booking.com Traveller Review Awards