Featured
Tourist arrivals decline by 5.7% in Maldives during low season

Maldives has experienced a decline in tourist arrivals this month as the low season takes its toll on the country’s tourism industry. According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism yesterday, the number of tourists arriving in the Maldives fell by 5.7% compared to the previous year, with a total of 782,889 tourists visiting the country so far this year.
As of the 24th of this month, 94,604 tourists arrived in the Maldives, marking a decrease of 6,626 visitors when compared to the same period last year. On average, approximately 5,437 tourists arrived daily, spending an average of 7.8 days in the tropical paradise.
Despite the overall decline, several countries have remained key contributors to the tourism industry in the Maldives. The top five countries in terms of tourist arrivals are Russia, India, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. Russia accounted for the highest number of visitors, with 91,587 tourists representing 11.7% of the total arrivals. India closely followed with 89,619 tourists (11.4% of the total), while the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany accounted for 9.1%, 7.6%, and 7.3% respectively.
The Ministry of Tourism also shared data regarding the current state of tourist facilities in the country. Presently, there are 1,241 tourist facilities in the Maldives, providing a total of 60,734 beds for visitors. These accommodations play a crucial role in attracting tourists throughout the year, especially during the low season when occupancy rates tend to be lower.
May to September is typically considered the low season in the Maldives, characterized by reduced tourist arrivals and lower occupancy rates. However, the country’s government and tourism authorities continue to explore strategies to promote the Maldives as a year-round destination, aiming to mitigate the effects of the low season and attract more visitors during this period.
While the decline in tourist arrivals during the low season is not unexpected, efforts are being made to diversify the tourism sector and offer unique experiences to visitors, such as marine activities, wellness retreats, and cultural excursions. These initiatives aim to appeal to a broader range of travelers and reduce the reliance on seasonal peaks for tourism revenue.
As the Maldives navigates through the challenges posed by the low season, stakeholders in the tourism industry remain optimistic about the future. By implementing innovative strategies and capitalizing on the natural beauty and hospitality of the Maldives, the country aims to sustain its position as a leading tourist destination and continue attracting visitors throughout the year.
Photo courtesy Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Drink
Oktoberfest comes to shore at SO/ Maldives with bratwurst & beats

This October, SO/ Maldives alters the world’s most iconic beer festival into a chic island activation, blending Bavarian tradition with the resort’s signature flair for fashion-led experiences. Guests are invited to trade their lederhosen for linen and toast to Oktoberfest in true Maldivian style with Bratwurst & Beats by the Beach, a one-night-only beachfront celebration at Lazuli Beach Hut on Sunday, 5 October 2025, from 7 PM to 10 PM.
As the waves set the rhythm, the evening unfolds with a Bavarian-inspired BBQ featuring bratwurst fresh from the grill, golden pretzels, tangy sauerkraut, and all the authentic fixings paired with unlimited free-flowing beers. Once the sun melts into the horizon, a live DJ takes over, layering energetic beats with the island’s natural soundtrack. More than just a feast, the activation brings together community, culture, and celebration in a way only SO/ Maldives can deliver.
Nestled in the vibrant Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives is a private island playground where avant-garde design meets barefoot luxury. The resort’s 80 beachfront and overwater villas are crafted for open-plan living, each complete with a private pool and sweeping ocean views. Designed across eight categories, including spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, SO/ Maldives offers stylish sanctuaries for couples, families, and groups seeking a fashionable island escape.
The culinary journey at SO/ Maldives is as bold as its design. Guests can explore three distinct dining destinations: The Citronelle Club, an oceanfront venue serving Pan-Asian delights with a European twist; Lazuli Beach Club, a sun-kissed Mediterranean-inspired lounge radiating Côte d’Azur vibes; and Hadaba, the signature Levantine restaurant where smoky delicacies meet endless sea views.
Wellness and play are equally celebrated at the resort. Spa is a sanctuary of rejuvenation featuring Vichy rainforest showers, steam and sauna rooms, and a fitness sphere with panoramic ocean vistas. Families are drawn to The Nest Kids Club and The Zone games lounge, while explorers dive into the watersports hub for island adventures on and beneath the waves.
“Oktoberfest is all about bringing people together, and at SO/ Maldives we love adding our own fashionable twist,” said Olivier MOIES-DELVAL, General Manager of SO/ Maldives. “Imagine celebrating with bratwurst and beer on a white sandy beach, with music, laughter, and the Maldivian sunset it’s an Oktoberfest you’ll never forget.”
Featured
Maldives secures top honour at World Spa Awards 2025

The Maldives has once again been recognised as the leading spa destination in the region, having secured the title of Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination 2025 at the World Spa Awards.
The award reaffirms the Maldives’ standing as a wellness and spa destination, offering experiences that combine natural surroundings, luxury hospitality and holistic wellbeing. Alongside the national accolade, several Maldivian resorts were also honoured in various categories at this year’s ceremony.
The Maldives has a strong record at the World Spa Awards. In 2016, the country was named World’s Best Spa Destination for the first time, and regained the global title in 2018. In the same year, it was also awarded Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination, a title it has retained on multiple occasions, most recently in 2024 at the 10th Annual World Spa Awards. These consistent achievements highlight the Maldives’ role in leading wellness tourism, as it continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a distinctive natural setting.
With wellness and experiential travel among the fastest-growing tourism segments worldwide, the Maldives continues to integrate wellness into its resorts, retreats and cultural experiences, further strengthening its global appeal.
Featured
Barceló Nasandhura highlights holistic living during World Wellness Weekend

Barceló Nasandhura marked World Wellness Weekend 2025 with a programme of rejuvenating experiences in collaboration with Wellness by Mandara. The celebration, held on Saturday, welcomed guests and visitors to a day centred on relaxation and self-care.
The schedule included a range of wellness-focused activities, from welcome drinks and skincare consultations to interactive sessions, product demonstrations, and giveaways, creating an engaging and restorative atmosphere for participants.
The event reflected Barceló Nasandhura’s commitment to encouraging a holistic lifestyle, providing both guests and the wider community with opportunities to take part in wellness-oriented experiences.
Wellness by Mandara, located within Barceló Nasandhura, is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments and therapies designed to relax, rejuvenate, and restore balance, alongside monthly promotions that provide exclusive offers on treatments and wellness experiences throughout the year.
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