The Maldives. The name conjures up images of crystalline waters beneath a blue blanket sky. Of swaying palms lining pristine, white sand beach and of thatched luxury villas surrounded by warm ocean waters teeming with sea creatures as they frolic through the coral reef.
Do we have your attention yet? Thought so.
Too often, the “regular” folk see The Maldives as a “when we win the lottery” location. Add to the fact that many of us are still home bound until we receive a Covid vaccination, we don’t see ourselves travelling for many months as we await a lengthy, often stalled roll-out.
Well, we are here to tell you, you don’t need to worry about either.
While the idyllic island nation has been open to travelers from across the world since July 2020, in order to reach its goal of welcoming one and a half million tourists in 2021, the tropical paradise will be implementing an ‘upon arrival visitor vaccination initiative’. It is called 3V: “visit, vaccinate and vacation.” Yes, you can fly to the Maldives, get your jab and be on your way!
Tourism minister to The Maldives, Abdulla Mausoom, warns there is no firm timeline for implementing the 3V program. The process will not roll out until all Maldivian residents are vaccinated. So far over half of the island’s population has received one dose of the vaccine and 5% percent of residents are now fully vaccinated. However, with a population of only 531,000, and with a sufficient supply of vaccines thanks to both India and China’s help, 3V’s roll-out may not be as far away as it sounds.
Currently visitors are required to arrive with a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of their departure. They must also have confirmed accommodations prior to entering the country but there is no quarantine for tourists on arrival.
So…speaking of those confirmed accommodations. With current sales of 20- 25% and upwards off regular prices at many resorts, affordable and luxurious accommodations can be found. Villas at Royal Island Resort and Spa start at just $120 USD per night.
Beach front villas at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Resort , including breakfast will set you back only US$230 per night.
Have a little more to spend? Meeru Island Resort and Spa have water villas- yes, the ones you see in all the glossy brochures, for US$325 per night (courtesy of Hotels.com)
Still too rich for your blood? No problem. Guest houses scattering the chain of islands start at just $50 USD per night!
Please note that travelling throughout the Maldives still has some restrictions, especially if going to and from the Male region. Masks are mandatory and social distancing measures are in place. Groups of no more than 5 are allowed to congregate outside and public spaces such as parks or sports grounds are open.
But let’s face it, don’t we want to go to The Maldives to get away from others, anyway?
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