Featured
Emirates ups Maldives service over ‘customer demand’

Emirates is increasing its services to Maldives, in a bid to boost access to the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination this summer.
The Dubai-based airline said Wednesday it would increase its services to the Maldives from the current five a week, to six times a week from August 4 to meet customer demand.
Emirates, which runs the world’s biggest airline by international traffic, resumed services to the Maldives on July 16 after a three-month hiatus in the wake of border closures by the Maldivian authorities to control the coronavirus outbreak.
The island nation welcomed 560 tourists in the first week of reopening.
Flexibility and assurance
With the gradual reopening of borders over the summer, Emirates has revised its booking policies to offer customers more flexibility and confidence to plan their travel.
Customers whose travel plans are disrupted by Covid-19 related flight or travel restrictions, can simply hold on to their ticket, which will be valid for 24 months and rebook to fly at a later time; request travel vouchers to offset against future Emirates purchases; or request refunds via an online form on Emirates’ website or via their travel booking agent.
Emirates currently serves over 60 destinations in its network, facilitating travel between the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific through a convenient connection in Dubai for customers across the world.
Customers from Emirates’ network can now travel to Dubai as the city has reopened for business and leisure visitors with new air travel protocols that safeguard the health and safety of visitors and communities.
Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air. These include the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers.
Maldives reopen for tourists
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.
According to guidelines released by the Maldives tourism ministry, resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands as well as liveaboard vessels are now allowed to host tourists (please see a rolling list of resort reopenings here).
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 an online 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.
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 3,044.
Fifteen deaths have been reported and 2,398 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.
The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the third phase measures now active.
Photo: @mathindhaaboatu / Aviators Maldives
Action
Siyam World welcomes Javier Saviola for youth football extravaganza

Siyam World Maldives is inviting young football enthusiasts to take part in an extraordinary experience with Argentine football legend Javier Saviola. From April 24th to 28th, 2025, aspiring players aged 5 to 12 will have the unique opportunity to train with the former FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Argentina national team star in an action-packed Football Camp at the resort’s FIFA-sized stadium.
Following in the footsteps of football icons such as Alessandro Del Piero, Esteban “Cuchu” Cambiasso, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Robert Pirès, Rio Ferdinand, and Pepe Reina, this five-day camp promises intensive coaching sessions, interactive drills, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Saviola. The camp will take place daily from 16:30 to 18:00, providing young players with a rare chance to refine their skills under the mentorship of a world-class footballer. With limited spots available, early reservations are strongly recommended.
Javier Saviola, a retired Argentine footballer, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. His career highlights include league titles with Barcelona and Benfica, a UEFA Europa League victory with Sevilla, and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. Additionally, he was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1999 at just 18 years old.
Siyam World is already recognised for redefining island escapism, and its commitment to delivering remarkable sporting experiences is no exception. Whether hosting high-energy football camps or curating a lineup of world-class events, the resort continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and luxury in the Maldives.
Culture
Echoes of tradition: timeless rhythm of Boduberu at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Steeped in history and rhythm, the Boduberu drummers have echoed for centuries, carrying with them stories of seafarers, islanders, and a culture deeply connected to the ocean. Among the drummers at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is Naseem, whose grandfather was a renowned Boduberu performer in his home island of Lhaviyani Atoll. As a child, Hassan would sit by the beach, mesmerised by the powerful drumbeats that seemed to summon the sea breeze itself. His grandfather would recount a time when Boduberu was not merely music but a tradition passed down through generations, binding communities through song, dance, and shared history.
Boduberu, meaning “big drums” in Dhivehi, originated as a form of communal entertainment where islanders gathered to celebrate, sing, and dance in unison. Over time, it evolved into a cherished national art form, performed during festivals, ceremonies, and as a warm welcome to visitors. The music is driven by the deep, resonant beats of large drums, accompanied by rhythmic clapping, powerful chanting, and synchronised movements. As the tempo builds, the energy becomes infectious, culminating in an exhilarating crescendo where dancers lose themselves in the rhythm, embodying the true spirit of the Maldives.
At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Boduberu remains a living tradition, offering an invitation to step into the heartbeat of Maldivian culture. Whether performed under the starlit sky by the ocean or woven into intimate celebrations, each performance brings authenticity and excitement, creating a profound connection between guests and the island way of life. Recently, a couple celebrating a birthday at the resort received a heartfelt surprise when the resort’s team arrived with a beautifully crafted cake, accompanied by the powerful beats of Naseem and his fellow drummers. The rhythmic melodies filled the air as staff and performers joined together to sing in Dhivehi, transforming the occasion into an experience far beyond an ordinary birthday celebration.
For Naseem, every performance serves as a tribute to his grandfather, preserving the stories, songs, and rhythms of his ancestors. For the guests of Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Boduberu is more than just entertainment; it is an invitation to experience the Maldives as it has been for generations—alive with music, tradition, and the enduring spirit of its people.
Guests can now enjoy exclusive benefits through Cinnamon DISCOVERY, the brand’s loyalty program in collaboration with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), which connects them to a portfolio of over 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries. As the first Sri Lankan hospitality brand to join GHA DISCOVERY, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers members meaningful rewards, personalised experiences, and access to exceptional stays at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.
Featured
Love, adventure, and island magic at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Valentine’s extravaganza

This Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will once again serve as the backdrop for an unforgettable celebration of love and harmony with the second season of Paradise Pulse: Hearts in Harmony. From February 12 to 17, 2025, the resort will welcome couples to experience a week-long celebration filled with romance, unforgettable moments, and special experiences designed to make Valentine’s Week truly memorable.
Each day at the resort will begin with intimate culinary delights available for pre-booking, including a dreamy ‘Breakfast in Bed’ and a ‘Romantic Lagoon Mimosa Breakfast,’ allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking sunrises. As the evening unfolds, love will take centre stage with exclusive dining experiences, such as a private ‘Sandbank Dinner’ under a starlit sky, a sophisticated ‘Wine Lover’s Dinner’ with curated pairings, or a relaxed ‘Lovers’ Feast and Beach BBQ.’
This year, Paradise Pulse will enhance the Valentine’s Day experience with a fusion of electronic dance music and sensual belly dancing, building upon the success of the previous year. Throughout the week, world-class entertainment will elevate the romantic atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Celebrated Trance music artist and producer from the UK, DJ Chris Metcalfe, will return to the Maldives, setting the mood with his electrifying beats. Additionally, Brazilian belly dancer Lurdiana Tejas—an internet sensation with 2.5 million followers—will captivate audiences with her enchanting performances, adding an exotic flair to the celebration.
Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate love in an extraordinary way with specially curated Valentine’s experiences. These exclusive offerings will be available for an additional charge, ensuring a truly memorable celebration in paradise. Adventurous couples can embark on thrilling ocean excursions, explore the rich Maldivian marine world, or participate in the extraordinary Whale Shark Mission, providing a rare chance to swim alongside these gentle giants. The excitement can be further elevated with a Jet Car ride, complete with stunning aerial captures, or a romantic Floating Love Experience, allowing couples to drift into serenity together.
For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s award-winning spa will offer couples an opportunity to reconnect and rejuvenate. The ‘You & Me’ experience, an 80-minute synchronised massage designed for ultimate relaxation, and the ‘Be My Valentine’ treatment, a luxurious 105-minute full-body pampering ritual, will provide indulgent moments of tranquility.
Live music and DJ nights at Lagoon Bar and The Bar will set a romantic tone, complemented by dazzling Belly Dance and Fire Show performances. The Retro and White Party will invite guests to dance under the Maldivian sky, while themed games, scavenger hunts, and couple’s challenges will present playful opportunities to celebrate love.
To make the occasion even more special, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will offer a curated Valentine’s Gift Pack, allowing guests to surprise their significant others with thoughtful keepsakes that capture the essence of romance.
With its breathtaking beauty, immersive experiences, and unparalleled luxury, Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Valentine’s Week Celebration promises couples an extraordinary escape filled with love, adventure, and island magic.
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