Maldives Resorts Reopening its doors on December 2020

Most of the resorts in the Maldives have already reopened its doors. However, the few unopened resorts in the Maldives, are reopening this December 2020. In addition to these resorts, a new island getaway — OZEN Reserve Bolifushi will open its doors next month as well.

While the Maldives offers a wide range of resorts to choose from, budget-friendly guesthouses in local islands have also reopened their doors. Furthermore, Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, has granted 117 guesthouses permission to reopen.

Maldives resorts follow high standards of hygiene and cleanliness measures. Hence, travellers can enjoy a carefree holiday at the island destination. Furthermore, with the unique one-island, one-resort concept, isolation comes naturally for holidaymakers.

If you’re ready to plan your getaway to the Maldives this holiday season, consider spending it at one of these properties. Or, you can choose from the wide range of resorts that have already opened. And if you’re a budget-conscious traveller, consider holidaying at a local guesthouse in the Maldives.

Maldives Resorts Reopening on December 2020

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa: 1st December 2020

This distinctive luxury resort is located in the South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Centara Grand Island Resort features timbered walkways and colonial-style luxury villas. Travellers can enjoy an immersive range of activities at the luxury resort.

Maldives resort reopening on december 2020 — *Image: Centara Hotels & Resorts*

To ensure the safety of guests Centara has also implemented a ‘Centara Complete Care Program’. This 12-point action plan covers everything from; social distancing, health, hygiene and enhanced sanitisation throughout the entire guest journey.

The resort is ideal for honeymooners, couples and families alike. If you want to book a holiday at Centara Grand Island Resort, click HERE.

Kurumba Maldives: 1st December 2020

Kurumba Maldives is the very first private resort in the Maldives. Opened in 1972, the resort marked the beginning of the Tourism Industry in the Maldives. The resort originally opened with 30 huts to cater barefoot backpackers in search of sand, sea and sun.

Recently, Kurumba Maldives has also scored numerous accolades at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. This island hideaway draws on its proud history, charismatic personality and heartfelt service.

Dhigali Maldives: 1st December 2020

Island of pure bliss, Dhigali Maldives has an exciting line-up of festivities awaiting this holiday season. Dhigali Maldives’ innovative and intuitive service makes a perfect sublime experience for every guest.

Also read: Let Dhigali Maldives’ Special Package Inspire Your Next Journey

If an ‘Inspiring + Sparkling’ festive getaway is what you want for this holiday, rejoice in elegance & intimacy at Dhigali Maldives!

Filitheyo Island Resort: 1st December 2020

Filitheyo Island resort is situated in the pristine Faafu Atoll. Abundant in colourful marine life, Filitheyo Island is accessible via a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHs73RJAB_3/

The resort is a paradise for Scuba Divers. Likewise, Filitheyo offers an amazing range of experiences from dining under the stars, boat excursions, a charming spa and much more! Relaxing and enjoying is just limitless at Filitheyo Island Resort.

The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives: 5th December 2020

Iconic Standard Huruvalhi Maldives announced special packages for its reopening. The island retreat offers guests 115 overwater and beach villas to choose from. Likewise, guests can also enjoy authentic Maldivian and International cuisine at the resort.

Also read: Choosing a Villa in the Maldives: Beach, Overwater or Underwater?

Things to do at Huruvalhi will never run out. The resort boasts vibrant programming, workshops for this new year and Christmas and many more celebrations. Let’s not forget, being surrounded by turquoise waters and a white sandy beach, the resort offers a wide range of activities to choose from as well.

Makunudu Island: 15th December 2020

According to the Maldives’ Ministry of tourism, Makunudu Island is reopening on 15th December 2020. Located in the North Male atoll, the resort offers 36 intimate beach bungalows.

The resorts boast beautiful marine life around the island, alongside a white sandy beach. Makunudu Island is perfect for an exotic getaway in paradise.

Will you be holidaying at any of these resorts? With the holiday season coming, it’s the perfect time to visit the Maldives. Ringing in the new year or celebrating Christmas at an island retreat in the Maldives, is surely an unforgettable experience.

Celebrities have also flocked to the Maldives this holiday season. Most notably, Indian stars have made headlines with their stunning pictures from vacations in the Maldives. In addition to that, Maldives has also been crowned the World’s Leading Destination 2020 award at the World Travel Awards.

If you’re planning a visit to the Maldives, remember you need a PCR test taken 96 hours before your arrival. You can submit this when filling out the traveller health declaration form via the Maldives Immigration IMUGA platform.

The Maldives provides a 30-day tourist visa (for all nationalities) upon their arrival. Travellers will need a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility before their arrival as this is needed for processing the visa. Furthermore, upon your arrival to the Maldives, you will not need to quarantine.

Feature image by Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.