Luxury resort in the Maldives offers unlimited stays in 2021

If you want to see out the rest of the coronavirus pandemic in style, a luxury resort in the Maldives is offering unlimited stays for two people in its overwater bungalows throughout 2021. The new package from Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is called ‘Unlimited Stays in Paradise’ and invites travelers to make the Maldives their temporary crash pad for the year.

At first glance, the price tag of US$30,000 might seem eye-wateringly steep, but it works out to just over $84 a night – though you’ll need to find a way to extend the usual 60-day limit on tourist visas. Further benefits of the package include free breakfast every morning, free airport transfers to Malé by speedboat, and a 25% discount on dining and spa treatments. The resort’s fitness center and pool are open to guests, and you can also attend yoga classes on the sunrise deck.

Overwater bungalows at Anantara — Aerial view of the Anantara resort © Anantara

Anantara Veli Maldives has 67 overwater bungalows, with floor-to-ceiling windows, huge bathtubs, and sundecks with loungers and private infinity pools or direct access to the lagoon. All rooms come with high-speed wi-fi, and the resort is open to adults only.

The Maldives reopened to international visitors in July. Visitors do not have to spend time in quarantine, but a negative COVID-19 test and other health forms are required on arrival. In September, the country launched a ‘loyalty program’ with perks for repeat visitors. Tourists will earn points for each border crossing, and more if they are visiting for a special occasion. The three-tier program starts on December 1, but details about what the rewards are have not been released yet.

View from an overwater bungalow at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort — View from a bungalow © Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

The ‘Unlimited Stays in Paradise’ package must be booked by November 30, and the unlimited stays start on January 1 and run until December 23, 2021, with no blackout dates.