Featured
Russia’s Aeroflot resumes Maldives flights with twice weekly service
Aeroflot on Friday resumed scheduled passenger flights to the Maldives.
The Russian flag carrier’s first flight after a three-month-long suspension of operations due to lockdowns imposed by both Russian and Maldivian authorities to contain the coronavirus outbreak landed at the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport Friday afternoon.
Aeroflot will operate two services per week between Moscow and Male, on the following schedule:
- Flight SU0322: Sheremetyevo – Male, on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Flight SU0323: Male – Sheremetyevo, on Fridays and Sundays.
Flights between Russia and the Maldives have been resumed under a Russian government directive, which allowed three flights a week to Cairo, as well as two flights a week to Dubai and the Maldives.
International flights from Russia were grounded on March 30 after the imposition of lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than a million people in Russia.
In June, Russia announced a partial reopening of its borders, saying it would allow people who needed to work, study, get medical treatment or look after relatives to travel abroad.
Other flights bringing home Russians stranded abroad continued while international flights were on hold.
Russia continues to report thousands of new Covid-19 infections daily. Its nationwide tally is 1,051,874, the fourth-highest in the world, with 18,365 deaths.
Resuming flights between Moscow and Male will be a major boost to the Maldives’ efforts to revive the country’s tourism-dependent economy after reopening its borders on July 15.
Tourism promotion authorities in Maldives have also launched an advertising campaign on a leading TV channel in Russia.
Russian tourists accounted for over 74,000 or close to five per cent of Maldives’ foreign visitors last year, the sixth biggest market after China, India, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Before the current coronavirus pandemic, Aeroflot was operating daily flights between Moscow Sheremetyevo and Velana International Airport in Male.
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, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 72 hours prior to their departure.
Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also 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 8,990.
Thirty-one deaths have been reported, while 6,846 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.
Reethi Beach Resort has announced its highly anticipated 2024 festive season celebrations, scheduled to take place from December 21st to January 7th, under the enchanting theme ‘Coral Kingdom Under the Sea.’ The resort’s festive program is set to immerse guests in the vibrant world of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine life, combining elegant dining experiences, adventurous activities, and cultural entertainment to create an unforgettable holiday season.
As the resort transforms into a magical underwater haven, visitors will be greeted by breathtaking decor reflecting the kaleidoscope of colours found in the surrounding coral reefs. Every venue will resonate with the theme, featuring shimmering reef-inspired arrangements, oceanic hues, and atmospheric lighting. Reethi Beach Resort aims to offer a visual and sensory celebration that embodies the spirit of the Maldives.
According to Valentin Osolos, General Manager at Reethi Beach Resort, the curated program is designed to provide something special for everyone—whether guests wish to indulge in gourmet delights, explore the wonders of the sea, or celebrate with family and friends. This year’s festivities are intended to allow guests to experience not only the beauty of the Maldives but also the joy and togetherness that the holiday season represents.
The 2024 festive lineup will include a series of elevated themed dinners, featuring culinary creations inspired by both local and international cuisines. Highlights will include the lavish Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and the New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration, complete with live entertainment and a vibrant beachside atmosphere.
Throughout the season, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that cater to both relaxation and excitement, such as Private Champagne Breakfasts on the beach, Cheese & Wine Tastings under the stars, and lively Hookah Nights. For families, the festive program will feature Treasure Hunts, Pizza Making Classes, and special high teas that bring a touch of elegance to the afternoons.
The festivities will also showcase the resort’s commitment to Maldivian culture and sustainability. Traditional Boduberu performances and Maldivian Cooking Classes will invite guests to engage with the island’s heritage and natural environment, enriching their experience of the Maldives.
The season will culminate in the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown Party. Guests will be treated to a grand feast, set against the backdrop of live music, dance shows, and a dazzling display of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. The celebrations will continue with an upbeat beach party, inviting guests to dance the night away under the stars and welcome 2025 in style.
The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a partnership with tennis star and celebrated athlete Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
From November 13th to 19th, 2024, Pavlyuchenkova will host two tennis masterclasses, offering two 1-hour sessions designed to help tennis enthusiasts elevate their game.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has made a significant mark on the international tennis stage. A 2020 Olympic Games gold medalist in mixed doubles, she is also a Grand Slam singles tournament finalist and the winner of 18 WTA tournaments.
The masterclasses will provide guests with the opportunity to refine their tennis skills through personalised coaching from Pavlyuchenkova. Whether participants are seasoned players or new to the sport, they will benefit from her championship-level insights, which cover everything from serve technique to court strategy. The sessions will take place at the resort’s tennis facilities, offering a perfect backdrop of sun, sea, and lush island landscapes to complement the training experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to our resort. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for our guests to learn from one of the best in the sport, all while enjoying the unmatched luxury and beauty of our island paradise,” commented Mr. Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa.
Celebration
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa celebrates two years of unmatched luxury and global recognition
The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey of excellence and luxury.
Since its opening, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa has achieved remarkable success in international markets, establishing itself as a distinguished destination in the luxury travel sector. The resort has garnered numerous prestigious accolades: In 2023, it received high honours from Booking.com and Agoda, both with near-perfect scores, and was named the Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort at the World Travel Awards. Additionally, the World Luxury Hotel Awards recognised the resort as a global leader in the luxury all-inclusive villa segment. This success continued into 2024, with the resort securing the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award and maintaining its near-perfect scores from Booking.com and Agoda, reflecting its unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
To commemorate this special anniversary, the resort hosted a lavish event on Tuesday, October 1st, inviting guests to partake in the celebrations. The festivities began with a poolside cocktail reception, followed by an expansive buffet featuring a diverse selection of international dishes. The evening progressed with a lively party, headlined by DJ Umar, while guests indulged in exclusive experiences at the Emerald Spa, making it an unforgettable day of indulgence and relaxation.
Located on an intimate 7-hectare island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical vegetation, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa offers 80 luxurious villas, including 42 Overwater Villas and 38 Beach Villas. Beyond its stunning accommodations, the resort boasts a world-class spa, a state-of-the-art Gym & Sports Centre equipped with Technogym equipment, as well as facilities such as an overwater tennis court and padel court. Families can also take advantage of the amenities provided by the Diving Center and Kids Club, while dining options abound with five exquisite restaurants and two stylish bars.
Collectively, these elements create a true sanctuary where nature and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. The resort remains dedicated to delivering an authentic, personalised experience, thanks to its international team of professionals who ensure that every guest feels valued and well-cared for.
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