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Maldives to reopen guesthouses from Oct 15

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Guesthouses located in inhabited island will be allowed to reopen from October 15, tourism authorities in Maldives announced Tuesday.

The island nation’s tourism ministry said permits will be issued based on consent from respective island councils.

Guesthouses will also have to meet requirements set by the national Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), the ministry added.

More details will be given during a press conference Wednesday.

The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.

Resorts and hotels on uninhabited islands as well as liveaboard vessels were allowed to host tourists (please see a rolling list of resort reopenings here).

Guesthouses and hotels located on inhabited islands were to be allowed to reopen on August 1 but a surge in coronavirus cases in capital Male forced the authorities to extend a ban on guesthouse operations.

With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.

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 7,804.

Twenty-nine deaths have been reported, while 5,152 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: www.wildthentic.com

Awards

Fushifaru Maldives earns top honours at Condé Nast and LUXE Global Awards

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Fushifaru Maldives, a renowned boutique resort in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, following a string of prestigious awards. These recognitions highlight the resort’s commitment to offering unparalleled hospitality, unique experiences, and a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Among its most notable achievements is the highly coveted Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award, a global recognition that reflects the exceptional guest experiences consistently delivered at Fushifaru, placing the resort among the world’s finest.

Fushifaru also celebrated remarkable success at the LUXE Global Awards, earning multiple titles that solidify its leadership in luxury hospitality. The resort was honoured both regionally and globally, with titles such as ‘Best Authentic Experience Hotel’ at a regional level and ‘Best Luxury Boutique Resort’ on the global stage.

“These accolades celebrate Fushifaru’s seamless fusion of Maldivian culture and outstanding hospitality, providing guests with an unforgettable boutique experience while delivering the highest standards of personalised service,” said Ahmed Siaar, General Manager of Fushifaru Maldives. “Being recognised on a global level is truly an honour.”

The resort’s wellness sanctuary, Heylhi Spa, was also lauded at the LUXE Global Awards, receiving two continent-wide honours: ‘Best Luxury Resort Spa’ and ‘Best Luxury Private Island Spa’. These awards underscore Heylhi Spa’s excellence in wellness, from its peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere to its exceptional treatments designed for ultimate relaxation. Fushifaru has become a top destination for those seeking a world-class wellness experience.

Additionally, Raakani Fine Dining Restaurant, one of Fushifaru’s signature culinary offerings, received global recognition by winning the title of ‘Best Luxury Beachside Restaurant’. Known for its innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and idyllic beachfront location, Raakani continues to delight guests with dishes that artfully blend international and local flavours.

This recognition further establishes Raakani as a world-class dining destination, where every meal is a celebration of flavour and creativity, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

From award-winning dining and an acclaimed spa to its unwavering commitment to personalised service, Fushifaru Maldives ensures each guest enjoys a perfect blend of luxury, intimacy, and natural beauty. As the resort celebrates these distinguished accolades, it remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the guest experience, ensuring that every stay is truly unique and unforgettable.

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Awards

Niyama Private Islands named one of the best by Condé Nast Traveler

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Niyama Private Islands Maldives has once again been recognised for its uniqueness, exclusivity, and laid-back luxury, being named one of the ‘Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean’ at this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Set against the incomparable beauty of the Maldives, Niyama Private Islands offers a seductive and unique blend of luxury and adventure. Beyond its world-class accommodations, culinary offerings, and spa experiences, it provides an escape into the surreal across its twin islands, Chill and Play. Guests are invited to craft their own extraordinary experiences, from frolicking in the treetops to partying underwater, and zooming across the ocean with a Seabob, jetpacking, and surfing just offshore.

This award reflects Niyama’s dedication to creating unforgettable memories for its guests through bespoke services and thoughtful touches that exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travelers.

General Manager Hafidh Al Busaidy expressed the team’s gratitude, stating, “We are deeply honoured to receive this accolade from the esteemed readers of Condé Nast Traveler. It is recognition of our constant striving for excellence and our commitment to providing guests with uniquely crafted experiences. We thank the readers, our guests, partners, and our Niyama family for their unwavering support. And we promise to continue to elevate every stay with us, making each even more memorable than the last.”

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Celebration

Magical Halloween fun for kids at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort invites families to experience a captivating Halloween celebration filled with mystery and excitement. On October 31, 2024, the resort’s Vommuli House will be transformed into a magical setting, offering a full day of enchanting activities tailored for young adventurers aged 4-12.

Children will engage their creativity through activities like eerie Mummy Crafting and an exhilarating Halloween Decoration Hunt. The excitement continues as kids enjoy breaking open the Monster Piñata, which releases candy and surprises. For budding artists, the Spoo-tacular Face Painting sessions will transform participants into their favourite ghouls and ghosts, while the Ghostly Gathering will provide a whimsical, mystical atmosphere.

The highlight of the day will be the grand Candy Crusaders Trick-or-Treat adventure, where participants in their most spook-tacular costumes will have the chance to win a prize for best dressed. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Children’s Club guarantees a day packed with fun and adventure for all young participants.

While the children immerse themselves in the Halloween festivities, parents can enjoy the resort’s luxurious amenities. From a serene overwater spa to world-class dining, adults have ample opportunities to relax and unwind. The resort, known for its blend of family-friendly entertainment and refined elegance, provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable holiday.

To ensure a seamless experience, families are encouraged to book in advance through their personal St. Regis Butler. All Halloween activities are exclusive to children aged 4-12, allowing parents the opportunity to relax while their little ones make lasting memories.

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