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Maldives resumes domestic air travel

Domestic air travel in Maldives resumed Wednesday, as the island nation reopens its economy, which had been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Flag carrier Maldivian said it had begun operating flights on all domestic routes, including a daily service to a brand new airport on the island of Maavarulu in Gaaf Dhaal atoll.
Travellers are asked to follow health safety guidance issued by the national Health Protection Agency (HPA) and island councils.
Passengers travelling to the islands from capital Male will also have to isolate themselves at home for at least 14 days.
Maldivian currently operates a fleet of two Dash 8-200 series aircraft, eight Dash 8-300 series aircraft, an Airbus 320, an Airbus 321 aircraft, and 11 DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes. The Dash 8 series aircraft are primarily used for domestic operations, whilst the two Airbus aircraft serve the airline’s international routes.
The state-owned airline operates flights to all the 14 domestic airports across the Maldives, and runs international operations to South Asian neighbours like India and Bangladesh, and far Eastern countries such as Thailand and China.
However, travel restrictions imposed by the Maldives and other countries to contain the Covid-19 pandemic forced all local airlines, including Maldivian, Manta Air and Villa Air Flyme, to suspend all of its operations and ground its fleet in late March.
The flag carrier operated cargo freighters and repatriation flights.
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 2,361.
Nine deaths have been reported and 1,944 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 third phase kicking in from Wednesday.
The Maldives is also preparing to reopen its borders on July 15.
With the borders reopening on July 15, resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands as well as liveaboard vessels can begin hosting tourists right away.
Guesthouses and hotels located on inhabited islands will be allowed to reopen on August 1. Passengers on cruise ships and yachts will be barred from disembarking at inhabited islands until then.
Thirty-day free on-arrival visa will be issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country. The entire holiday has to be booked at a single facility except for transit arrangements.
There will be no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival. Tourists will only have to complete a health declaration form.
But visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms will be tested at their expense.
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, only 382,760 tourists visited the Maldives before the country closed its borders on March 27. It was a 40.8 per cent decline over the 646,092 that visited the Maldives from January to March last year.
With arrival numbers falling, several resorts across the Maldives suspended operations.
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.
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Sun Siyam Resorts unveil luxurious Valentine’s escapes

This Valentine’s season, Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef are crafting unforgettable experiences that blend elegance, indulgence, and breathtaking island scenery.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the theme ‘Secluded Shores of Love’ sets the stage for a romantic escape. Couples can enjoy live saxophone performances by Adam, an acclaimed Dubai-based musician recognised for his soulful melodies and performances at luxury venues worldwide. The evening begins with a ‘Surrounded by Love’ cocktail gathering at Nautilus Beach, followed by a starlit beachfront dinner enhanced by Adam’s smooth saxophone tunes. To conclude the evening, guests can unwind at Spice Beach’s ‘Lovey Dovey’ Movie Night, creating an enchanting atmosphere for love and connection.
Beyond Valentine’s Day, the resort extends its romantic offerings from February 7th to 28th, featuring floating champagne breakfasts, sunset cocktail experiences, and handcrafted Valentine’s chocolates.
From February 12th to 16th, Sun Siyam Iru Veli presents ‘Scarlet Romance,’ a celebration of love within the island’s serene and luxurious surroundings. The resort curates intimate experiences designed to foster romance.
Gastronomy plays a central role, with indulgent in-villa dining and ‘Moonlit Love’ private dinners set on the shore, perfectly synchronised with the glow of the full moon. For those in search of a secluded escape, the ‘Only Us’ experience transports couples to a private sandbank, where sunset canapés and champagne create an intimate setting. The ‘Cupid’s Secret Dinner’ enhances private beachfront dining with exquisite flavours, while the highlight of the celebration, the ‘Floating Cinema,’ offers a private movie night aboard a cruise, surrounded by the Maldivian horizon and complemented by champagne and gourmet delights. The Ocean Spa further elevates the experience with a ‘Romance & Renewal’ journey, providing an intimate retreat designed for relaxation and reconnection.
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Unforgettable Valentine’s getaways at Kaani Hotels and Resorts

Kaani Hotels and Resorts is transforming this Valentine’s season into a celebration of love, offering couples a series of experiences that go beyond the traditional Maldivian romantic getaway. The hotels are committed to creating intimate moments that will be cherished for years to come, blending carefully curated activities with thoughtfully designed romantic encounters.
The signature private beach dining experience invites couples to enjoy a specially arranged setup along the shoreline, where meals are served under a canopy of stars. Each cabana is individually designed, featuring personalised table settings, soft candlelight, and a menu that highlights rich flavours and international cuisine. The gentle sound of ocean waves and the twinkling night sky provide a magical backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
For those looking to enhance their romantic stay, the dedicated team offers exquisite bed decoration services upon request. Guests can return to their rooms to find them transformed into a haven of romance, with rose petals delicately scattered across the bed, forming elegant patterns and heart-shaped designs that symbolise love. This special Valentine’s touch adds an extra layer of magic, ideal for surprise proposals or celebrating meaningful moments together.
Throughout the week, Sampa Spa is offering a special 15% discount for in-house guests, providing an opportunity for couples to relax, reconnect, and indulge in wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit. The specialised Valentine’s packages focus on shared experiences that promote relaxation and intimacy.
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Celebrate love and friendship at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La

This February, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to embrace love and friendship through ‘Threads of Love’, a series of thoughtfully curated dining experiences designed to celebrate love in all its forms.
At the heart of this celebration, the hotel’s expert culinary team has crafted an exquisite seven-course dinner, offering a symphony of flavours and romance. From intimate dining experiences to elegant high teas, JEN Maldives ensures a delightful way for everyone to celebrate love.
In tribute to friendship, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La presents the Pink Galentine’s High Tea, available daily from February 7th to 14th. This beautifully curated experience features a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats, perfect for celebrating the bonds of family and friendship.
On February 14th, guests are invited to indulge in a captivating Valentine’s dinner at Azur Restaurant, where they can enjoy an exquisite culinary journey accompanied by live music. Thoughtfully crafted to enhance the romantic ambiance, this special evening promises an intimate and unforgettable experience for couples.
Whether looking for the ideal setting to celebrate romance or a memorable gathering with friends and family, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La offers the perfect backdrop, blending luxury with heartfelt hospitality.
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