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Re-Discover Maldives – The Sunny Side of Life

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Borders are open, resorts are opening their doors – It's time to re-discover the Maldives

Borders are open, resorts are opening their doors – It’s time to re-discover Maldives! On 15th July 2020, Maldives opened its borders to international visitors, 110 days after closing the borders as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. The government made the decision to reopen the borders, fully confident in the safety measures and preparations in place to ensure the protection of all visitors and people working in the tourism sector, including those in the resorts.

The Maldives is an archipelago of dispersed coral islands which provides for natural isolation. The signature “one-island-one-resort” concept means that visitors to the country are based in their respective resorts. Together, these unique arrangements make it easier for visitors to maintain social distancing, whilst enjoying a truly safe and isolated holiday. Moreover, all resort facilities operating in this phase have been regulated to ensure that they are in line with the COVID-19 tourism guidelines to guarantee the safety of tourists throughout their stay in the country.

COVID-19 facilities with testing, isolation, and hospitalization capabilities have been established in six regions across the Maldives. Response measures, guidelines, and protocols have been prepared and put in place, on par with international standards and requirements.

The COVID-19 cases are predominantly based in the capital city of Male’. The population of the Maldives is 557,000, whereas this number includes an estimate of Maldives’ large resident population of undocumented expatriate workers. Over 227,000 live in the Greater Male’ Area alone. The population density in Male’ City is vastly higher than any of the other islands in the country. It is, therefore, important that the country’s COVID-19 risk status be assessed in light of this population density in the urban areas and the geographical dispersal of the cases in the country.

From April to July, the Maldives managed to contain cases within the first few weeks of the outbreak through swift and stringent measures. A gradual easing of measures was introduced in July to allow economic activity to resume. Similar to other countries, the easing of measures in Male’ has led to a rise in the number of cases, but strict inter-island travel restrictions remain in order to limit the spread of the virus to other islands.

Guesthouse tourism which was due to resume in August has also been delayed as an extra precaution. As a result of a resurgence in cases in Male’, additional restrictions have been implemented in the capital city and on travel from Male’ to other islands. Out of the remaining 188 inhabited islands, just 9 islands have active cases, with an average of one case in each of those islands. Presently, a select number of resorts and liveaboards are open for tourism.

Tourism is the backbone of the Maldives’ economy and accounts for a majority share of employment for the Maldivian labor force. The industry’s roots have spread to the very heart of the island homes of the Maldives. Tourism also contributes to over a quarter of the country’s GDP and is the source of over two-thirds of the country’s foreign currency income.

COVID-19 has had an immense impact on the socio-economic lives of Maldivians and all those associated with its tourism industry. Any sudden changes to the Maldives’ risk level has a significant impact on the industry’s ability to attract visitors and therefore, the rest of the economy.

Tourists have always chosen to visit the Maldives because of the confidence they have in receiving what they dreamt of; the privacy that the country provides to every tourist in the resort, untouched natural beauty, and trusted personalized services provided in the resorts. The COVID-19 tourism regulations and the geographical dispersal of cases in the country, in addition to the naturally isolated environments provided by our islands, are what we believe make Maldives the ideal COVID-19 safe holiday destination.

Feature image by W Maldives
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Enjoy Exclusive Seaplane Transfers to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa with Maldivian

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa partnered with Maldivian

1 November 2024 marked the launch of an exciting new partnership between Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa and Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives. This collaboration aims to offer guests a seamless and luxurious travel experience. Starting from this date, Maldivian will handle all seaplane and domestic flight transfers, providing easy and direct access to the resort’s stunning location. As a result, guests will experience a smooth and effortless transition to their destination.

Guests can enjoy daily seaplane transfers, with more available during peak travel seasons. In addition, this partnership ensures that you will spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the idyllic island paradise. Whether you are arriving for a short getaway or a longer stay, this collaboration guarantees that your journey will be as memorable as the destination. Consequently, your vacation will begin the moment you board your flight.

The managing Director of Lily Hotels, Ahmed Hafeez commented on this partnership:

“We are thrilled to partner with Maldivian to elevate our guests’ arrival and departure experience. This collaboration ensures a smooth and luxurious transition, allowing guests to begin their unforgettable holiday the moment they step off the plane.”

When you arrive at Velana International Airport, the resort’s dedicated team will greet you. They will escort you to the exclusive Lily Hotels Lounge at the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, where you can relax in comfort. Moreover, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Maldives, sip on complimentary refreshments, and use the free Wi-Fi while you wait for your transfer to the resort.

If you prefer domestic flights, Maldivian also offers transfers by air, giving you flexibility in your travel options. This ensures that your journey will be as convenient as possible, no matter your travel preferences. Thus, you can easily choose the transfer that best suits your needs.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Maldivian Escape

Once you arrive at the resort, you will see why Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most exclusive getaways in the Maldives. Located in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll, the resort offers the perfect balance of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. It is renowned for its spacious villas, exceptional service, and world-class amenities, all set against the backdrop of lush tropical surroundings and crystal-clear waters. In the same vein, the resort provides a variety of experiences that cater to every guest’s desires.

Whether you are looking to unwind with a spa treatment, enjoy thrilling water sports, or explore the local underwater world, you will find something for everyone. What truly sets Hideaway apart is its commitment to providing personalized experiences, ensuring that you feel like a VIP. Additionally, the resort’s attentive staff guarantees that every detail is taken care of to make your stay unforgettable.

With the new partnership with Maldivian, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free arrival, making the start of your stay as perfect as the rest of it.

This collaboration with Maldivian supports Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s vision for future growth. The upcoming expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will increase accessibility and provide you with more travel options. Subsequently, this development will open up exciting opportunities for you to explore the less crowded, more natural side of the Maldives.

The northern Maldives, known for its untouched beauty, offers a tranquil escape away from the more developed tourist spots. With fewer crowds and an abundance of unspoiled nature, it is the perfect destination for those who want to experience the “Untouched Maldives.” Above all, the partnership with Maldivian ensures that getting there will be easier than ever.

For more information check out the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Brochure

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