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Russia: Biggest Contributor to the Success of Maldives’ Tourism Industry since Border Reopening

Russia maldives
Russia is the biggest contributor to the success of the Maldives’ tourism industry since the country reopened its borders last year.

More than a year has passed since the Maldives reopened its borders. Tourists from all over the world have visited the island archipelago. Experts have called the Maldives’ road to recovery the biggest international tourism success story. World Travel Awards honoured the Maldives with the title of the World’s Leading Destination of 2020.

The island nation has earned various accolades and prestige since reopening its borders in July 2020. All of this is possible thanks to the tourists who put faith in the safety measures placed by the government of the Maldives and resorts in the country. Looking through the list of where these tourists come from, one country among the leading markets stands out: Russia.

Tourists have continuously arrived from Russia every month since the Maldives reopened its borders. While India has been credited as the leading source market of 2020 with 62,905 arrivals, Russia was closely tied with 61,388 arrivals; a small difference of 1,517 visitors.

Russia is also currently the Maldives’ leading source market. From 1st January 2021 to 28th July 2021, Maldives recorded 140,824 arrivals from Russia. Comparing this figure to the same period of 2019 (pre-pandemic), tourist arrivals from Russia have grown by a staggering 195.1%. Likewise, compared to the same period of 2020, this is an increase of 385.7%.

Many might argue that the duration tourists spend is a better way to measure the success of these markets. Even still, Russian tourists spent more nights in the Maldives than an average tourist. “On average our Russian guests tend to stay around 12 nights,” Carissa Nimah, the Chief Commercial Officer of Soneva told Nikkei Asia.

Tourist arrivals from Russia will also play a crucial role in the Maldives’ goal to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year. By 28th July 2021, Maldives recorded 600,252 arrivals. Russia takes a share of 23.5% of this figure.

Feature image by InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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Kuda Villingili Resort Welcomes India’s Aqua Fitness Expert Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day 2025

Aqua Fitness Expert

From June 14 to 18, 2025, the luxury resort in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili will host an exclusive wellness program celebrating Global Wellness Day, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves, nature, and community through the transformative power of water. Rajni Maker, a trailblazer in India’s aqua fitness scene known for her innovative and inclusive water-based workouts, will lead the five-day event.

Aqua fitness expert Rajni Maker brings over 16 years of experience in Pilates, mindful movement, and water-based training to the Maldives, where she will lead guests through a fun and energizing mix of low-impact exercises suited for all fitness levels. Her signature programs, including Aqua Tabata, Kickboxing, Circuits, Pilates, Aerobics, and Zumba, blend science with flow to deliver joyful, joint-friendly workouts that boost overall vitality. Recognized by NATCOM and ATNI for her contributions to the field, Rajni also holds an Aqua Specialisation from the Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness in Singapore.

She shared her excitement about the upcoming program

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences. My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”

Wellness Experiences Set in Paradise

Kuda Villingili Resort already welcomes wellness lovers with a variety of experiences that promote balance, vitality, and inner peace. Its private island spa features eight treatment villas specializing in holistic therapies with organic, island-inspired ingredients. On top of that, guests who prefer active pursuits will find the Maldives’ largest pool, a cutting-edge gym overlooking the ocean, and a jungle yoga pavilion perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset practice.

Now, with Global Wellness Day approaching, the resort has pulled together an experience that goes beyond the usual. Throughout the five days, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of activities designed to nourish both body and soul:

  • Start with a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients.
  • Then, wake up your core with sunrise Pilates sessions using the Magic Circle, focusing on strength and flexibility.
  • After that, join Rajni for high-intensity aqua kickboxing classes—a joint-friendly but seriously energizing cardio workout.
  • Families can also get moving together during fun and active beach HIIT sessions.
  • For something playful, join a friendly padel tennis match and compete for wellness-themed prizes.
  • Later, tap into your creative side with a nature-inspired painting session.
  • And finally, take time for yourself with a one-on-one wellness consultation with one of the resort’s expert practitioners.

As the schedule flows from movement to mindfulness, the entire program ties beautifully into this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, #ReconnectMagenta. It’s all about slowing down, recharging, and reconnecting, whether that means bonding with loved ones, finding inner calm, or just being present in nature.

About Rajni Maker and Flow & Fit

Rajni Maker is more than just an aqua fitness expert, she’s reshaped the way people in India experience movement in water. Her Flow & Fit program brings her vision of fitness to life: fluid, empowering, and deeply restorative. Not to mention, she blends elements of yoga, functional training, and rehab into every session, creating something that feels both powerful and healing.

With certifications from respected institutions like ACSM, the Pilates Institute of America, and the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, Rajni backs her passion with real knowledge. What makes her stand out, though, is how she turns fitness into something fun, approachable, and doable—whether you’re brand new or a long-time wellness enthusiast.

You can check out the brochure here

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