Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is gearing up to welcome back guests to their ‘Island Home’ from July 2020 onwards. The move comes as the Maldives announces the reopening of its borders and the easing of global travel restrictions implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Amilla Maldives, a stunning private island set in Baa Atoll, will reopen in three carefully-planned phases. These phases align with directions from the Maldivian government and guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism. The first phase, launching next month, is just perfect for guests seeking a private and highly-personalized holiday for seven nights or more. A selection of Amilla’s beachfront Residences (which range from One-Bedroom Residences to Eight-Bedroom Residences) as well as the resort’s One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Beach Villas have been specially prepared to welcome them.
Since the Maldives pioneered the ‘one island, one resort’ concept, the geographical isolation of each island limits opportunities to cross paths with others and Amilla is carefully monitoring the temperatures of all arrivals and departures to the private island. In addition, Maldives is an equatorial country with and lots of sunshine, while Amilla itself is a spacious private island with very few Villas and Residences – many of these open areas are exposed to direct sunlight. A recent reports that the coronavirus dies quickly on surfaces and air exposed to direct sunlight. All of these factors combined help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and make Amilla a safer choice for your 2020 holiday.
Phase One guests will be able to enjoy a more self-contained experience whereby many services can be delivered directly to them in the comfort of their villas, with the addition of heightened hygiene protocols and reduced contact service such as no hand-shaking (to maintain Amilla’s physical distancing practices).
Food and beverage services will be scaled down during this period and customized according to guests’ requirements. Restaurants and bars can be opened as required. In addition, home delivery charges have been completely waived so guests can enjoy world-class dishes 18 hours per day inside their villa or on their private terrace.
Amilla’s largest properties — the stunning Residences – (which guests now have an opportunity to purchase) feature fully equipped kitchens, outdoor barbeques, and al fresco dining areas. This means there are plenty of different private locations for dining without even having to leave the Residence. Residence guests will have access to a ‘providore list’ of groceries and have the choice to self-cater, order in or enjoy the main restaurant on request. The self-catering option is a rare advantage as very few Maldives villas have kitchens.
Amilla’s organic garden is also producing some fresh vegetables and herbs to complement its Homemade@Amilla and Homegrown@Amilla programmes. There will be a new focus on healthy probiotics and other types of wellness cuisine and drinks for any guests wanting to boost their immunity naturally.
Since the bars will be temporarily unavailable during Phase One, families or groups can request private areas where they can enjoy drinks or they can linger on the beach as they watch the sunset. The resort will even send a Happy Hour beverage tray to the Villas and Residences twice a week so guests can make their own cocktails to enjoy in the privacy of their own beach area.
The activities and entertainment programmes will initially be a little leaner than usual; however non-motorised water-sports and private excursions will be available. The summer is the perfect time for Manta Ray Season and Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve trips where guests might even see a whale shark.
In addition, the Amilla Islanders have designed special coronavirus protocols to make the island even safer for guests. They include:
– A period of 24 hours between checkouts and new check-ins for Villas and Residences so they can be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with new hygiene protocols. Villa Mini Bars can be stocked with the guests’ favorite items on request.
– Natural-based antiseptic soaps and amenities are in all properties.
– There are fewer common touch points in F&B service procedures to minimize contact points.
– The F&B outlets have been internally connected and there’s more space between tables to allow for greater distancing in all weather conditions.
– Spa treatments will start with low touch treatments such as reflexology and Thai massage — spa therapists and guests will have PPE.
For Phase Two of the reopening, starting October 1st, Amilla will be rolling out even more amenities and services but will continue with adaptations to operations that allow for more physical distancing and enhanced hygiene procedures such as paper-free menus and bills.
The Islanders have been working hard during this temporary hiatus on planning for the return of guests and making the island look even more beautiful than ever. The new protocols have been lovingly- crafted with the wellbeing and peace of mind of guests as a priority.
For more information email stay@amilla.mv.
