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How Maldivian tourism can survive Covid-19
By Sonu Shivdasani
The Maldives appears to have dodged a bullet. With just 19 cases of the novel coronavirus at the time of writing (with 13 people having already made a full recovery), the country is in an enviable position. As the United States and Europe groan under the strain of major outbreaks, with tens of thousands of deaths, the Maldives looks forward to completely eradicating the virus within a few weeks.
In some respects, the Maldives is lucky. The archipelago straddles the equator, where temperatures rarely dip below the high 20s. We know the virus doesn’t like heat, and it’s notable that the only major contagions have occurred in cold countries, during winter. The Maldives’ unique geography also lends itself towards containment: The government can, and has, rapidly shut down islands and resorts when a suspected case has emerged. If people test negative, the island is immediately reopened. If someone tests positive, the entire island is placed under quarantine to prevent a spread across the country.
But luck has only been the half of it. When other world leaders wasted precious weeks dithering, questioning the science, or dismissing the coronavirus as a hoax, the Solih administration got to work to protect the country: suspending flight routes, conducting widespread testing (the highest per capita testing in South Asia), and eventually closing the border completely. In a country wholly dependent on foreign tourism, the Government’s willingness to act decisively, in spite of the huge economic cost, almost certainly saved lives.
During the pandemic, the government also found its voice. The daily televised briefings by Mabrook Azeez, an undersecretary at the President’s Office, have been clear, consistent and comforting. The contrast with President Trump’s erratic and misleading press conferences couldn’t be starker.
But the question remains: if the Maldives is soon to be virus free, and contemplating reopening its borders, how best to do it? The last thing the country needs is a flood of infected tourists descending upon Hulhulé, forcing another costly shut down.
A good place to start might be with the super-rich. Beginning the process of opening up by allowing private jets to land has a number of advantages: there are few passengers onboard, who can be immediately isolated in the airport’s VIP lounge and tested for the virus upon arrival. If they test negative, they can go on their way. If they test positive, they can proceed to one of the resorts that have been converted into (arguably the world’s nicest) quarantine and isolation centres. Key to this will be rapid testing kits, that can deliver a result in minutes rather than days.
High end clients spend large sums of money compared to other tourists, so even allowing in a few private jets generates considerable revenues. Soneva has received around 20 enquiries from people who would like to travel to the Maldives by private jet. They intend to stay in our resorts for upwards of a month, to escape lockdowns back home. Although they amount to less than a couple of hundred people, these guests will likely spend around $5 million in total, generating some $600,000 in GST for the government.
Looking further ahead, the Maldives will need to start reopening commercial air routes. But testing a handful of private jet passengers at the airport is one thing, testing hundreds of people descending an A350 is quite another. The Maldives will probably begin opening direct flights to other coronavirus-free countries. China looks like a good bet, having all but wiped out the virus. It also has the advantage of being the Maldives’ biggest tourism market, with a number of existing direct flight routes, operated by Maldivian or Chinese carriers, between the two countries. At the moment, however, all Chinese tourists returning from abroad have to spend 14 days in quarantine in China – not a particularly attractive prospect for would-be tourists. The Maldivian government will have to work with its Chinese counterpart on a bilateral agreement, that allows Chinese tourists returning home from the Maldives to avoid quarantine.
Similar arrangements will have to be made with other countries. It might help to categorise them: “A” group countries could be those, like the Maldives, that have completely eradicated the virus. There is no reason not to operate direct, commercial flights between such destinations. “B” group countries might be those with very few remaining active cases — the Maldives might allow flights to and from such countries, but with added precautions. Then there are the “C” group countries with high numbers of cases — where the Maldives should keep in place travel restrictions.
The Maldives has avoided a coronavirus outbreak, although the economic price has been severe. In order to avoid the collapse of its tourism industry, however, the country must now plan to re-open. If the government approaches this challenge with the maturity and competence with which it has handled the crisis thus far, the Maldives may be spared much of the economic, as well as the human, pain of this pandemic.
Editor’s Note: This op-ed was originally published on Linkedin by Sonu Shivdasani. Sonu is the founder and CEO of Soneva, which owns luxury resorts Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has been named Best Resort of the Year at the 2026 AHA Asia Hotel Awards, held at Capella Bangkok in Thailand. The recognition places the resort among leading hospitality properties across Asia, acknowledging its approach to luxury hospitality, guest experiences, design and service.
The award was presented during the 15th edition of the ceremony, which marked a milestone in the programme’s history. Established in 2010 by LIFESTYLE Magazine as the CHA China Hotel Awards, the programme expanded in 2026 to become the AHA Asia Hotel Awards, bringing together hotels and resorts from across the region.
The decision to host the gala in Bangkok for the first time reflected the programme’s broader ambition to recognise achievements in hospitality beyond China. The ceremony brought together hospitality leaders and industry representatives to celebrate achievements in luxury accommodation, resort experiences, design, wellness and service.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received the Best Resort of the Year award in recognition of its approach to providing guest experiences that combine contemporary design, personalised service and a connection to the island’s natural surroundings.
“To receive this recognition alongside some of Asia’s most respected hospitality names is a proud moment for all of us at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives,” said Thomas Weber, General Manager.
“Our island has its own character, and we have always believed that the most meaningful experiences come from allowing guests to discover it at their own pace. This award belongs to our team, whose care, dedication and genuine warmth bring that philosophy to life every day. We are equally grateful to our guests for choosing to share their time and special moments with us.”
Located in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features 41 beachfront villas, 36 overwater villas, three two-bedroom beach villas and the Boduge Residence. Each accommodation category includes a private pool, with designs intended to offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the island’s landscape and surrounding Indian Ocean.
The resort offers a range of experiences centred on its location, including guided house reef exploration with marine experts, underwater activities and opportunities to learn about Maldivian traditions through cultural programmes.
Its dining experiences include seafood and international cuisine, as well as private dining arrangements on The Shack, a secluded sand cay. Spa Alila offers treatments and wellness programmes designed around relaxation and wellbeing.
“An award such as this reflects the dedication of many people working together, often through the smallest details that guests may never see,” said Jamal Ahmed, Resort Manager.
“We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where service feels personal and unforced, and where every guest feels genuinely welcomed. It is especially rewarding to see the efforts of our colleagues recognised on a regional stage.”
The latest recognition follows another achievement for Alila Kothaifaru Maldives in 2026, when the resort received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. The accolade places the property among the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings.
The two awards recognise the resort’s performance from both industry and guest perspectives, reflecting its focus on service standards, guest satisfaction and experiences connected to the Maldivian environment.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives continues to focus on delivering personalised hospitality, maintaining service standards and developing experiences that allow guests to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the Maldives.
Barceló Nasandhura Malé has announced an exclusive two-night gastronomic pop-up collaboration featuring the celebrated flavours of Ministry of Crab at B.Heaven Rooftop on 13 and 14 November 2026.
Created by internationally acclaimed chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, Ministry of Crab is a distinguished fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Known also for Carne Diem Grill at Crossroads Maldives, the country’s only restaurant featured in 50 Best Discovery this year, Chef Dharshan’s culinary philosophy will be brought to life in Malé through an extraordinary showcase of iconic Sri Lankan mud crab and freshwater prawn specialities.
Hosted against the panoramic ocean backdrop of B.Heaven Rooftop, this landmark commercial engagement brings Ministry of Crab’s world-renowned culinary philosophy to the Maldivian capital. Built on a foundation that prioritizes ingredient freshness above all else, Ministry of Crab operates under a strict “no-freezer” policy. The event will feature export-quality Sri Lankan mud crabs and majestic freshwater prawns flown in fresh for the two-day dining showcase.
“We are delighted to bring the iconic flavours to Barceló Nasandhura Malé this November,” said Enric Reina, Hotel Manager at Barceló Nasandhura Malé. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for both our hotel and the capital’s dining scene as we elevate the local epicurean landscape, offering our resident guests and Malé’s culinary connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience award-winning gastronomy.”
Chef Dharshan Munidasa commented on the collaboration: “Maldives holds a special place in the regional food landscape, surrounded by the same pristine Indian Ocean waters that inspire much of my culinary work. Partnering with Barceló Nasandhura allows us to showcase our iconic Ministry of Crab signature dishes—from our Garlic Chili Crab to our hand-crushed Pepper Crab—alongside exclusive preparations crafted specifically for B.Heaven Rooftop.”
Over the course of this limited two-day engagement, guests will indulge in a curated menu highlighting Ministry of Crab’s flagship preparations.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been included in the 2026 selection of the MICHELIN Guide, recognising the independently owned Maldivian resort for its hospitality, facilities and guest experiences.
The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection features properties from around the world, assessed against five criteria: connection to the destination, architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, authenticity and character, and value for the experience offered.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili features 75 villas, including 36 overwater villas, each equipped with a private pool. The resort caters to couples, families and groups of friends, offering accommodation and facilities designed to accommodate different guest preferences.
The resort offers eight dining experiences, an overwater spa, a 150-metre swimming pool, and a range of sports and wellness facilities. Its location near Chickens Break, one of the Maldives’ established surfing destinations, provides guests with access to surfing activities alongside other water-based experiences.
Kuda Villingili has also received Green Globe certification for the third consecutive year, reflecting its efforts in environmental sustainability and community engagement.
“Being selected for the MICHELIN Guide is a meaningful recognition for Kuda Villingili and, above all, for our team. Every day, our ambassadors bring warmth, care and individuality to the guest experience. This recognition reflects the passion behind what we have created together and encourages us to continue evolving while remaining true to who we are,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives.
The resort’s hospitality concept focuses on providing guests with flexibility to personalise their stays through activities including surfing, wellness, dining and family experiences, as well as opportunities for relaxation.
The inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection represents another development for Kuda Villingili as it continues to position itself within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector under its brand philosophy, Time and Space Redefined.
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