Maldives

Maldives: Two Sides to Every Story 
May 7, 2021

Traveling to the Maldives as an LGBTQ person can be a bit controversial for some. Like many countries around the world, the official laws and the actuality of visiting the country as an LGBTQ person don’t necessarily mesh. Deciding whether or not to visit the Maldives as an LGBTQ person comes down to two issues:

1. Is it safe as an LGBTQ person?
2. How can I rationalize spending money in a country with anti-LGBT laws. So let’s break it down.

There are almost 2000 islands in the Maldives, and 200 of them are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are home to one hotel, and accommodate only that hotel’s guests and staff. Almost all of the big hotel players have a game in the Maldives. While each island has its own name, the islands are better known for the hotels that have developed the island. For instance, there are two Four Seasons islands, a W, St. Regis, Fairmont, Conrad and other familiar names, plus many you probably have not heard of such as Gili Lankanfushi, Niyama, Ozen Bolifushi, and dozens more.

So what is so special about this place, and why would anyone want to go to the Maldives in the first place? Having just come back from a three week trip to the Maldives, I can tell you that there are a multitude of reasons. The Maldives can best be described as adult Disneyland, and there is truly something for everyone. The main draw, of course, is just the sheer beauty: turquoise water, palm trees, gorgeous beaches, overwater villas, underwater restaurants, and architecturally stunning hotels, each an island unto itself, as I mentioned above.

While some people go to the Maldives and search for nothing more than relaxation in paradise, for those desiring a more active vacation, depending on the island, there is much to do. The most popular thing is snorkeling, and the abundance of marine life at each island is just astounding. Before going to the Maldives, I didn’t realize that I enjoyed snorkeling so much, but truly, I have not enjoyed it as much in other destinations. But here, every time I went out I saw something unique or exciting, whether it be a golden eagle ray, or a blacktipped reef shark, a sea turtle, needlefish, or the schools and schools of colorful tropical fish. Other than snorkeling, I was busy with so much else, such as: surfing classes, cooking classes, antigravity yoga, water yoga, sunrise yoga, dolphin cruises, bicycling, massages, Ayurvedic treatments, the gym, socializing, coral reef building, and incredible cuisine. I even found time to make some shell jewelry.

For many, the biggest drawback to the destination is that it is not the fastest place to get to. Generally speaking, it is about 15 hours to Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai, connection time, and then about 5 hours to the Maldives.

Travelers fly into the country’s capital Male, and if they are staying on a resort island that is close to the capital, they take a speed boat to get there. For islands that are further away, you take a seaplane, which is often part of the fun. Seaplanes fly low enough so that while en route to your island, you can see so many other island resorts on the way. It really adds to the excitement.

Once you have arrived at your island resort, the strict Maldives laws are not enforced. For instance, alcohol is illegal in the Maldives, but I can tell you that at every resort I visited, I was greeted with a bottle of champagne, and every resort has fun and creative cocktails as well as extensive wine lists. Many of the resorts even do wine tastings.

Homosexuality, while technically illegal in the Maldives is a completely non-issue at virtually all of the hotel islands. Most of the resorts I visited had LGBTQ staff, and I saw fellow LGBTQ travelers in many of them as well. People knew I was gay, and I felt 100% comfortable and that I could be myself.

The reality is that most tourists fly in to Male, and are there for about two hours while they collect their luggage and go through customs and immigration before either a speedboat or seaplane whisks them away to an island paradise where the strict Maldives laws are overlooked.

Regarding the laws in the Maldives, like many places in the world, laws affecting LGBTQ people are changing, and many laws that are on the books are seldom, if ever enforced. The maximum penalties for homosexual acts prohibited under the Maldives Penal Code include; imprisonment of up to one year for unlawful marriage, imprisonment of up to eight years for criminal conduct, with allowance for a supplementary 100 lashes punishment under Islamic Sharia Law, and imprisonment for up to four years for unlawful sexual conduct. Homosexual acts can no longer be punished with death under Maldivian law.

While writing this article, I searched for instances where LGBTQ travelers have had issues in the Maldives, and could not find any. Interestingly, when I Googled “gay couple harassed in the Maldives, what comes up instead is “London bus attack: Arrests after gay couple who refused to kiss beaten” and then various pages highlighting the Sharia Law information above. I would think that if LGBTQ people were getting randomly harassed in Maldives, there would be countless articles about it. There aren’t, and truly, government officials have better things to do in Male rather than try to create issues for LGBTQ people. I honestly feel like my partner and I would have a better chance of having an anti-gay issue in cities in the States, than we would at the Male airport or any resort.

So what about people who tell me that I shouldn’t go to the Maldives, because I shouldn’t support anti-LGBTQ governments?

While I understand this argument, I have a different way of looking at it. Yes, I don’t like the thought my money going to an anti-LGBTQ country, but if people in countries like this are not exposed to LGBTQ people, then how are things ever going to change? Also, I find that so often the same person who may have issues with traveling to a country that leans anti-LGBTQ is the same person spending money at anti-LGBTQ stores or food chains. It is almost impossible for any of us to interact in the modern world, and not in someway fund an entity that is anti-LGBTQ.

Also, something that really struck me while in the Maldives, was that at every resort, half of the people working there were from all of the world. These Maldives resorts are giving jobs to so many people from around the world, including those who are LGBTQ.

What if things never changed in my lifetime in the Maldives? Would that mean that I would just never get to experience it? No thank you, the world provides enough limitations due to being LGBTQ. I am not about to assign myself more. It is in the same way that I would never want to go my whole life never having seen the pyramids in Egypt, but Egypt has anti-LGBTQ laws as well. I am definitely not alone in feeling this way. Egypt is the best selling trip for my gay group vacation company, Zoom Vacations. It sells out every year.

Traveling to the Maldives is safe for LGBTQ people, as long as you are being culturally sensitive while in Male, and then visiting island resorts. I’ve traveled quite a bit with LGBTQ people, and I have never seen any of them in airports do anything that wouldn’t be culturally sensitive in Male. This is just common sense stuff.

Whether you’re gay or straight, I definitely recommend talking to Maldives travel expert before booking a trip. There are so many different properties and options, that if an expert gets to know you a little, they can really help steer you to the right gay-friendly island resorts for you. Having spent two months researching properties in the Maldives, Zoom Vacations is definitely and expert in the region. Reach me directly at bryan@zoomvacations.com, and I will create the perfect Maldives vacation for you, along with perks and upgrades where possible.

A tour full of wonderful surprises and unfettered, simple beauty.

From $800 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Located on the Shaviyani Atoll, which boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoon, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is more than just your personal hideaway. Our “secret water island” as dubbed by the locals glistens like a pearl. Poster white sand beaches fringed with swaying palms, kissed by the turquoise waters of the 600-hectare lagoon that gives way to the tranquil blues of the Indian Ocean and a never-ending horizon.

Nestled amongst the lush mangrove foliage on the edge of perfect white sands, the Beach Villas feature an en-suite private bathroom with separate shower, twin vanities, a Nespresso coffee machine, wine fridge, a Bose sound system and a California king-size bed. Outside enjoy the private alfresco bathroom with bathtub and shower, a 14-sqm plunge pool, and a sala to relax and dine in. Your personal butler is available 24-hours a day to take care of every little detail and is just a call away. Or explore the sandy lanes of the resort on your bicycle.

Over-water villas feature oversize copper bathtubs, en suite indoor bathrooms, private relaxation decks, salas, plunge pools and more. Explore the epitome of Maldives-style accommodation, designed to an elegant chic ethic. Relax to the sounds of gently murmuring waters and delight in the expanse of endless horizons.

Getting there: 45 minute flight from Male airport on a seaplane

Bryan’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• The Coralarium, an architectural masterpiece, housing sculpture and coral in the middle of the ocean
• Balinese inspire food at the fun, hip, beach bar
• Spacious over-water villas
• The largest infinity pool in the Maldives
• The beach bungalows are a great size, and so comfortable— very close beach access
• The products at the spa
• Complimentary yoga
• Individual Plunge pools
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• One of the best places in the Maldives to see turtles
• Packages range from room- only to added breakfast to full board, based on your desires.

From $1,200 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Gently rising from a sheet of turquoise, at Kuda Huraa it’s hard to tell where ocean ends and sky begins. As captivating beneath the waves as above them, we embrace our stunning surroundings, to bring you closer to the sea and its secrets. Discover the welcoming embrace of a lagoon, flower gardens, a private spa island and spacious new Beach Pavilion hideaways in a charming village setting, awarded a Five-Star rating by Forbes in 2020.

Getting there: Private 20 minute private Four Seasons resort speedboat ride from Male airport.

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Meeting the staff – many of them have been there for 25 years
• Beach villas are my favorite
• The daily crab races are not to be missed – plus if your crab wins you get a prize!
• The fish feeding during cocktails attracts all kinds of fish including small black tip reef sharks – very exciting
• The sunset lounge is a must at, well, sunset.
• The spa is an experience that starts the minute you hop on the little traditional Dhoni boat that glides you across the bay to the island spa
• Delicious mediterranean cuisine at Reef Club
• The Indian food at the elegant Baraabaru Indian restaurant

From $2,100 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Welcome to one of the world’s most beautiful islands: a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wilderness where iridescent blues, jungle greens and dazzling whites meet innovation, conservation and wellness with equal, vibrant intensity. Soar through the skies in our Flying Triggerfish seaplane; swim with the country’s largest known population of manta rays; rehabilitate sea turtles in our Marine Discovery Centre; connect to the buzz of Blu Beach Club, and discover the life-changing benefits of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy at The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat – named “Most Meaningful Experience” in the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2020. Committed to conservation, transparency and planetary well-being, Landaa Giraavaru partnered with The NOW Force For Good Alliance and EarthCheck on Earth Day 2020 as part of its ongoing pledge to advance sustainability in all of its forms.

Getting there: Private 35 minute flight from Male airport in the colorful Four Seasons plane

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Learning about orchid cultivation at the resorts orchid farm
• Meeting the rescued turtles in the Marine Center nursery
• Orchids everywhere
• Learning about marine life in the Marine Center and the native Maldivian Clown Fish
• Snorkeling with a marine biologist in search of the endangered Hawksbill turtles
• THE BAA ATOLL UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE
• The newly renovated overwater sunset or sunrise villas are gorgeous
• The moroccan restaurant is the best in the whole Maldives
• Morning detox immune booster shot of Landaa herbs ginger and black pepper

From $1,500 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Designed in an authentic style, built using eco-friendly materials and blended seamlessly into the remarkable landscape of a natural environment, Gili’s over water villas create a sophisticated and intimate ambiance where guests are able to feel truly at home. Gili Lankanfushi takes barefoot luxury to the next level.

Getting there: Private 20 minute private resort speedboat ride from Male airport.

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Having my personal Mr and Ms Friday butler who arranged to take us to a blindfolded dinner for all senses.
• Having personally monogrammed bamboo bikes to ride around the island
• Having access to hand made chocolates and ayurvedic wellness elixirs at any time in the cold room
• Watching the beaches come alive with magical lights each night with resort destination dining venues
• Sleeping under the stars in the massive 2 floor villa deck the overlooks the Indian Ocean
• The spa ritual and its great massage team with massage beds situated over a glass floor overlooking the coral reef and many fish
• The mediterranean bazaar for dinner with cook to order stations from Greece, Italy, Turkey and beyond
• This place has perfected the art of barefoot luxury
• Mimosas with breakfast
• The freshly made juices
• Hammocks everywhere
• The organic garden
• Lots of beaches for mindful walking to improve health
• The Gillians Island castaway vibe (this is what an ultra luxury 5 start resort would look like if Gilligan’s Island was discovered and Mr. Howell decided to invest all his millions on the island)
• The stand alone Robinson Crusoe with individually designated self drive boats
• Learning about the coral reef restoration efforts from a resident marine biologists
• Sunrise morning yoga with an expert and mindful teacher

From $1,836 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

JOALI resides on the picture perfect Muravandhoo island in the Raa Atoll located in the northern Maldives. One of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, it is home to a myriad of sea life. Guests can expect brilliant blue waters and pristine white-sand beaches inged by gently swaying coconut palms. sharing the joy of living.

On arrival guests will be welcomed into the private JOALI airport lounge at the Male Airport. Relax here before your transfer to the resort.

Getting there: Private 40 minute flight from Male airport in the Joali plane

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Immersive Art everywhere (I especially enjoyed the Heron Head swinging chair designed by South African artists Porgy Hefer)
• The amazing gourmet food options like the 2 star Michelin designed menu at Soake with overwater views and black tip shark swimming near by at night
• Our Jagudar (magician) butler being available 24/7 to magically make our dreams come true
• Evening coklctails with a live DJ playing island vibe beats
• The gorges marble hammam in the spa
• The great smelling bathroom amenities
• The arrival airport limo
• The airport lounge serving freshly squeezed juices and cappuccino
• The most elegant arrival jetty buiding in the Maldives
• The high tech villa with everything at the touch of a button (literally)
• The mediterranean cuisine served at lunch poolside
• Sunsets from my pool deck
• French champagne and bloody mary bar set up for breakfast
• Gluten free breakfast station
• Being invited by local staff to participate in their Mr and Ms Joali contest as a judge (what an honor!)
• The St Barts vibe

From $1200 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Find a very private setting for intimate, one-of-a-kind experiences. With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers up the luxury of choice.

At Play: Frolic in the treetops. Rush into the infinite horizon. Kick things up a notch in villas set on white sands and tailored to adventurous honeymooners, active couples and style-savvy families.

At Chill: Revel in a peaceful moment within the cocoon of Drift Spa. Explore culinary heaven offshore. Soothe your soul to the slow rhythms in over water villas. Lounge against the flowing oceanscape in an underwater playground.

Discover your island niche and settle in, or jump back and forth between high-energy indulgences and cool serenity. Rated #4 in the ‘Best Resorts in the World’ category of the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and #2 ‘Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean’, Nature’s Playground beckons.

Getting there: Private 35 minute flight from Male airport on a seaplane

Bryan’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• I loved my beach pavilion room—spectacular
• Massive indoor and outdoor bathrooms
• Several restaurants with wonderful cuisine
• Fresh, Spacious Rooms
• Champagne and caviar floating breakfast
• Private, beach-side dining under the stars
• Daily activities
• Refreshing, outdoor pools
• Individual Plunge pools
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Gorgeous sugar-sand beaches
• Packages range from room- only to added breakfast to full board, based on your desires.

From $1,349 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Situated in a pristine lagoon in South Malé Atoll is the uber lux private island resort – OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Expansive white beaches and turquoise waters fringe the lush island resort. Guest’s every dream of a tropical paradise comes alive in this idyllic resort. At the forefront of the top-notch, bespoke services are the unique dine around experiences and a sensational spa and wellness center. From traditional Maldivian island welcome and seamless hospitality to unique tropical adventures, our carefully crafted holiday experience is sure to create magical memories for guests.

Highlights include the first ice skating rink in the Maldives, a luxurious spa and wellness center, and one of the largest kids’ clubs in the destination. An impeccable experience of gracious indulgence elegantly articulated with the promise of inspiration and harmony at its core. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI guests can immerse themselves in a world of boundless sanctuaries while availing inspiring experiences that are thoughtfully curated to make every moment an everlasting memory.

Getting there: Private 40 minute private resort speedboat ride from Male airport.

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Bottom less French champagne
• Ice rink (yes, you can go ice skating by the beach)
• Overwater villas with slide
• Reserve plan lets you each and drink nonstop
• Many dining options
• Great value
• Curated experiences
• Spa included if you stay longer than 4 nights
  • 4-5 Nights Stay: One 60 Minute Spa Session
  • 6-9 Nights Stay: Two 60 Minute Spa Sessions
  • 10-13 Nights Stay: Three 60 Minute Spa Sessions
  • 14 & Above: Four 60 Minute Spa Sessions

From $899 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first OZEN resort, is a tranquil palm-painted oasis of elegance set in the exotic turquoise hues of South Malé Atoll. The perfectly North-South Island of Maadhoo is 900 meters long and 80 meters wide and is covered with lush green vegetation. Expansive white beaches and turquoise waters fringe the serene island resort. Guest’s every dream of a tropical paradise comes alive in this tropical paradise.

A pristine lagoon overlooking the horizon, with exotic marine life all around offers an authentic Maldives island experience! Guests can choose from 94 gracefully designed villas and one exclusive Residence. All the elements of an uber-luxe holiday, from underwater dining at M6m to exhilarating ocean excursions, combine to form an idyllic Maldives stay. of Refined Elegance.

Getting there: Private 40 minute private resort speedboat ride from Male airport.

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Bottom less French champagne
• The welcome ceremony with raining rose pedals, French champagne, fresh strawberries and a placard at the arrival Jetty with both me and Matt’s names on it
• Lunch at M6m, the underwater restaurants complete with Taittinger champagne and a great hostess
• The Indulgence open bar concept so I cold “indulge” without having to sign a bar bill
• The overwater swings make great instagramable opportunities

From $1199 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Soneva Jani . Medhufaru Island . Noonu Atoll . Maldives .

Soneva Fushi is the original desert island hideaway in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 63 beachfront villas and eight Water Retreats, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms. Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort is 35 minutes by seaplane from MLE Airport and 1 hour by speedboat from Soneva Jani.

Everything about this resort feels otherworldly, from the crystal-clear turquoise water and dolphins at sunset, to the delicious meals available at the resort’s multiple dining venues. Nature is nurtured here, from the sustainable design and furnishings of the villas, through to the operations and waste-to-wealth center, which truly defines the essence of barefoot ‘intelligent luxury’.

Watch classic movies at our outdoor Cinema Paradiso. Choose from nine different dining options, five hundred wines and 11 types of pillow, or unwind at the on-site Six Senses Spa. Nature’s resources are transformed into art at the Glass Studio, while glorious days are spent stargazing at the Observatory, sampling organic delicacies and exploring the coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday personal butlers who know what you want before you want it.

If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: no news, no shoes. No pretensions either.

The villas at Soneva Fushi are located on the sunset or sunrise side of the island. While both sides have the Maldives’ signature white-sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters, there are a few differences.

Sunset Side: For Snorkellers

This side has three house reef access points and dolphins are more likely to be spotted in the channel.On this side of the island it is possible to see our neighbouring island, Eydhafushi, approximately 650 metres away. Guests who want more privacy may consider staying on the sunrise side of the island.

Sunrise Side: For Privacy

Enjoy virtually unimpeded views out to sea, as Maalhos, the closest neighboring island on this side, is just a speck on the horizon. This side is perfect for early risers who want to enjoy the morning tranquillity.

Getting there: Private 40 minute flight from Male airport in the Soneva plane

Bryan’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Incredible gourmet food options – He had one of the best meals of his life in the restaurant, “Fresh in the Garden”.
• Watching dolphins during their sunset dolphin cruise with champagne and canapes
• Snorkeling excursion just minutes from the resort where he saw thousands of fish
• Giggling like a child as I glided down to the ocean from my villa’s ocean slide
• The incredible outdoor bath area of his villa, at least a thousand square feet
• All rooms have private pools
• Feeling like I was in a luxury version of Gilligan’s Island
• The epic chocolate room
• Beautiful breakfast on the beach
• The incredible gardens
• Soneva’s unmatched environmental responsibility and impressive recycling plant, right on the island, reducing the carbon footprint of all guests
• Watching glass blowers and then shopping for their creations in the gallery
• Free Laundry Service! It was perfection
• Ayurvedic Tonics at Breakfast. He swears that one of them eased his back pain significantly (that’s reason alone to go back)

From $1799 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Soneva Jani . Medhufaru Island . Noonu Atoll . Maldives .

Soneva Jani is a luxury resort that features 24 overwater retreats and 1 island retreat in addition to the new Chapter Two with an expansion of 27 luxurious over-water reserves, 2 island reserves, three innovative new dining concepts and a new Soneva Wellness Centre. Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. The resort is 35 minutes by seaplane from MLE Airport and 1 hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi. Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery.

Getting there: Private 40 minute flight from Male airport in the Soneva plane

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• So many gourmet food options – the Swedish gourmet restaurant was a revelation
• Sunsets were magical
• Snorkeling in the Noonu Atoll and witnessing the highest density of swarming fishes
• Giggling like a child as I glided down to the ocean from my villa’s ocean slide
• The massive villa, the massive outdoor shower and bathtub, the massive personal villa pool
• The winding pathway that lead to our villa
• Feeling like I was in a magical Dr Sesus wonderland
• Eating the freshest sushi from Drirector’s Cut and watching a night time movie at Cinema Paradiso
• Working out in the jungle gym – in the jungle!
• The bohemian vibe
• Our villa Barefoot Butler butler who escorted us all around the island nonstop
• Who doesn’t love free laundry which means less packing to be done!
• Fresh detox juices with lunch

From $800 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

Escape the frenetic pace and chaos of everyday life, in to luxury’s very own lap at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives. Away from the sparkling lights of Male, this hotel is spread across the Emboodhu Finolhu island in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in Maldives.

Renowned for its rich flora and fauna, this tropical isle, also known as the Three Coconut Isle, is situated amidst the coral reefs. A 15-minute speedboat ride from the airport brings you to the idyllic resort surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Set delicately over the lagoon, this postcard-perfect getaway offers 64 sea-view villas and suites that are luxurious and lavish; yet maintain a fine balance with nature. Our world-famous, award-winning presidential suite is, arguably, the most beautiful place on earth.

At Taj Exotica Maldives, you are on Taj Time, where doing nothing is an art form. Time stands still—and yet there is never a dull moment. Within this oasis of calm set in paradise, lounge by the infinity pool or at your private beach, laze in a hammock over the blue waters and just lay below the stars at night. Go on a wildlife-spotting walk. Pure bliss.

Savour the best from the culinary world with carefully selected ingredients sourced both locally and globally to please your palate. Enjoy the freshest of seafood at Deep End or choose from the extensive carefully crafted menu at 24 Degrees, where you experience a performance of art assembled on your plate at the theatrical Teppanyaki kitchen. Sip leisurely on your cocktails at the Equator Bar as you take in the awe-inspiring views of fiery Indian Ocean sunsets. Needless to say, each of our restaurants offers a spectacular and unbelievably romantic ocean experience.

Enjoy sumptuous in-room and private dining experiences. And be pampered by our world-renowned butlers, who would be happy to arrange a whole range of water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving.

Getting there: Private 20 minute private resort speedboat ride from Male airport.

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Close to the airport (20 minutes)
• Great Indian food
• Beach villas
• Small and manageable
• One one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives
• The Jiva spa is excellent
• Romantic dinners right on the beach

From $800 per room per night, including extra amenities, upgrades, and benefits when you book through your Maldives experts at Zoom Vacations.

W Maldives is a luxury private island resort in a wonderland of white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking house coral reefs. Providing a new cutting edge and contemporary lifestyle experience for your exclusive escape 24/7, above and below the ocean.

The 5-star resort features 77 luxurious private escapes – each with its own plunge pool and sundeck. Six gourmet restaurants and lounge bars aesthetically located across the island inviting you in for the ultimate indulgence.

Amplify your experience in paradise by experiencing the crystal blue ocean and exploring the island’s private reef, declared the best house reef in the Maldives. Bask in the sun on the escape’s beaches, partake in adrenaline-filled water sports, or discover true pampering with our overwater AWAY® Spa.

Getting there: Private 35 minute flight from Male airport on a seaplane

Joel’s favorite things that made his stay special:

• Young, hip vibe
• Live Dj by the pool, creating a festive, social atmosphere
• Pops of cheerful color in the rooms
• Fresh, catch-of-the-day meals prepared by award winning chefs
• Private, beach-side dining under the stars
• Pampering spa services and yoga
• Refreshing, outdoor pools
• Individual Plunge pools
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• (Whatever/Whenever®) service if staying at the W Maldives
• Packages range from room- only to added breakfast to full board, based on your desires.

Maldives: Two Sides to Every Story

May 7, 2021

Traveling to the Maldives as an LGBTQ person can be a bit controversial for some. Like many countries around the world, the official laws and the actuality of visiting the country as an LGBTQ person don’t necessarily mesh. Deciding whether or not to visit the Maldives as an LGBTQ person comes down to two issues:

1. Is it safe as an LGBTQ person?
2. How can I rationalize spending money in a country with anti-LGBT laws. So let’s break it down.

There are almost 2000 islands in the Maldives, and 200 of them are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are home to one hotel, and accommodate only that hotel’s guests and staff. Almost all of the big hotel players have a game in the Maldives. While each island has its own name, the islands are better known for the hotels that have developed the island. For instance, there are two Four Seasons islands, a W, St. Regis, Fairmont, Conrad and other familiar names, plus many you probably have not heard of such as Gili Lankanfushi, Niyama, Ozen Bolifushi, and dozens more.

So what is so special about this place, and why would anyone want to go to the Maldives in the first place? Having just come back from a three week trip to the Maldives, I can tell you that there are a multitude of reasons. The Maldives can best be described as adult Disneyland, and there is truly something for everyone. The main draw, of course, is just the sheer beauty: turquoise water, palm trees, gorgeous beaches, overwater villas, underwater restaurants, and architecturally stunning hotels, each an island unto itself, as I mentioned above.

While some people go to the Maldives and search for nothing more than relaxation in paradise, for those desiring a more active vacation, depending on the island, there is much to do. The most popular thing is snorkeling, and the abundance of marine life at each island is just astounding. Before going to the Maldives, I didn’t realize that I enjoyed snorkeling so much, but truly, I have not enjoyed it as much in other destinations. But here, every time I went out I saw something unique or exciting, whether it be a golden eagle ray, or a blacktipped reef shark, a sea turtle, needlefish, or the schools and schools of colorful tropical fish. Other than snorkeling, I was busy with so much else, such as: surfing classes, cooking classes, antigravity yoga, water yoga, sunrise yoga, dolphin cruises, bicycling, massages, Ayurvedic treatments, the gym, socializing, coral reef building, and incredible cuisine. I even found time to make some shell jewelry.

For many, the biggest drawback to the destination is that it is not the fastest place to get to. Generally speaking, it is about 15 hours to Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai, connection time, and then about 5 hours to the Maldives.

Travelers fly into the country’s capital Male, and if they are staying on a resort island that is close to the capital, they take a speed boat to get there. For islands that are further away, you take a seaplane, which is often part of the fun. Seaplanes fly low enough so that while en route to your island, you can see so many other island resorts on the way. It really adds to the excitement.

Once you have arrived at your island resort, the strict Maldives laws are not enforced. For instance, alcohol is illegal in the Maldives, but I can tell you that at every resort I visited, I was greeted with a bottle of champagne, and every resort has fun and creative cocktails as well as extensive wine lists. Many of the resorts even do wine tastings.

Homosexuality, while technically illegal in the Maldives is a completely non-issue at virtually all of the hotel islands. Most of the resorts I visited had LGBTQ staff, and I saw fellow LGBTQ travelers in many of them as well. People knew I was gay, and I felt 100% comfortable and that I could be myself.

The reality is that most tourists fly in to Male, and are there for about two hours while they collect their luggage and go through customs and immigration before either a speedboat or seaplane whisks them away to an island paradise where the strict Maldives laws are overlooked.

Regarding the laws in the Maldives, like many places in the world, laws affecting LGBTQ people are changing, and many laws that are on the books are seldom, if ever enforced. The maximum penalties for homosexual acts prohibited under the Maldives Penal Code include; imprisonment of up to one year for unlawful marriage, imprisonment of up to eight years for criminal conduct, with allowance for a supplementary 100 lashes punishment under Islamic Sharia Law, and imprisonment for up to four years for unlawful sexual conduct. Homosexual acts can no longer be punished with death under Maldivian law.

While writing this article, I searched for instances where LGBTQ travelers have had issues in the Maldives, and could not find any. Interestingly, when I Googled “gay couple harassed in the Maldives, what comes up instead is “London bus attack: Arrests after gay couple who refused to kiss beaten” and then various pages highlighting the Sharia Law information above. I would think that if LGBTQ people were getting randomly harassed in Maldives, there would be countless articles about it. There aren’t, and truly, government officials have better things to do in Male rather than try to create issues for LGBTQ people. I honestly feel like my partner and I would have a better chance of having an anti-gay issue in cities in the States, than we would at the Male airport or any resort.

So what about people who tell me that I shouldn’t go to the Maldives, because I shouldn’t support anti-LGBTQ governments?

While I understand this argument, I have a different way of looking at it. Yes, I don’t like the thought my money going to an anti-LGBTQ country, but if people in countries like this are not exposed to LGBTQ people, then how are things ever going to change? Also, I find that so often the same person who may have issues with traveling to a country that leans anti-LGBTQ is the same person spending money at anti-LGBTQ stores or food chains. It is almost impossible for any of us to interact in the modern world, and not in someway fund an entity that is anti-LGBTQ.

Also, something that really struck me while in the Maldives, was that at every resort, half of the people working there were from all of the world. These Maldives resorts are giving jobs to so many people from around the world, including those who are LGBTQ.

What if things never changed in my lifetime in the Maldives? Would that mean that I would just never get to experience it? No thank you, the world provides enough limitations due to being LGBTQ. I am not about to assign myself more. It is in the same way that I would never want to go my whole life never having seen the pyramids in Egypt, but Egypt has anti-LGBTQ laws as well. I am definitely not alone in feeling this way. Egypt is the best selling trip for my gay group vacation company, Zoom Vacations. It sells out every year.

Traveling to the Maldives is safe for LGBTQ people, as long as you are being culturally sensitive while in Male, and then visiting island resorts. I’ve traveled quite a bit with LGBTQ people, and I have never seen any of them in airports do anything that wouldn’t be culturally sensitive in Male. This is just common sense stuff.

Whether you’re gay or straight, I definitely recommend talking to Maldives travel expert before booking a trip. There are so many different properties and options, that if an expert gets to know you a little, they can really help steer you to the right gay-friendly island resorts for you. Having spent two months researching properties in the Maldives, Zoom Vacations is definitely and expert in the region. Reach me directly at bryan@zoomvacations.com, and I will create the perfect Maldives vacation for you, along with perks and upgrades where possible.

A tour full of wonderful surprises and unfettered, simple beauty.