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India’s IndiGo to resume Maldives service in Sept
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is set to relaunch flight operations to the Maldives, directly connecting the Indian city of Kochi to Male.
From September 3, IndiGo will operate a direct service on the Kochi-Male-Kochi route every Thursday and Sunday.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hammered air travel, IndiGo was operating direct flights between Male and the Indian cities of Kochi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
The announcement by India’s biggest airline comes a week after Air India resume scheduled passenger flights to the Maldives. The Indian flag carrier now operates a weekly service — on Tuesdays — between Trivandrum and Male.
Earlier this month, officials from the Maldives and India inked an agreement to create a “travel bubble” to facilitate movement of people between the two countries.
India was the fastest growing source market for Maldives tourism in 2019, as arrivals recorded year-over-year growth of 83.5 per cent to reach 166,015 from 90,474 in 2018.
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.
With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists who has 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 is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival. Tourists have to complete a health declaration form only.
But visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are tested at their own 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.
Meanwhile, the government’s best case scenario now puts total tourist arrivals for 2020 just above 800,000.
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 7,469.
Twenty-eight deaths have been reported, while 4,873 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.
The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the third phase measures now active.
Photo: @iam_amangulati/ Aviators Maldives
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Celebrate Ramadan in ultimate luxury at The Nautilus Maldives
This Ramadan, The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning private island retreat, invites guests to celebrate the sacred month through an exquisite blend of ultra-luxury, cultural heritage, and meaningful connection. The Nautilus Majlis Iftar Pop-Up offers a distinctive celebration of traditions, flavours, and the spirit of togetherness. Visitors can enjoy this exceptional experience in the privacy of their House or Residence, on the tranquil beachfront under the starlit sky, or at an exclusive sandbank retreat. Every element is meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable journey of indulgence and reflection.
At The Nautilus, time and constraints are set aside, allowing guests to embrace the sacred month of Ramadan at their own pace. Through the resort’s signature 24/7 timeless hospitality and unscripted dining concept, Ramadan celebrations are tailored to reflect personal preferences. This year, The Nautilus introduces a carefully curated Iftar menu, served within the extraordinary boho-chic elegance of the Majlis Pop-Up. Honouring tradition while offering bespoke customisation, each meal transforms into a sensory celebration of the holy month. Every detail is attentively crafted, turning dining into a meaningful and unforgettable experience that embodies the essence of Ramadan.
The Nautilus offers exclusive privileges to elevate the Ramadan journey. Guests booking a House or Residence can enjoy up to 30% off the Best Available Rate, along with 15% off treatments at Solasta Spa and 15% off water-sports at AquaNautica.
For those seeking a more indulgent escape, stays of seven nights or more include an additional 10% discount, allowing ample time to fully immerse in the serene beauty of this bohemian ultra-luxury haven. Families are warmly welcomed, with children under 12 staying and dining for free, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
The Nautilus is more than a destination—it is a sanctuary where the spirit of Ramadan is celebrated through cultural immersion, personalised experiences, and bespoke, free-spirited offerings. Beyond the luxury and indulgence, moments of reflection and reconnection are thoughtfully integrated into every aspect of the stay. This Ramadan, The Nautilus offers a retreat like no other—a place where time stands still, and every detail is crafted to elevate the journey.
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Luxury and love at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes couples to experience an enchanting romantic retreat on a private island surrounded by pristine azure waters. Situated on Vagaru Island in the serene Shaviyani Atoll, this exclusive resort provides an idyllic haven for those seeking a memorable and intimate getaway.
The resort offers an unparalleled stay, complete with a dedicated personal butler (Thakuru), poolside breakfasts, and romantic beachfront dining against breathtaking sunset backdrops. With personalised service and indulgent experiences, couples are invited to create lasting memories and celebrate their love in a truly magical setting.
Throughout February, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa encourages guests to immerse themselves in moments of romance amidst the stunning turquoise waters. The resort boasts five dining venues, three full-service bars, a wine room with over 1,200 labels, and bespoke destination dining experiences. Couples can savour a culturally rich Boduberu dinner on the beach, featuring traditional Maldivian drumming performances, or enjoy signature couple’s spa treatments at Spa by JW.
Spa by JW offers an intimate setting for couples to unwind together with pampering treatments such as ‘The Power of Touch,’ designed to strengthen connection through therapeutic touch. Guests can craft personalised body scrubs and enjoy a soothing massage, complemented by luxurious spa suites equipped with steam baths, plunge pools, and ocean vistas.
Culinary offerings at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa provide extraordinary dining experiences that celebrate love and togetherness. Romantic beachside dinners under the stars, wine-pairing meals, and exclusive menus elevate every meal into a cherished memory.
The resort’s Boduberu beach dinner allows couples to indulge in Maldivian culture while dining to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. For a unique dining concept, RIHA presents a private eight-course menu curated by Chef Rohit Agarwal around a sunken outdoor Tandoor & Tawa, blending regional flavours for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Wine enthusiasts can explore the extensive collection in the Wine Room at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining venue, which features over 300 wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal.
The resort features a selection of romantic accommodations, including overwater and beach pool villas. Guests can choose sunrise or sunset views and elevate their stay with options like floating breakfasts. Each villa, blending modern luxury with unobtrusive design, ensures privacy and tranquility.
Beach Pool Villas, surrounded by lush greenery, offer private beach access and ample space for ultimate seclusion, while Overwater Pool Villas provide wooden decks, private pools, and stunning ocean views. Each villa spans 248 square meters and includes a king-sized bed, private pool, and a serene ambiance designed for romance.
Couples can enhance their stay with the ‘Romantic Retreat’ package, featuring personalised Thakuru service, floating breakfasts, destination dining, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and a 30-minute photography session. This offer includes complimentary daily breakfasts and dinners, with a starting rate of USD 1,200++ per night for a minimum of three nights. The package is available for stays until December 20, 2025.
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Le Méridien Maldives sets benchmark in sustainability with Green Globe recognition
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has achieved the prestigious Green Globe Certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This recognition demonstrates the resort’s ongoing efforts to coexist harmoniously with the natural beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll while offering guest experiences that foster environmental awareness.
Green Globe, a leading global certification program for the travel and tourism industry, assesses organisations based on 44 certification criteria and over 380 compliance indicators. These stringent standards ensure that certified properties adhere to the highest international benchmarks for economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
The resort has seamlessly integrated eco-conscious practices throughout its operations, providing guests with unique opportunities to engage with the environment. Through the Marine Conservation Hub, visitors can participate in marine conservation initiatives and join the immersive ‘Marine Master’ program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy. Guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist, this program offers interactive conservation modules such as Reef Explorer, Turtle Quest, and Build A Coral Reef. These activities allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems while actively contributing to their preservation. For younger guests, the Kids Hub offers environmental education programs designed to nurture a greater appreciation for the natural world.
A key aspect of the resort’s sustainability efforts is its 430-square-meter hydroponic greenhouse, one of the largest in the Maldives. The greenhouse produces 30 kilograms of pesticide-free vegetables daily using recycled rainwater and innovative farming techniques. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining at The Harvest Table or participate in the Family Foraging program, which combines interactive culinary activities with lessons in sustainable living.
Energy efficiency and resource conservation are at the core of the resort’s sustainability initiatives. Solar installations generating 548 kWp contribute to a 20% annual reduction in diesel consumption. Additionally, water-saving measures, such as tap aerators and wastewater recycling for landscaping, help minimise the resort’s environmental impact.
The resort actively works to protect native vegetation, mangrove ecosystems, and coral reefs, ensuring the preservation of these critical habitats. Its onsite bottling plant eliminates the need for 225,000 plastic bottles annually, while eco-composting systems transform organic waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser, promoting a circular approach to resource management.
Thomas Schult, General Manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, described the Green Globe Certification as a testament to the resort’s commitment to sustainability. “By embedding eco-friendly practices into our guest experiences, we aim to inspire meaningful connections with the environment while safeguarding it for future generations,” he stated.
Situated on the private island of Thilamaafushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat where timeless European elegance meets the natural splendour of the Maldives. Featuring overwater and beach villas, diverse dining experiences, cultural immersion opportunities, and family-friendly activities, the resort combines a commitment to sustainability with the art of travel, providing an unmatched escape that celebrates both the environment and meaningful guest connections.
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