Maldives Resorts Reopening on October 2020

Maldives resorts have set the bar high since border reopening (on 15th July 2020) with innovative ways for holidaymakers to enjoy their stay in paradise. The country has taken extensive measures to provide travelers a stress-free and safe holiday at the sunny side of life. As major airlines recommence operations to the island nation and travel restrictions around the globe eases, resorts in the Maldives are reopening their doors to guests once again. Here’s a list of Maldives resorts (that are officially confirmed) reopening this October 2020.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort – 1st October 2020

At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, adventures await across silvery sands, at sea, and below the water’s surface. Choose between running into the surf from your beach pool villa, or jump straight into the lagoon from your overwater suite. Furthermore, guests can surf, dive, picnic on a deserted island, then return to relax at the overwater spa and treat themselves to a gastronomic journey!

Private dining at Anantara Dhigu Maldives
*Image: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort*

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort – 1st October 2020

The dedicated luxury travel connoisseurs of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo are on hand to tailor the trip of a lifetime for discerning guests. Meanwhile, ahead of the reopening, the idyllic Meradhoo revealed a retreat that will provide the ultimate hideaway for those who want to relax in unparalleled style; the Raffles Royal Residence.

South Palm Resort, Maldives – 1st October 2020

South Palm Resort Maldives offers high-quality room facilities in the transportation hub, beaches district of Maldives. With the resort’s convenient location, South Palm offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. Additionally, the resort is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives – 1st October 2020

Naladhu Private Island Maldives boasts 20 timelessly elegant houses, each a spacious sanctuary with a private swimming pool. The resort was also named the Best resort in the Indian Ocean for three years in a row. To make guests’ stay even more memorable, Naladhu offers 24-hour dedicated butler service, private dining and in-house spa journeys.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort – 1st October 2020

Nestled within the crystal waters of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests complete privacy and intimate luxury. With exquisite over-water bungalows, innovative Maldivian cuisine, rejuvenating Navasana Spa, reef adventure and stunning sea life, guests are showered with uncompromising Outrigger hospitality.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort – 1st October 2020

Luxury all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort features 2 exclusive underwater suites, 6 dining venues, and is one of the best fitness retreats in Maldives. Furthermore, fitness enthusiasts should not miss the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track, beach boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience, yoga session, and nature walks.

Kuramathi Maldives – 1st October 2020

Kuramathi Maldives presents an excellent range of rooms which has something suitable for everyone. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or for an adventure seeker, the resort is an ideal location for holidaymakers. Kuramathi Maldives offers the opportunity for families, couples, and friends to enjoy their holiday filled with exciting beach, water, and undersea activities.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives – 1st October 2020

St. Regis Vommuli Resort offers 77 inspired accommodations options. Meanwhile, a vast range of delightful dining venues is available at the resort. For its reopening, Vommuli Resort has launched Signature Floating Dining Rituals to offer guests an elevated level of privacy. Moreover, guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey, while they take a dip in their very own private plunge pool. Likewise, holidaymakers can also enjoy an opulent starlight dinner set along the beach to an unparalleled toes-in-the-sand cinema and dining experience, and much more.

Sunset Overwater Villa with Pool
*Image: St. Regis Vommuli Resort*

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives – 1st October 2020

Nature’s playground – Niyama Private Islands is the only luxury surf resort in the Maldives. Niyama has waves breaking right onto the shore at its own Vodi Point. the resort also boasts over-water ocean havens with plenty of space to chill, play, or both!

Baros Maldives – 1st October 2020

The award-winning boutique resort, Baros Maldives will reopen on 1st October 2020 along with its new ‘Baros Residence’ villas. These new villas promise guests with uninterrupted privacy, space as well as more room amenities. Differing from other resorts, Baros Maldives spent decades fine-tuning its services and cultivating its environment, making it a legendary resort since its official opening in 1973.

Reethi Faru Resort – 1st October 2020

Reethi Faru Resort opens with new additions as well, including a Deluxe Beach Pool Villa. The new Deluxe Beach Pool Villas have uninterrupted views on the Indian Ocean as well as is equipped with a private pool next to the terrace. The resort is also facilitating PCR testing for those guests with this compulsory requirement.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa – 1st October 2020

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of scenic luxury boasting overwater and beach accommodation options. Furthermore, a wide variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and sailing is available at the resort. Rejuvenating beauty, massage, or wellness therapy can also be enjoyed at JW Marriott’s luxury spa.

Kandolhu Island Maldives – 1st October 2020

Kandolhu Maldives is the home to one of the most colorful and lively house reefs in the Maldives. For its reopening, the resort’s operator Universal Resorts announced extensive safety measures in order to ensure guests can fully enjoy their holidays.

Vilu Bar at Kandolhu
*Image: Kandolhu Maldives*

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives – 1st October 2020

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is a pristine sanctuary and tropical oasis nestled in the undisturbed Noonu Atoll. The resort boasts 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites, and also three beach spa pool residences. Likewise, true to its reputation, Mövenpick also features mouth-watering cuisine at three restaurants alongside stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean.

Amari Havodda Maldives – 1st October 2020

Amari Havodda Maldives features 120 luxury villas with 60 beach villas and 60 over-water villas. Spaces at the resort complement thoughtfully designed comforting home-from-home experience. Furthermore, the resort features added touches to the décor to showcase modern craftsmanship at every turn – a contemporary re-imagining of the traditional Maldivian home.

Malahini Kuda Bandos – 1st October 2020

Malahini Kuda Bandos is nestled only 10 minutes from Velana International Airport. The understated rooms at the resort provide complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. Alternatively, upgraded rooms add TVs, sofabeds, terraces, and/or ocean views. Furthermore, beachfront bungalows have outdoor, rainfall showers.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa – 1st October 2020

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is situated on the private island of Furanafushi. The resort is within close proximity to the airport, with a 15-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy members can currently enjoy up to 20% discount until 30th September 2020, for stays till 30 June 2021 at Sheraton Maldives.

W Maldives – 1st October 2020

The luxury 5-star W Maldives sets the stage to fuel guests’ lust for life. Spacious villas at the resort offer either direct beach, reef, or ocean access and come with a private plunge pool. Meanwhile, relaxation can be found at AWAY Spa at W Maldives, which has a menu of massage, Ayurvedic, facial treatments, and much more.

Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas – 30th October 2020

Offering a luxurious paradise experience, Diamonds Athuruga, an all Inclusive paradise, features spacious villas, a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, and a dive center. Furthermore. The luxury resort is just a 20-minute scenic seaplane flight from Malé International Airport.

Without a doubt, some of the most popular resorts in the Maldives are reopening this October. The island archipelago also announced to restart guesthouse operations on 15th October 2020. Above all, a safe holiday experience is definitely guaranteed in the Maldives with natural isolation and the extensive measures in place.

Feature image by Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

The travel and tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation, and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai is set to play a central role. For years, ATM has served as a vital meeting point for global industry leaders, innovators, and professionals. In 2025, however, the event’s importance has grown, not just due to its strategic location and global reach, but also because of an emerging shift in how countries, including the Maldives, are prioritizing international tourism fairs. Traditionally aligned with major European tourism events like ITB Berlin, the Maldives has now designated ATM as its most important international tourism fair, marking a decisive pivot in the country’s global tourism strategy.

ATM 2025: A Landmark Event for the Travel Industry

Set to take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM will be more than just a gathering; it’s expected to be an industry milestone. With over 46,000 tourism professionals attending from more than 160 countries, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and developments in the travel and tourism industry. As the world moves toward post-pandemic recovery, the event will highlight how the industry can develop through enhanced connectivity and forward-thinking technology.

The overarching theme of ATM 2025, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” reflects the rapid shifts in global travel patterns. From Artificial Intelligence (AI) shaping travel experiences to sustainability coming to the forefront, ATM 2025 will not only spotlight emerging trends but also offer a platform for businesses, governments, and stakeholders to forge new partnerships and explore new opportunities.

One of the key innovations at ATM 2025 will be the incorporation of cutting-edge AI technologies. As the travel industry becomes more tech-driven, the event will explore how AI streamlines operations, personalizes customer experiences, and aids in sustainable destination management. AI will take center stage at ATM 2025, with prominent speakers, including Cassie Kozyrkov, the former Chief Decision Scientist at Google, offering insights into how businesses can strategically adopt AI to drive growth.

Why ATM? Maldives Shifts Its Focus

For many years, the Maldives has maintained a strong presence at global tourism fairs, with ITB Berlin serving as a traditional cornerstone. However, in 2025, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) made a notable decision: the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will now take precedence over ITB Berlin as the country’s primary tourism event. This strategic shift forms part of a broader recalibration of how the Maldives engages with the global tourism industry.

One of the driving factors behind this pivot is accessibility. The Maldives, like many other destinations, faced logistical challenges with European trade shows such as ITB Berlin. Visa difficulties and geographical constraints hindered the participation of Maldivian industry professionals, limiting their ability to engage with international stakeholders. Dubai, however, with its easy access to the wider Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets, presents a much more viable platform for global engagement.

MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree affirmed that consultations with industry stakeholders, including resort operators and tourism associations, guided the move to prioritize ATM. As a result, ATM now offers the Maldives the visibility and accessibility it needs to promote its thriving tourism sector to an increasingly diverse international audience.

At ATM 2025, the Maldives delegation will present a strong presence, with over 230 representatives, including 111 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of resorts, guesthouses, and luxury services. In addition to promoting the country’s stunning natural beauty, MMPRC will also curate a cultural experience to replace the Maldives’ traditional “Maldivian Night” event, once held at ITB Berlin. This new showcase will offer international audiences a taste of Maldivian cuisine, music, and arts, highlighting the country’s unique cultural identity.

ATM: A Gateway for Regional Tourism Growth

The growing importance of ATM is not limited to the Maldives. The event has become a central hub for countries across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond to showcase their tourism offerings. In 2025, exhibitors from Asia will increase notably, with countries like India and China significantly expanding their participation. This highlights the region’s increasing influence in the global tourism market, particularly as Asia emerges as the fastest-growing region for tourism recovery.

Saudi Arabia, for instance, will spotlight its ambitious Vision 2030 at ATM 2025, with major tourism projects like the Red Sea Coast and NEOM taking center stage. Similarly, the UAE, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern countries will showcase their advancements in tourism infrastructure and evolving cultural tourism offerings.

The Middle East’s tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience post-pandemic, with the region recording a 32% increase in international arrivals over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. This robust recovery is expected to continue, with ATM 2025 providing an invaluable platform for international buyers and stakeholders to tap into this growing market.

A New Era for Tourism in the Maldives and Beyond

For the Maldives, ATM 2025 represents more than just a change in venue; it signals the country’s readiness to adapt to global tourism dynamics and the growing influence of the Middle East as a tourism hub. By focusing on Dubai and the Arabian Travel Market, the Maldives positions itself as a key player in a rapidly changing global tourism landscape, one that increasingly demands accessibility, connectivity, and cultural engagement.

Beyond the Maldives, ATM 2025 will likely become a game-changer for the global tourism industry. The event will highlight the importance of sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange as key drivers of growth. It will also offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the global travel market, from the impacts of AI to the need for sustainable tourism practices.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, ATM 2025 will serve as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. For countries like the Maldives, it represents the perfect opportunity to showcase not just their natural beauty but also their evolving tourism models that embrace cultural heritage, sustainability, and technological advancements.