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Soneva-funded lab at Maldives airport to offer coronavirus tests for tourists
A laboratory to test tourists for the novel coronavirus is being established at an international airport in an ultra-luxury tourism zone in the northern part of Maldives.
Mohamed Rizvi, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS), told a parliamentary committee Wednesday that Soneva, which owns luxury resorts in the Maldives, is building a lab at the airport located on the island of Maafaru in Noonu atoll.
The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab will be completed by June 25 and be ready for testing as soon it is certified by the health ministry and Health Protection Agency (HPA), he said.
“Soneva is funding and overseeing the entire process of establishing the lab. This will be an added selling point for tourists,” Rizwi said.
Soneva currently runs two resorts in the Maldives: Soneva Fushi in Baa atoll and Soneva Jani in Noonu atoll. The world-leading luxury resort operator also operates luxury yacht Soneva in Aqua in Maldives, and Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand.
Despite a lab being established at the Maafaru airport, tests will be voluntary.
Authorities in Maldives have rolled back harsh restrictions, including mandatory on-arrival coronavirus testing and 14-day quarantine for all visitors, as well as fees proposed for reopening the country’s borders.
Meanwhile, the airport operator is readying the Maafaru airport for international arrivals in July.
The Abdu Dhabi-funded international airport was specifically developed to cater to high net worth individuals who want to arrive there directly and travel to one of the ultra-luxury resorts in the atoll for their holiday.
But the airport lacked the required equipment, as well as customs and immigration capabilities to handle international arrivals.
Aviation authorities in Maldives are exploring the possibility of allowing private jets to directly land at airports other than the main airport, as the island nation anticipates luxury travellers to be the first to visit when it reopens its borders in July.
Velana International Airport is the main port of entry for private jets at the moment, but once cleared they can fly to other airports that can cater to private jets.
The government has not singled out the other airports being considered for private jet landing, but it is likely that the Maafaru airport will be permitted to cater to jets.
The Maldives is preparing to reopen its borders to visitors in July.
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.
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 2,120.
Eight deaths have been reported and 1,677 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 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 was also ordered.
These measures allowed authorities to contain the outbreak.
More than half of the people who contracted the virus have recovered and daily recoveries have over taken the number of new infections detected per day.
The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the second phase lasting at least until June end.
Photo: An Airbus A321 aircraft operated by flag carrier Maldivian, which is owned by Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS), is seen parked at Maafaru airport on June 16, 2020. PHOTO/ IAS
This summer, Milaidhoo invites guests to experience a season of discovery, where each day flows in harmony with the ocean’s rhythms. The resort introduces Endless Summer, a limited-time offer crafted for dreamers, explorers, and those who find meaning in both grand adventures and quiet moments. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is not just a destination—it is a personal island story waiting to unfold.
From 1st May to 31st October, nature takes center stage as Hanifaru Bay becomes home to the breathtaking Manta Reunion—one of the Maldives’ most magical marine spectacles. During this time, dozens of manta rays elegantly glide through the warm waters. Milaidhoo’s guests enjoy exclusive access to this extraordinary event through specially designed excursions that offer close encounters with these gentle giants—experiences that remain vivid long after summer ends.
Whether relaxing in a private pool villa, savouring breakfast with uninterrupted views of the ocean, or embarking on curated island experiences, Endless Summer combines all the essential elements of a perfect Maldivian escape. Guests staying four nights or more unlock a range of curated benefits designed to enhance their stay. These include daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at the renowned Ocean Restaurant, rejuvenating daily yoga sessions, and much more.
To celebrate the manta ray season, the offer includes 30% savings on Manta Reunion excursions—an exceptional opportunity to engage deeply with the marine world. Additional benefits include 30% discounts on selected spa treatments and group adventures that showcase the area’s rich marine biodiversity and local culture. Guests also receive USD 150 resort credit per room, per stay, ideal for spontaneous indulgences that elevate the experience.
With early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), every moment at Milaidhoo is extended, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the island’s laid-back luxury.
Offer Includes:
- Daily breakfast at Ocean Restaurant
- Daily à la carte dinner at Ocean Restaurant
- 30% savings on Manta Reunion excursions
- 30% discount on selected spa treatments
- 30% off handpicked group adventures and excursions
- USD 150 resort credit per room, per stay
- Complimentary daily yoga sessions (as per resort schedule)
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Terms & Conditions:
- A minimum stay of four (4) nights is required.
- Offer valid for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2025.
This summer, Milaidhoo offers more than just a retreat—it offers a chapter in a guest’s personal journey, where barefoot luxury meets the wonders of the sea.
On Tuesday, 22nd April—International Mother Earth Day—JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La hosted an exclusive luncheon for its corporate and media partners to mark the launch of its new ‘Rooted in Nature’ menu.
The event underscored the hotel’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and community engagement through the Rooted in Nature culinary program, a global initiative by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. This program promotes the use of fresh, locally sourced, and ethically produced ingredients. By collaborating with local farmers and fishermen, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La fosters a strong link between the community and the cuisine featured on its menus.
The newly introduced menu showcases sustainable ingredients procured from local markets, line-caught seafood, and organic produce—including fruits and vegetables grown on the hotel’s own grounds. These efforts reflect the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community, minimising environmental impact, and delivering an authentic Maldivian dining experience.
Juan Carlos Diago, General Manager of JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, commented, “We are proud to introduce the new Rooted in Nature menu to our guests and partners. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to promoting sustainable dining while celebrating the rich bounty of our local environment.”
Guests at the luncheon were treated to an exclusive preview of the menu, further reinforcing JEN Maldives Malé’s position as a leader in sustainable and innovative cuisine. The ‘Rooted in Nature’ menu is now available at Azur Restaurant and can also be enjoyed at private events hosted in the hotel’s ballroom.
This Eid al Adha (6–10 June), Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites guests to escape to its private island paradise for a celebration filled with relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort offers an unforgettable tropical retreat, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking a memorable Eid break.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents an exceptional Stay & Dine package, designed for a worry-free holiday. The package includes accommodation on a half-board basis with daily breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children under 13 years old through the resort’s IHG Kids Stay and Eat Free program, and two complimentary scuba dives per person per day for up to two certified divers per villa (inclusive of equipment, air/Nitrox, return boat transfers to dive sites, and guide services, valid for a minimum of three consecutive paid nights). Guests staying five nights or more also benefit from complimentary return shared speedboat transfers.
Whether lounging on white sandy beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters abundant with colourful marine life, or relaxing at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, the resort offers endless opportunities to celebrate the spirit of Eid.
Guests can indulge in an array of culinary delights at the resort’s restaurants and bars, featuring authentic flavours, fresh seafood, Maldivian specialties, and international favourites. From relaxed beachside bites to lively themed dinners, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Families traveling with children will appreciate the Kandoo Kids’ Club, which offers a variety of engaging activities for young guests. Meanwhile, couples and groups can explore stunning marine life, join island excursions, or simply relax and reconnect amidst the island’s natural beauty.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented: “Eid is a time to slow down, savour meaningful moments, and celebrate simple pleasures. At Kandooma Maldives, we invite families and friends to experience true island comfort, enjoy leisurely days in the sun, and indulge in authentic culinary delights crafted with care. We look forward to welcoming guests seeking a refreshing and joyful Eid escape.”
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