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Coronavirus in the Maldives: The couple trapped on never-ending honeymoon
By Secunder Kermani, BBC News
It began with a wedding in Egypt’s capital Cairo on 6 March: eight years after they first met, 36-year-old Khaled and Peri, 35, married in front of their friends and families.
A few days later, the Dubai-based couple left for Cancún, Mexico, with barely a worry in the world: coronavirus seemed a distant concern, as it had yet to fully spread across the globe.
So while the couple were careful to avoid crowded places, they say they “never expected” travel restrictions to affect their plans.
But by the time they were returning home to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via Turkey on 19 March, the full scale was becoming apparent.
“While we were on the plane we had access to internet and then we started getting messages from people ‘Are you going to be able to get to Dubai? There’s a new law, they’re banning expats,'” Peri told the BBC.
Still, as they were already in the air, they assumed they would be allowed to travel. But when they tried to board their connecting flight in Istanbul, they were told they could not board.
The new rules had come into place just as they set off from Mexico.
The couple were left stranded at the airport for two days. Restrictions in Turkey meant they were not allowed to leave and enter the city.
Whilst, without a valid boarding pass they struggled to buy toiletries and clothes, and were not even allowed to collect their luggage.
Unable to enter the UAE, and with flights to Egypt suspended, they needed a plan.
“We decided to go on Google and check all the countries that allowed Egyptians without a visa, and then check if they had flights,” Peri said. It appeared they only had one option: the Maldives.
A set of islands with clear white sand and turquoise water in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Khaled and Peri had even considered heading there for their honeymoon instead of Mexico.
However, on this occasion it was not the prospect of the beaches and snorkelling opportunities that excited the couple the most.
“I remember that moment we were let through immigration,” Peri recalled. “We looked at each other and we were very happy that at least we would be sleeping in a bed as opposed to airport seats!”
Khaled, a telecoms engineer, said, laughing: “We were so happy to see our luggage.”
But once the immediate stress of finding a place to stay had been resolved, new challenges dawned on them.
“We started realising there is a major financial burden, our jobs – we wouldn’t be able to perform them well. We didn’t pack our laptops,” said Peri, who works in media. “When you’re on honeymoon you don’t expect to be working much.”
On reaching their island resort the couple realised they were amongst only a handful of guests, most of whom were waiting for flights home.
As the others left, the hotel shut down, and the couple were shifted to another island, where the same thing happened.
They have spent the last month in a special isolation facility set up by the Maldivian government at a resort on the island of Olhuveli.
They are grateful to the authorities, who are charging a reduced rate, and to the resort staff.
“They’re doing their best to actually make this a nicer experience for us. So, in the evening, they play music, they have a DJ every day, and sometimes we even feel bad because nobody’s dancing,” Khaled said.
There are about 70 others at the resort, many of whom are also honeymooners. The only difference, according to Peri, is that the others “chose the Maldives as their honeymoon destination – we didn’t”.
There are close to 300 tourists left in the Maldives, which has now stopped new visitors from arriving. But while there may be many worse places to spend in lockdown, the couple are desperate to return to Dubai.
They say they have only managed to visit the beach “a couple of times”, partly because of heavy rain during the current monsoon season, and also because they are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Both are also back at work, but struggle to connect via wi-fi to conference calls.
But getting home is not straightforward. As residents of the UAE, but not citizens, they say they were not allowed onto flights returning others to the Gulf.
And while flying to Egypt on a repatriation flight could have been an option, it would have meant a 14-day quarantine in a government facility – and still being unable to return to their home in Dubai.
They are calling on the UAE authorities to help them and other residents who are stranded. They have applied for approval to travel from the government’s official portal, but are yet to receive permission.
And, in any case, no flights are currently available.
“It gets more stressful every time we read in the news that the airlines are postponing the date of going back into operation… We’ll definitely do whatever we’re asked when it comes to quarantine whether at a hotel or self-quarantining home,” Peri said.
When it comes to the mounting cost of the trip, the couple have decided “not to do the maths until we go back, because we don’t know when it’s going to end”.
Still, they know others around the world are in far more difficult positions. But they emphasise the trip has been far from an extended honeymoon.
“It’s always sad when you’re in a resort and you’re the last guests there, and all the staff are waving bye-bye to you. You feel bad for them too… that happened twice to us,” said Khaled. “Places like this should be full of people and good moments, that’s not the case right now.”
“Every time we tell people we are stuck in the Maldives, they laugh and they’re like ‘it’s not the worst situation, I wish I could be in your position’,” Peri added. “It’s not as easy or happy, it’s definitely very stressful… enjoy being at home with family. I would take that over anything.”
Note: This story originally appeared on BBC News. It has been reproduced without any alterations. The original story can be viewed here.
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.
At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.
The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.
The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.
The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.
The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.
On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.
Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.
According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.
Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.
The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.
The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.
“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.
Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.
He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.
He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.
He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.
During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.
On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.
The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.
The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.
Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.
The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.
The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.
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