The Maldives Government banned spa’s this week and then, following a volley of abuse from the tourist industry, promptly un-banned them again. Given the countries reliance on tourism as a money earner and the Maldivian resorts reliance on spa’s, it seems quite extra-ordinary that the idea was ever mooted in the first place.  With the focus here on rejuvenation, honeymoons, relaxation and general peace and serenity almost every single resort in the country makes the spa one of the main USP’s.. I should know, I have been dragged around enough. There is only so much enthusiasm the average man can generate for ‘his and her’ spa rooms.

A hotbed of sin?

Having been to very many in the interests of research, I can happily state that the given reason for banning them – that they are hotbeds of sin – are probably wide of the mark – at least as far as the resorts that we offer!

It is an interesting indication though, of the ongoing conflict between the conservative character of the Maldivian people, with their strong emphasis on Islam and their traditional way of life – and the increasing reliance on the tourism sector to provide jobs, foreign currency and earnings.  In the past the old repressive government tended to insist on keeping locals and tourists rigorously segregated while the newer, more liberal regime seemed more open to braking down this barrier. Maybe they are having second thoughts…

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