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Maldives launches ‘world-first’ loyalty programme to reward tourists with ‘border miles’
Maldives on Sunday launched a loyalty programme — dubbed the first of its kind in the world — to reward tourists visiting the country, in a bid to boost tourism after reopening the Indian Ocean tourist destination’s borders to visitors.
Tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom inaugurated the Maldives Border Miles programme, at a ceremony held Sunday evening to celebrate the World Tourism Day 2020.
“The Maldives Border Miles programme, which was launched today, is a programme which will increase the popularity of Maldives as a tourist destination and provide a path for more marketing and advertising opportunities. In addition, I think that this will further enhance the popularity gained in the key markets of Maldives tourism,” the minister said.
The Maldives Border Miles programme, initiated by Maldives Immigration and developed jointly with the tourism ministry, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), will come into effect on December 1.
“Our sincere hope is that this programme aids in increasing the destination presence and produces a beneficial impact on the tourism industry, as well as increase the tourist arrival rate in the future,” MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed said.
“We look forward to its successful implementation in the approaching days.”
The programme has three tiers: Aida (bronze), Antara (silver) and Abaarana (gold). Each tier is defined by a set variety of rewards, services and benefits, which increase in value as members progress.
Participating tourists will be rewarded with points based on the number of visits and duration of stay. Bonus points will be awarded for visits to celebrate special occasions.
“The hotel reception is not where the tourists begin their holiday. Their awaited journey begins from the welcoming smile of the immigration officer at the border, which indeed narrates the initial chapter of a memorable vacation,” Immigration controller Mohamed Ahmed Hussain said.
“With the introduction of Maldives Border Miles, we are prepared to welcome them with privileges and facilitate an experience like never before.”
Tourism authorities and stakeholders expect the loyalty programme to boost tourism considerably as they see it as an added advantage in promoting the Maldives. It is also a golden opportunity for returning visitors to rediscover the best of Maldives and get the most out of their visit to the “Sunny side of life”.
“Maldives Border Miles programme is an innovative way to attract global travellers to the Maldives,” Gordon Andrew Stewart, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MACL, said.
“To support this, we are focused on our passengers and staff health. We have taken a number of steps to assure that Velana International Airport is a safe airport, for all our travellers. We recently attained the Airport Industry Association (ACI) International Health Accreditation certification. This certificate recognises the steps we have implemented to ensure we have all the required health and safety measures in our airport to assure passengers of their safety, while travelling through the airport.”
The Maldives reopened its borders to visitors on July 15.
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 10,098.
Thirty-four deaths have been reported, while 8,847 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.
In celebration of International Yoga Day 2025, Sun Siyam Resorts is welcoming guests to embark on a week-long wellness journey across two of its idyllic Maldivian island retreats: Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, from June 19th to 25th. International Yoga Day, globally recognised for promoting mental and physical wellbeing, will be marked with a thoughtfully curated programme led by two distinguished wellness experts.
The event will feature Shane Seery, an award-winning Executive Health Coach renowned for his science-driven approach to functional movement and sustainable transformation, alongside Marina Violinha, a holistic Women’s Health & Fitness Specialist focused on hormone-balanced, strength-oriented wellness. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, their immersive sessions are designed to guide participants toward harmony, vitality, and renewal.
From June 19th to 21st, Sun Siyam Iru Veli will present three immersive sessions set in some of the island’s most picturesque locations. The programme commences with a sunset yoga session and wellness talk by Marina at Magoodhoo Beach, followed by a high-energy functional fitness experience with Shane at the Tennis Court. On the morning of June 21st, Marina will lead a rejuvenating yoga and breathwork session at Turtle Beach during sunrise, aligning guests with the natural rhythm of the island through mindful movement and introspection.
The celebration will continue at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef from June 23rd to 25th, offering three serene sunset sessions at Aqua Beach. Marina will host two yoga and wellness talks by the shoreline, while Shane will conduct a dynamic beachside functional training session, all designed to inspire reconnection, relaxation, and realignment.
Guests planning a wellness-focused retreat can take advantage of exclusive summer offers available at both resorts. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a minimum seven-night stay includes complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers for two, a Lucky Dolphin Cruise, a USD 100 spa credit, veranda breakfast, and a welcome bottle of wine with signature bed decoration. Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s package features complimentary transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket upon arrival, one floating or in-villa breakfast, a 30-minute couple’s spa treatment, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), access to selected water sports, and free accommodation for children under 12 — blending wellness, luxury, and family-friendly island living.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced the Spa Alila Detox Programme, a five-night wellness retreat focused on sustainable weight management and overall well-being. Designed to promote inner balance and foster long-term healthy habits, the program aims to nurture both physical and emotional health while moving beyond traditional weight loss methods.
The retreat combines the principles of Ayurveda, yoga, fitness, holistic massage therapies, modern medicine, nutrition, and emotional wellness to cleanse, restore, and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Hosted at the resort’s signature treetop spa, the program includes accommodation in a luxurious Beach Pool Villa and return seaplane transfers. Guests participating in the program will benefit from a comprehensive range of inclusions:
- Nutritionally balanced meals (with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options)
- Full body composition analysis
- Vital signs monitoring
- Body pH testing
- Personalised consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor and nutritionist
- Emotional wellness assessments
- Daily yoga, fitness, and meditation sessions
- Customised holistic treatments
- Art therapy
- Slimming and detox beverages
- Healing bath rituals
- Interactive healthy cooking workshops
Dr. Arjita Kumari Dimri, Wellness Manager at Spa Alila, explained that the program is designed to provide a complete physical, mental, and emotional reset. Participants can expect benefits such as improved digestion, enhanced energy levels, greater mental clarity, a strengthened immune system, and a renewed sense of self. The program also supports guests dealing with obesity-related issues, including cholesterol imbalance, diabetes, and fatigue.
Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, underscored the resort’s dedication to holistic wellness through this transformative offering.
The Spa Alila Detox Programme is priced at USD 8,464 (Single) / USD 11,945 (Double) for stays until September 30, 2025, and USD 9,227 (Single) / USD 12,862 (Double) for stays from October 1 to December 25, 2025.
Spa Alila, nestled in the island’s lush treetop canopy, features four double treatment suites equipped with private bathrooms and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The retreat promises a journey of self-discovery, healing, and restoration.
In a celebration of heritage and haute indulgence, the esteemed family-owned Champagne house, Guy Charbaut, based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, joins forces with THE OZEN COLLECTION for the fifth consecutive year. From 20th to 26th October 2025, guests at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will once again embark on a sensorial journey that unites rare vintages with world-class cuisine, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives.
Founded in 1936, Champagne Guy Charbaut has spent nearly a century perfecting the alchemy of terroir and tradition, producing cuvées that reflect the elegance of the French countryside’s limestone slopes. This dedication mirrors THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy, which redefines luxury through curated experiences. Together, the two have cultivated an annual tradition that celebrates life’s finer pleasures.
At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the festivities begin on 20th October with an exclusive underwater dining experience at M6m. Guests will enjoy both lunch and dinner, with each course thoughtfully paired with Champagne. The celebration continues on 21st October with the ‘Champagne & Spice’ dinner, featuring the vibrant flavours of TRADITION INDOCEYLON—a Franco-Indian fusion experience. The finale on 22nd October is marked by the Champagne Brunch Royale at THE PALMS, a lavish midday affair where Champagne flows effortlessly alongside gourmet offerings.
The celebration then moves to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI from 24th to 26th October. It opens on World Champagne Day with an over-water dining experience at ORIGINƎ, where ocean-inspired delicacies are elevated by rare vintages. On 25th October, the ‘Champagne & Spice; dinner returns at SAFFRON, blending Indian warmth with French finesse. The series concludes on 26th October with the Sunset Pool-Party Champagne Extravaganza at OZAR, a dazzling event where golden hour light meets sparkling bubbles.
Xavier Charbaut reflects on the partnership with THE OZEN COLLECTION, noting that what began as a shared philosophy—terroir and tradition meeting curated moments—has evolved into a yearly tradition that reinvents itself. He describes the Maldives as a second home for their champagnes, where the environment enhances their vibrancy. Celebrating five years of collaboration, he hints at even more daring pairings, intimate encounters with rare vintages, and surprises yet to be unveiled.
The alliance between Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION transcends these annual events. At both resort destinations, guests can explore the full range of the Maison’s offerings—from the nuanced Cuvée de Réserve ‘Old Vines’ Brut to the expressive Rosé 1er Cru Brut. Each bottle offers an invitation to transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, emphasizes that this union exemplifies modern luxury—a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation where every detail is meticulously curated. As Champagne Guy Charbaut and THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrate five years of partnership, their shared commitment to excellence promises an even more luminous future.
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