Here's a good news for itchy travel feet - since the Maldives reopened July 2020, the island nation welcomed its 100,000th visitor in December, and is well-geared for the post-vaccination boom.
The pre-vaxication era of Maldives travel
In case you're reluctant to make any rush decisions about getting the jab, take this: the door of Soneva Fushi is wide open for mask-less guests - as long as they take the COVID test from the six-figure machine made by Roche from Switzerland. And if you test positive, you stay for free (for a 14-day quarantine, of course). Echoing their mantra of "no shoes, no news", "no masks" seems to be the perfect addition under the pandemic.
We cannot introduce Soneva Fushi without showcasing their awe-inspiring Water Retreat Villas with Slide (see below). The villas at Soneva Fushi are thoughtfully located in the sunrise or sunset side of the island, catering the needs of both snorkellers (reef and dolphins) and privacy-seekers (unimpeded sea view).
The era of "Vaxications" in the Maldives
Coined by Jen Murphy, the term "vaxication" refers to the celebratory (or avenging) travels of people who freshly got themselves vaccinated. After almost 1.5 years of lockdowns and quarantines, jet-setters are no longer able to stay grounded.
Given its' one-island-one-resort set up that allows natural social-distancing, the Maldives is arguably the best place to receive the large influx of tourists. While receiving vaccinated guests is a no-brainer to guesthouses and resorts, Maldivian Minister of Tourism has confirmed they're working on a 3V Initiative: Visit, Vaccinate, Vacation.
The 3V Initiative aims to offer travellers 2 doses of COVID vaccines several weeks apart, encouraging weeks-long stays in the islands.
In light of this, Yugo recommends another 2 top-tier resorts for aspiring travellers.
Ithaafushi - The Private Island, Waldorf Astoria Maldives resort
A mere 15-minutes seaplane flight or 40-minute yacht ride from Male Airport, the sprawling 345,000 sq ft. Ithaafushi - The Private Island can only accommodate 24 guests at a time, making it one of the largest and most exclusive of its kind.
Ithaafushi, meaning "Pearl Island" in local language, also boasts The Ledge - the Singaporean chophouse that ranked No.5 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2020 list.
Patina Maldives Fari Island
To the contrast, the first-ever Patina hotel features 90 villas and 20 studios, so guests can have the flexibility to enjoy total privacy, or embrace the long-forgotten human interactions at the nearby Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club. Patina Maldives is just 50 minutes from Male Airport.
Eager to plan your vaxication? Get in touch with us for private aviation and exclusive resort arrangements.
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