Just this week, the Maldives reopened its border to international travelers. As one of the world’s top bucket-list destinations, hotels across the islands are doing everything they can to make up for the nearly 4-month closure.
While it was initially announced that visitors would need to quarantine for 14-days upon arrival, it seems that the Minister of Tourism has had a change of heart. Now, it will only be required that arrivals submit to a temperature check and they must only stay at one resort for the duration of their time.
Only a handful of the popular resorts have opened and many will remain closed until at least October. However, one hotel has decided to offer something to make guests feel comfortable about staying.
Soneva Fushi will offer guests a COVID test at arrival, as well as masks. They will be asked to remain in their room for the up to 24-hour period that it will take to get the results back.
“You might consider that this is excessive and that we’re being overcautious,” said Sonu Shivdasani, CEO of Soneva, in a corporate video explaining the process. “We want to make all our private islands COVID-free environments so the guests can truly relax and engage with our hosts and fellow guests.”
Once a guest is cleared with a negative test, they will be free to continue their vacation. They will still be asked for daily temperature checks and after the fourth day of their stay, they will be asked to take another test.
Related: Paradise Awaits You With The Reopening Of The Maldives To Tourists This July