Being a Queer Traveler in Maldives
I recently got back from a birthday trip to Movenpick Maldives and had an amazing time with my partner. I got a lack of slack from many about my travels there and posting that a venue was lesbian friendly, but the fact is it was. Let’s back track a bit…back in 2020 when the pandemic first hit the travel industry got slammed and deals were often posted so I took advantage of one to Maldives. As some may know, I am a part of IGLTA which is a global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism. I was surprised at our convention last year to hear that Maldives is a popular honeymoon destination for LGBT travelers and I thought how is that possible when it’s a Muslim country and anti-gay? Although this is true because “In the Maldives, homosexual acts, and intercourse, as well as same-sex marriage, earn eight years in prison or 100 lashes, these laws are currently enforced more in the local cities, and largely ignored in private islands with international brand hotels.
When my partner and I arrived in Maldives we were aware of what we were stepping into. Staying at Movenpick, because its on a private island, though was an exclusive experience. As soon as we passed immigration and got outside our concierge met us and got us on our way to our seaplane dock for our departure. What I noticed was that there were all sorts of people heading to different resorts Middle Eastern, Europeans mostly and us but it seemed that everyone had their own agenda. Once we pulled up to the resort, we had our island host welcome us and direct us to our villa and everyone else scattered across the property some that we never saw again the whole week we were there.
Most of the time we spent at our villa because of course the views were beautiful, and our space was comfortable but when we ventured out on the property, we didn’t have a problem, we even bumped into another lesbian couple (the pride face mask gave it away). Our island host as well went above and beyond to make sure our time was spent well with no issues. In our island hosts own words she said that Movenpick’s hotel value is to give the best vacation to their guests which I took as they don’t care who or what you are just have a great time here! My partner and I scheduled private romantic dinners for each other, and the staff took part of the festivities with lots of love and respect, we even got enGAYed, she said YES! That’s to show that when you are on a private resort on an international brand hotel, they are not really interested in any other politic other than love and respect one another.
So, if you are considering traveling to Maldives alone or with your partner, respect their culture and don’t PDA in their cities with locals as it can have consequences. To be on the safe side stay at an international brand hotel that you are familiar with like a Movenpick, Hilton, Marriott, etc. You can even reach out to these hotels and ask them honestly. If you don’t feel comfortable or don’t want to contribute to a country that doesn’t support the LGBT community then look into the French Polynesian Islands like Moorea and Bora Bora. Similarly, the international hotels are safe, and laws are more accepting for us LGBTQ people as well as the beaches are equally stunning like Maldives. I wanted with my own eyes and ears to see if it was true what I heard through our industry and got a great deal so jumped on the opportunity. Do what you what you feel is best for you but know that international hotels do welcome your business in Maldives.
