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.

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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

Dubai plans to redefine the travel experience for millions and reshape its geography by retiring one of its most iconic institutions: Dubai International Airport (DXB). Once a symbol of the city’s meteoric rise, DXB now nears closure as Dubai shifts its aviation ambitions to a colossal new home, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

For decades, DXB has played a central role in global air travel, processing over 90 million passengers annually and serving as the beating heart of international connections between East and West. However, the airport’s legacy as the world’s busiest international hub approaches its final chapter. Why? Because Dubai envisions a future defined by space, scale, and a bold new concept of travel and urban life.

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Feature Image via Arabian Business