Luxury Holidays Asia

A trip to the Maldives is undoubtedly at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for a good reason. Although the destinations welcome everyone with open arms, if you are a member of the LGBTQ community, there may be some restrictions that you will have to endure.

However, if you are aware of what the Maldives is like for LGBTQ travellers, you will have no problem and enjoy a fabulous holiday. Let’s look at what you need to know before you travel to the Maldives. Because despite the law and the culture, many LGBTQ travellers visit the country, and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity.

Being a member of the LGBTQ community is still illegal by the law and the punishment for same-sex relationships, according to the Penal code 2014, is up to eight years in prison and 100 lashes.

Moreover, Sharia Law is also present in the Maldives, which has strong beliefs against same-sex sexual activities and LGBTQ beliefs.

Even though there is no censorship of LGBTQ issues in the Maldives, there are also no anti-discrimination laws. This can have a negative effect when trying to use freedom of speech. Furthermore, Maldives does not recognize non-binary genders legally and offers no housing discrimination protections.

The appeal of a paradise like the Maldives is hard to resist, even with the strict laws that are in place against the LGBTQ community. So even with these restrictions existing, many members of the LGBTQ community still choose the Maldives as their travel destination.

In a country, which depends heavily on the tourist income, you just can’t say no to a customer/tourist who is willing to pay, regardless of their sexual preferences.

With all things considered, the Maldives is safe for LGBTQ travellers as any other country in the world as long as you are being discreet and avoid public displays of affection.

When you are in the Maldives, you have countless options available when it comes to things that you can do. The most iconic of them all are the beaches of the Maldives.

These sun-kissed golden sand beaches are some of the most scenic beaches in the world. Travellers and tourists can go swimming, scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing, and fishing on these gorgeous beaches.

The Maldives has over 1200 islands that you can explore or go on island excursions. And when you need to take a break from all of the sightseeing and fun activities, head on over to a spa or a resort (which we will talk about in a bit) to gather your energy again.

Travelling and sightseeing in the Maldives is no issue at all as a member of the LGBTQ community. But everyone needs their privacy at some point, and this is when you will need a safe place to rest without any worries.

The Retreat and Spa of W Maldives is a top choice for a place to stay without any worries for any member of the LGBTQ family. Renowned as the number one choice for gay honeymoon couples in the Maldives, W Maldives is located on a private island of its own with a water bungalow.

The resort is designed with a hip and luxurious aesthetic, and travellers can jump right into shallow waters for a refreshing experience during your stay at the water bungalow. This is the ideal place to stay if you are travelling with a partner because the romantic atmosphere it sets is second to none.

LGBTQ travellers can freely enjoy spa, bar, lounge, gym, and pool facilities while here. All amenities like high-speed internet, satellite TV, and high-quality food are easy to get on W Maldives. The downside to this luxury 5-star private island resort is its heavy price, which is understandable with their quality of service.

If you are an LGBTQ traveller who is looking for a resort with a gorgeous beach and a complete beach experience, Anantara Veli Resort is the ideal place for you. This resort offers outdoor pools, tennis courts, fitness centres, cabanas, and sun loungers to its customers.

Travellers will have a much easier time finding help with activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and water skiing. Anantara Veli resort will happily provide you with beach towels and umbrellas if the need ever arises.

A 24-hour front desk, concierge services, tour assistance, and laundry service are also available for anyone who stays here. LGBTQ travellers, like any other travellers, can expect good WIFI, TV, and delicious food during their stay at Anantara Veli.

Voted as the best hotel in the world twice, Conrad Maldives shows no discrimination towards any members of the LGBTQ community. This is an oasis of paradise spread across two private islands where travellers can jump into the ocean straight from their terraces.

Conrad Maldives offers 12 restaurants, villas, and water suites to their guests. One unique feature that is available at Conrad Maldives is the Ithaa undersea restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while being surrounded by water.

All the common amenities like WIFI and TV are available here in great quality. In addition, travellers who visit Conrad Maldives can take part in water activities like paddle-boarding, wake-boarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and even X-Jetpacking.

• Enjoy your stay to the fullest

You choose the Maldives as a place to spend your vacation. So, make sure to get the best out of your Maldives stay.

• Be respectful and understanding of other cultures.

Unlike in European countries, the beliefs and mindsets of people are a bit different here. So, being disrespectful of their culture or religion can get you in trouble.

• Be discreet

Being discreet and not drawing attention to yourself is the best way to avoid trouble.

• Public affection.

Since the laws of Maldives dictates that same-sex sexual relations are illegal, try to avoid public affection as much as possible.

• Trying to spread LGBTQ awareness.

Trying to convince people that you are not doing anything wrong can be difficult with the things that the locals believe.

• Making a fuzz or getting into unnecessary scenarios

As we mentioned earlier, not drawing attention to you is the best way to avoid troubling situations.

The best way to ensure a smooth holiday in the Maldives and ensure that you get everything right for an undisturbed vacation is to plan your tour with an experienced tour operator. Lucky for you, you have us. Let’s discuss your Maldives tour.

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