My first trip to the Maldives was in 2005, followed by a another trip five years later. Eleven years after that second visit, I found myself feeling anxious to go back to one of the most beautiful and tranquil places on Earth.
But would visiting it during the COVID-19 pandemic be different than the first two times around? Yes, and no. The Maldives — a South Asian archipelagic country made up of 1,190 islands, 200 of which are inhabited — has been open to visitors since July 2020 and has been incredibly successful in controlling the spread of the virus, both with testing and an extensive vaccine rollout.
As of this month, 96% of workers within the hospitality industry in the Maldives have received their first vaccine, and 68% have received their second shot.
Here’s what to expect if you travel there.
Getting Tested for COVID-19 Each Step of the Way
I flew Qatar Airways, and even though I am vaccinated, I had to show a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before boarding my flight. Rapid tests are not accepted, and even vaccinated travelers are not exempt from this requirement.
Quarantine, however, is not required for anyone upon arrival. Once in the Maldives, PCR tests are given to clients at each resort, and a negative receipt is needed if you plan on visiting another resort. I was personally happy to take four PCR tests (so that I could visit three resorts, and also receive a test before flying into the country). And I felt very safe knowing that all my fellow travelers were being tested, as well, and that the staff was vaccinated and undergoing random testing under the guidance of the Maldivian government.
Thinking from a COVID-19 safety perspective, the Maldives is also unique in that 99% of the country is covered by water, so travelers are surrounded by beaches and coastline. The population is small, too, with a little more than 500,000 residents. Plus, although there are 156 resorts in the Maldives, each one is on its own island, meaning that each resort is self‐contained and creates a bubble-like atmosphere for its guests.
Most arriving passengers transfer from Velana International Airport directly to island resorts via boat or seaplane. Additionally, the airport itself is on its own island, so it’s separate from heavily populated areas. Under normal circumstances, tourists are encouraged to visit the local populated islands and capital city of Male. However, in the current environment, this is understandably discouraged. In general, it is very easy for tourists to stay separated from the local population and large crowds of any kind.
What to Expect at the Resorts
At each of the three resorts I visited, the staff wore masks, and guests wore them inside restaurants (when not eating). For the most part, my fellow travelers were respectful of COVID-19 protocols, and they spread out at beaches, pools and restaurants.
One major benefit of resorts in the Maldives is the privacy of the overwater or beach bungalows. But for those who wanted to venture out, there are plenty of water activities available, including snorkeling, diving, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Meals at each resort were slightly different. The all-inclusive Robinson Club Maldives, for example, featured a buffet at its main restaurant. While the operation of buffets is normally a no‐no during the pandemic, the resort really did a great job protecting guests; buffet items were behind plexiglass, and the staff served each diner instead of allowing for self‐serve stations. Masks were worn in the buffet area by both guests and staff, and food was replenished and replaced regularly. It felt clean and hygienic.
Kurmanthi Maldives — one of the larger properties I visited, with 360 guestrooms, nine a la carte restaurants and three buffets — handled things a bit differently. Guests were spread out at each restaurant, and none of the on-site venues seemed crowded. However, in the buffet area, masked diners served themselves.
Meanwhile, Lux North Male Atoll Resort & Villas, a high‐end boutique property with only 67 rooms, is ideal for travelers who really want to limit the number of people they come in contact with. What makes this property unique is the resort’s own personal butler service (which led to less congregation at reception), and travelers only came in contact with their assigned butler, rather than various members of the hospitality team. Another nice touch at this resort is the private rooftop area above each villa, which is great for admiring the sunrise and sunset, as well as watching movies (the private butler can arrange the movie, popcorn, drinks and other refreshments). Restaurants here are also a la carte, and plenty of activities can be done in a traveler’s personal bubble.
For clients looking to have a relaxing vacation in an environment that isn’t crowded and feels safe given the current situation, the Maldives makes for an excellent choice. But measuring clients’ comfort levels in interacting with other travelers and staff will ultimately determine which property and activities are right for them, taking into account details like buffets, the privacy of the accommodations and more.
Up to date numbers regarding COVID-19 cases in the Maldives can be found on the Ministry of Health's website.
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