A Day in the Maldives

April 9, 2023

Happy Easter Everyone!

We spent Saturday—Holy Saturday actually—in the Maldives at the Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort in Kanuharaa. Tourism is a very important part of the Maldives economy. The  Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort where we went is a rather tony upscale affair. The physical location is gorgeous; the establishment is very family oriented, and it attracts plenty of European tourists. 

There is a certain irony in the number of European tourists. Islam is the official religion of the country, and where the Constitution is silent, judges are supposed to consider Sharia Law. No law that is “contrary to Islam” may be applied. In addition, non-muslims are not allowed to become citizens. 

Female staff can be seen sweeping the premises dressed in such a way that they are covered from head-to-toe in the muslim tradition, even though it is brutally hot.

But it doesn’t seem to phase European tourists in the slightest, judging by the skimpy bathing suits the younger European women tourists wear. Or for that matter, the orders for vodka and beer that roll in to the beach bars at 10:00 AM. Apparently, the official policy is that at the resort hotels frequented by Westerners, the rules are not enforced. 

So the net of it is that the place is physically gorgeous; tourism is a huge part of the economy, and the tourist trade is accommodated by dispensing with the enforcement of rules that would otherwise apply to the native population. At least at resorts that cater to Westerners. 

We will arrive at Goa, India tomorrow to begin 6 days in India. 5 days of the trip will be inland, including visits to the Taj Mahal, so we will be out of commission for a little while. But we are proceeding with camera and note book in hand, and will report in as soon as we can.

In the meantime, we wish everyone a Happy Easter!

JFB