Maldives travel advice and updates.

COVID-19 Update: A Message to our Guests

Warm greetings from Niyama Private Islands Maldives,

Thank you for choosing Nature’s Playground!  A Playground where we continue to offer choice, privacy and a multitude of opportunities for you to create your own exceptional island experience, all with the laid-back vibe that Niyama is known for, so you can enjoy an escape with the highest degree of safety.

When you choose to stay with us, we are committed to safeguarding guests’ safety, health and wellbeing through our ‘Stay with Peace of Mind’ initiative. We have taken extra measures to reflect the advice and guidance of the World Health Organization, Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the local authority. 

To help address concerns you may have regarding your approaching travel to the Maldives, we have prepared the following guide for every stage of your journey. 

Travel to the Maldives
Effective from 14th of March 2022

Travellers entering or departing the Maldives are NO LONGER mandatory to present PCR test result. This applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers as well.

Masks are NO LONGER mandatory in the country and we have extended that policy to our team members, However masks will continue to be worn in high contact areas such as Explorers Kids Club and by our therapists in Spa.

• A confirmed hotel booking of your stay at our resort.
• All passengers arriving to and departing from the Maldives are required to complete the Traveller Declaration form within 72 hours of the flight time.
• Please time your submission according to your flight arrival time in the Maldives. Submission of personal details including full name, must match the details on your passport.

Split-Stay Travel

Following the travel restrictions of Split stay at Niyama, we are delighted to announce that you may now travel without restrictions to Niyama from other resorts, guest houses, yachts and liveaboards in the Maldives.

If you are arriving from other resorts, guest house or liveaboard that is currently under monitoring in the Maldives, you will be required to provide a valid negative PCR test in English before arriving to the Resort.

Arrival & Transfer

Upon your arrival to Velana International Airport, you will be escorted by our airport welcome host to our seaplane lounge manned by our partner – Manta Air or to Domestic Departures Check-in Lounge,  Complying with COVID-19 protection standards, your luggage will be handled throughout your journey by a dedicated handler and sanitised at every stage. 
Every transfer: seaplane or domestic, and speedboat will be thoroughly sanitised after every trip. Should you be boarding a seaplane, Manta Air aims to provide a non-stop transfer to our resort whenever possible. Everyone is wearing mask during the journey to Nature’s playground.

Seaplane Lounge

Physical distancing compliance with lounge seating maintained at a space distance of 3 feet. Guests travelling together as a group will be accommodated in a clustered seating, separate from other grouped or individual guests. For your convenience, hand sanitiser points will be available throughout the lounge. It is advisable to always keep your mask on. Should you require additional masks, the lounge will be able to provide this on request. 

Anantara App

The new Anantara App brings you closer to your journey by connecting you directly with Niyama Private Is-land. Aimed at reducing physical interactions in situations where automated contactless communication is possible;  Open a world of boundless luxury and seamless service, with a full suite of features, including live chat, leisure activity & spa bookings and more. Craft your experience just as you like it, before, during and after your stay. 

We are pleased to offer the app available for download on the iTunes or android app stores. Please scan the QR code.

 

Stay with Peace of Mind Measures

We are committed to safeguarding guests’ safety, health and wellbeing through our ‘Stay with Peace of Mind’ health and safety initiative. Key measures include:

01 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Digital check-in, required temperature checks during check-ins and check-outs, contactless greetings and luggage sanitisation ensure safe and seamless arrivals for guests.

02 GUEST GUARDIAN
A Guest Guardian has been appointed at our Resort to ensure the highest level of health and safety compliance at all guest touch-points.

03 CLEANING TECHNOLOGY
We use the latest sterilisation, disinfection and cleaning technologies to ensure the highest-possible levels of cleanliness.

04 PUBLIC AREAS AND BUGGY CARS
We have significantly increased cleaning schedules in all public areas with particular focus on high-touch areas such as door handles. 

05 GUEST ROOMS
Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every stay. Every room contains a hand sanitiser and wet wipes for each guest.

06 DINING
Table spacing, buffet dining and a la carte in our speciality restaurants has been introduced to ensure physical distancing compliance and the highest hygiene and safety standards. Prior reservations are required. Guests are required to sanitise their hands at our hand statiser station before entering the Restaurant.

07 FITNESS AREAS
Gym usage is strictly monitored to ensure physical distancing, and regular and thorough cleaning.

08 TRANSPORT
Cars, and boats are used for internal airport transfers and/or excursions are fully sanitised after every journey.

09 TEAM MEMBERS
All team members have received enhanced COVID-19 related health and safety training. Masks are no longer mandatory in the country and we have extended that policy to our team members, however masks will continue to be worn in high contact areas such as Explorers Kids Club and by our therapists in Spa.

10 HAND SANITISATION
We encourage you to use our hand sanitising stations that can be found throughout every property, at receptions, lobbies, restaurant entrances, meeting and events spaces, lifts, spas, pools and fitness areas.

 

Resort Medical Services
Our resort doctor and nurse are on call 24 hours, daily. Consultation, examination and basic medication will be provided complimentary for all guests. In situations requiring further medical attention or a referral case, including and not limited to laboratory testing and transfer to a government medical facility, the costs of these will be charged to the guest’s account. Guests will be referred to the neighbouring Eydhafushi Hospital or hospitals in Male city. 

PCR Testing Service
Should you be required to present a PCR test result as part of your outbound travel, our resort can facilitate this process. Niyama Private Islands Resort has partnered with the local medical facilities in Male to offer PCR tests service at USD 150 per person per test. An advance notice of 72 hours prior to departure date is required. Testing will be done in the privacy of your villa and samples will be sent immediately to the laboratory for analysis. The test results will be provided within 48 hours and sent by email. 
Should the test results be inconclusive, resampling may be required, and additional charges will be applied.
Kindly inform our Reservation Team or your Thakuru from the Front Office Team at the time of your booking or on arrival that you would need a PCR test prior to your departure. Kindly provide your contact details i.e. local phone number, Viber or WhatsApp number and email address. The samples will be sent immediately to the laboratory for analysis. Please note that the laboratory is closed on Fridays and results will be only available the next day.

Departure from the Maldives
Submission of a self-declaration health form within 48 hours of the departure flight time from the Maldives. This is an online form to be completed via Imuga - Maldives Immigration. 
We advise all travellers to check on your respective official governmental portals on the latest travel advisories and travel requirements for inbound travel returning to your countries.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) Regulations
In accordance with local regulations issued by the Ministry of Health, passenger arrivals into the Maldives may be screened for COVID-19. Passengers displaying symptoms may be required to undergo testing at the discretion of the HPA. In accordance with the law, we are required to report all suspected cases to the authorities for further testing to be conducted.

Isolation Period
In line with the latest governmental regulations, guests who test positive and are asymptomatic will be isolated in the resort for 7 days from the date of sample collection. Guests who exhibit Covid-19 symptoms at the end of isolation period specified are required to continue their isolation until 24 hours after symptoms have cleared. 

Guests who are identified as being in direct contact of a positive case and who have completed the prescribed dose(s) of COVID-19 vaccine but asymptomatic are NOT required to observe a quarantine period. However, if symptomatic the guest shall undertake a PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test for Covid-19 and can ONLY be released upon receiving a negative test result. Regardless of the ease mentioned above, ALL guests who are identified as a direct contact of a positive case are required to undertake an additional PCR test after 5 days from the date of last contact with the said positive case. This is strictly applicable ONLY to those direct contacts who are quarantined separately from the positive case.

For guests who observe their mandatory quarantine period together with a positive case of Covid-19 will only be released till the positive case of Covid-19 completes their isolation period. The isolation period will come to an end ONLY upon receiving a negative result for the PCR test done at the end of quarantine period. Regardless of the ease mentioned above, ALL guests who are identified as a direct contact of a positive case are required to undertake an additional PCR test after 5 days from the end of the isolation period of the positive case.

Guests who HAVE NOT completed the prescribed dose(s) of a COVID-19 vaccine shall complete a 14-day quarantine followed by a negative PCR test at the end of the period.
If a child under 12 or any guest that is not eligible for vaccination of COVID-19 are placed under quarantine with a vaccinated guest who can avail the fifth day test, they may submit a special request to the resort for the release of the child/individual.

Quarantine Accommodation in Bliss
Isolation periods will be spent at the resort in your private designated Quarantine Villa. A special accommodation rate will be afforded to the guests at USD 350.00 (NET - Taxes Included) per villa per night on full board basis, excluding alcohol. Guests should consider that the above processes can mean a separation of individuals and may require more than one villa to be used. This will depend solely on the individual circumstances at the time. 

Whilst it is regretful that your vacation plan may be interrupted, your health, safety and wellbeing remain our utmost priority and we are committed to ensuring that you receive access to the best possible medical care and facilities.

 

Book with Confidence

During these challenging times, we are offering extra flexibility and support for all new reservations.

Free change of date or cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival. Subject to availability. 

If you need to make or adjust a reservation, please call our team on +960 676 2828 or email reservations@niyama.com and we will be delighted to assist you.

Welcome Back

As we envision and hope for a brighter, freer future, Niyama Private Islands Maldives look forward to welcoming you back with our genuine hospitality and personalised service. Nature’s Playground awaits you.

Wishing you peace of mind,

Hafidh Al Busaidy
General Manager
Niyama Private Islands Maldives

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General Covid-19 Related Questions

How safe is it to go on holiday to Niyama Private Island Maldives?

• At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, we are committed to safeguarding guests’ and team members safety, health and wellbeing during every moment of their stay which includes the representatives from key areas & functions of the resort, leading by the Resort Doctor measures in line with guidelines issued by the Maldivian Health Ministry (HPA - Health Protection Agency) and World Health Organization.
• The resort management is dedicated and trained COVID-19 task force liaising directly with the local health protection agency and branch of the ministry of health.
• We will continue to maximize the use of our space, from beaches to restaurants, to ensure you can relax at a safe distance and all activities executed should maintain the social distancing guide of 2m or 6ft.
• No outside visits will be allowed to the Resort. Access will be limited to the Guests only.

What is the cancellation policy if I wish to cancel my booking?
During these challenging times, we are offering extra flexibility and support for all new reservations. Free change of date or cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival (14 days prior Peak Season). Subject to availability. 

If you need to make or adjust a reservation, please call our team on +960 676 2828 or email reservations@niyama.com and we will be delighted to assist you.

What precautionary measures does the resort have in place to prevent a possible outbreak?

• All team members have received enhanced COVID-19-related health and safety training, including correct procedures for wearing masks and personal protective equipment and physical distancing awareness.
• We have significantly increased cleaning schedules in all public areas with particular focus on high-touch areas such as door handles. Our Buggy cars will be cleaned and sanitised after every trip. We strictly adhere to physical distancing best practices.
• Villas & Pavilions are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every stay, including the use of electrostatic machines. Every villa contains a personal hygiene kit with mask, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes for each guest.
• Table spacing and à la carte-only dining has been introduced to ensure physical distancing compliance and the highest hygiene and safety standards. Prior reservations are required.
• Use of fitness areas has been restricted to two villas at a time in line with physical distancing best practices. Cleaning schedules have been increased and hand sanitisers are available throughout fitness areas. All health and safety measures in our fitness areas are fully compliant with local requirements.

Will the Resort provide the PCR Testing for International Flight Departure?
Niyama Private Islands Resort has partnered with the local medical facilities in Male to offer PCR tests service at USD 150 per person per test. An advance notice of 72 hours prior to departure date is required. Testing will be done in the privacy of your villa and samples will be sent immediately to the laboratory for analysis. The test results will be provided within 48 hours and sent by email. Should the test results be inconclusive, resampling may be required, and additional charges will be applied.

Kindly inform our Reservation Team or your Thakuru from the Front Office Team at the time of your booking or on arrival that you would need a PCR test prior to your departure. Kindly provide your contact details i.e. local phone number, Viber or WhatsApp number and email address. The samples will be sent immediately to the laboratory for analysis. Please note that the laboratory is closed on Fridays and results will be only available the next day.

What is the protocol if a guest is suspected to have the virus while at the resort?
Suspected guest will be transferred to the designated Isolation guest room, our Rapid response team will be immediately contacted to ensure all required further actions are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and team members. The HPA is required to be contacted and will issue further instructions to the resort after review.

To whom can I speak to in order to get more information about onsite prevention and any other information?
On site - Guest Guardian or your Thakuru. A Guest Guardian has been appointed at our Resort to ensure the highest level of health and safety compliance at all guest touchpoints.

Do you have isolation rooms for any guests or team members who show symptoms?
Yes, we do have Villas are blocked for isolation for the guests on the Resort, and a designated isolation area in our team accommodation area.

Do you have any medical facilities available on the island?
Our resort doctor and nurse are on call 24 hours, daily. Consultation, examination, will be provided complimentary for all guests. In situations requiring further medical attention or a referral case, including and not limited to laboratory testing and transfer to a government medical facility, the costs of these will be charged to the guest’s account.

FAQ and Operational Changes

ARRIVAL

What is the passport validity accepted to travel to the Maldives?

Maldives authorities require that your passport/travel document be valid for the duration of your stay in the Maldives. However, please check the requirement validity of your passport to other destinations and from the airlines you are travelling with, as they may have a regulation that may not allow you to travel if your passport validity is less than 6 months. 

RESTAURANT/OUTLET

Are buffets still offered in any outlets?        
Yes.

What are the new entitlements for Half-Board?

• Unlimited table set menu breakfast at Epicure or Blu
• Three course dinner on a la carte in Epicure (1 appetizer + 1 main course + 1 dessert or 2 appetisers + 1 main course or 1 main course + 2 desserts)
• USD 50 net per person per night food credit is applicable when having dinner in Nest, Tribal and Edge
• Dine around credit is not valid for In-Villa Dining, Subsix, The Deli, Food Truck and Destination Dining

Which outlets are open for lunch?
Dune (which is also the designated outlet for guests booked on Full Board), Food Truck and The Deli are open daily, while on rotational basis Subsix & Nest teppanyaki are open for lunch twice a week too.

Are walk ins in the restaurant allowed?
To ensure that proper social distancing is followed, pre-bookings are required for all restaurants.

EXPLORERS KIDS CLUB

What are the new procedures for Kids Club?

Open daily from 9:00 am-12:30 pm and 2:30 pm-6:00 pm.

• We are on pre-booked service basis. Please contact us to book our sessions.
• For all children being left in our care parents, MUST fill in a Parental Agreement form before we can accept them.
• Children temperature will be checked before entering Kids Club A.M and P.M. and will not allowed to enter if temperature exceeds over 37.5C.
• Sanitizer stations are placed inside and outside of Kid’s Club.
• Team member will encourage children to wash and sanitize their hands before and after every activity.
• We provide nappies, wipes, bug spray, sun cream (Nivea Kids), snacks and water for children in our Kids Club.
• All children will have sun cream and bug spray applied when doing outside activities.
• If a child requires a medicine throughout their time with us, please discuss with the childcare team.
• Morning activities start at 9:00 am and afternoon activities start at 2:30 pm.
• Activities will ensure social distance measures.
• Activity plans are 2 weeks and can be found on the villa TV (please speak to Kid’s Club to find out about the current week).

ACTIVE & PUMP (Gym)
What are the current opening hours of both Active & Pump?

• Opening hours of Active:24 hours
• Opening Hours of Pump:24 hours

DRIFT SPA
Drift Spa is open from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.

What are the new policies for Drift Spa?

• For the safety of the guests and the team members, treatments now are done on pre-booking basis to ensure that the team will have enough time to clean and sanitize the treatment room every after use.
• After each booking, the treatment room will be closed for 45 minutes for sanitization procedure.
• Guests are required to shower in the treatment room before massage treatments.
• Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to treatment time to allow for showering.
• Face massages are altered to neck and head up to hairline.
• The Garden Space where the sauna and dip pools are located are also now on pre-booking basis for 1-hour use per villa and will only be accessibly to the booking party.
• For guests using the sauna they must come in garments ready for pool and sauna use. Towels will be provided.

NOTE: Please note below discontinued or closed services/areas (for the time being).

In-Villa Treatments, Steam Room, Reception Restrooms/Changing rooms, Pilates, Private Chargeable Yoga (complimentary morning yoga is still offered by Active), Epigenetics, Salon Services.

TRANSFERS

Please note that seaplanes and domestic flight operations are on run on load basis, thus there are no fixed schedule at the moment and the confirmation of the flight timings will only be confirmed night prior to the flight.