Earlier this week, the president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, declared a state of emergency after defying a Supreme Court ruling to reinstall political opposition and release political prisoners. The good news for travelers is that most (or all, according to several hotels we spoke with) of the civil unrest is located on the capital of Malé, meaning resort islands remain unaffected.
On the Four Seasons’ website, it posted the statement: “On February 5, 2018, the Government of Maldives declared a 15-day state of emergency. Political events in the Maldives are typically confined to the capital island of Malé and do not affect the resort islands.
“The situation in the capital is calm. Malé International Airport which is located on another island (Hulhule), separate from the capital, is operating as usual. We do not expect any disruption to air services.
“Four Seasons Resorts Maldives continue to operate as usual – Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah and Four Seasons Explorer look forward to welcoming our guests.”
Luxury Travel Advisor reached out to several other hotels for updates regarding the state of emergency. All reports were the same: the Maldives is safe for visitors.
“Please be rest assured, no island has been affected by the political unrest other than Malé, the capital of the Maldives,” a rep from Soneva tells us. “The airplane lands on a separate Island and from there we will take you directly to the resort. No incoming travelers to the Maldives will get affected due to this political unrest.”
“The island & airport is 100 percent safe for all the tourists and travelers,” they added.
According to Soneva’s official statement, visitors will fly into Valena International Airport (which, although also known as Malé International Airport, is located on a separate island), where they will board a seaplane for a 30/40-minute flight to the Baa Atoll or Noonu Atoll for arrival at Soneva Fushi or Soneva Jani, respectively.
Similarly, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort tells us “the government has assured the tourism and travel trade that all tourism related businesses will be operating as usual and the situation in the Maldives remains stable at the moment. Therefore, it will not affect the International arrival/departure flights or your stay with us.”
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