Here are the reasons why everyone, from honeymooners to those looking for a wedding destination, from families to those looking for a workation, and from celebs to the average Jane is flocking to the tropical island
Image Credit: Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
In 2020, the Maldives welcomed 5,55,399 tourists from around the world. Out of these 62,905 were from India, emerging as the top source market for the tropical island, tweeted the India High Commission in Maldives in January. The Maldives has been a preferred holiday destination ever since direct flights from India to the island nation started in October 2018, and with its no visa requirement, one-island-one-resort set-up, proximity (approximately a three-hour flight) and India’s air bubble with them, the popularity seems set to rise. “We believe the trend is set now with a strong demand from all cities in India, including many renowned celebrities visiting the Maldives for holidays,” says Stephane Laguette, chief commercial officer, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. “This, in many ways, has been a torch bearer and accelerated what was already happening in the market – the Indian traveller was seeking a new destination beyond the ones already visited and explored such as Thailand and Singapore. We are also seeing a certain shift towards wellness and relaxation amongst Indian travellers, which destinations such as the Maldives offer,” he adds.
While airlines have started increasing the number of flights, resorts are pulling out the stops to welcome travellers. Air Vistara has now started operating three direct flights from Mumbai to Male every week, becoming the first luxury carrier to fly this route. GoAir started flights from Hyderabad to Male from February 11, and Indigo, instead of thrice a week, has started operating daily flights from Bengaluru to Male from February 4.
And with redefined experiences, Indian food and office set-ups, luxury resorts in Maldives have something for everyone from honeymooners to those looking for a wedding destination, and from families to those looking for a workation.
Food
Food is an extremely important part of an Indian traveller’s experience. Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ uber-luxury resort Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, a 90-villa property, inaugurated in December 2020, opened a new Indian restaurant Tradition Saffron in January. “The India market, which was our seventh or eighth most important market before the Covid-19 pandemic has become the number two market post the lockdown,” says Laguette. People from different cultures in India have different food requirements and many prefer Indian meals. The Tradition Saffron restaurant is the result of this need and demand of Indian guests. Marriott International’s five luxury resorts in the Maldives, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and JW Marriot Maldives Resort & Spa, too have hired Indian chefs that specialise in Indian cuisines.
Image Credit: Soneva Jani