Uniqueness, luxury, adventure, and self-discovery, are some of the philosophies that drive the Maldives' tourism outlook — 2022, the Golden Year of Maldivian Tourism, is set to supercharge the industry.
SEA Underwater Restaurant - Source: Anantara Kihavah
The Maldives is a name synonymous with luxury, escapism, relaxation and reconnection, a mysterious chain of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean that celebrities and the ultra-rich frequently visit. Nearly all successful social media influencers would have taken a few shots on the white sandy beaches beside crystal lagoons — and it is time to name and celebrate the truly unique destinations that set the Maldives apart from the world.
When it comes to innovation in design, architecture, and services, the Maldivian hospitality industry strives to outdo themselves every time. Some of these concepts are unique to these islands, and unattainable elsewhere, but if one were to go island hopping, the Maldives would be an opportune place to experience everything the tropical climes has to offer.
First on this list of unique concepts has to be Gili Lankanfushi, a venue that has undergone a recent rebuild and refresh. Targeted mainly for honeymooners, this resort is one that presents rooftop beds for star gazing alongside a private “sea garden” villa option that gets you the best of both sea and sky.
Speaking of stargazing, Soneva Fushi and Kuramathi Island Resort go the extra mile to give their visitors the chance to access actual observatories. Built to the island’s level of sophistication, these two venues let tourists watch the stars through screens if they would like, with telescopes you wouldn’t find in just any old backyard — all the while being wined and dined as the occasion calls.
Amilla Fushi insisted on using the natural architecture of the island to give you the rooms that truly, literally, stand out. Twelve metres above the ground, you are welcomed by your own treehouse villa, amid the swaying coconut trees allowing you to truly detach yourself from the heaviness of daily life. Yet if you’d like to enjoy some cinematic experience with the same feeling, Soneva Jani offers a floating silent cinema, once you’ve had enough fun on the private slide that graces each room over the water.
Como Island celebrates the Maldivian traditions of the sea with overwater villas designed as traditional boats. They also guarantee that the natural oceanic wildlife are frolicking around you in the overwater villa area, checking another off of your list of experiences. Taking the boat idea even further, Milaidhoo Island Resort boasts a special overwater restaurant comprising of three large boats arranged together with walkways, where private dinners are hosted below deck.
When it comes to gastronomy, it would be remiss not to mention Cheval Blanc, a venue that strives to redefine opulence and luxury. Laurent Chancel, who doubles as the General Manager for this resort, is also a world-renowned Michelin Star chef, serving up some of the highest standard of gourmet dishes this side of the hemisphere.
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is another island that would not be outdone in the gastronomy department, and makes their name globally on nearly all lists as a fine-dining hotel. Add onto this the high-end spa and you’ve got yourself a truly holistic escape from the trials and tribulations of urban life. Want to go further? Then let’s dive underwater for a truly Maldivian dining experience.
Anantara Kihavah, Conrad Maldives, Ozen by Atmosphere, and Per Aquum Niyama Maldives are just some of the resorts that offer underwater dining. Sit under the ocean, with just a glass barrier separating you from nature, as you dine on gourmet meals and sip champagne, watching the sea life swim by in their neighbourhood. Conrad Maldives, and Pullman Maldives Maamuta, have decided not to limit the underwater experience to just dining, but also offer it as accommodation, with prestigious, exclusive villas that are a metre below sea level. Here you would be able to enjoy the oceanic life and the calming silence of the depths during your honeymoon getaways, a truly Maldivian experience to behold.
The Maldivian tourism industry is the lifeline of the Maldivian economy, supporting a very large chunk of the nation’s GDP as well as employment. The local hotel franchises, such as Universal, Crown and Champa, Villa, as well as Sun Siyam to name a few, aspire to bring top-notch visitor experiences that are extremely competitive with the International chains that operate in the same waters. With the Tourism Minister’s insistence of doubling the visitor capacity of the Maldives as well as creating an entirely new categorisation of hotels, opportunities are ripe for the taking.
Even though many local guesthouses are not initially presented as special vacation spots, they also have their niche in the market. They are a different segment entirely, giving an experience that cannot be gained at one-island, one-hotel resorts, where visitors, backpackers, families, and vacationing students can experience their unique Maldivian adventures without the hefty price tags from elsewhere.
Uniqueness, luxury, adventure, and self-discovery, is how the Maldives tourism industry has evolved in order to stand out, and the world cannot wait for the amazing innovations set for 2022, the year which is intended to be the Golden Year of Maldivian Tourism.
