Maldives reverses spa ban

Filed under: Maldives, Hotels and Accommodations, News, Luxury Travel

Just days after a blanket ban on spa services in the Maldives was announced, the country's President announced that services will be made available to tourists.

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said he expects the court to rule that the law is unconstitutional. "We have lifted the ban and all the services will be available for tourists," President Nasheed told Reuters today.

The ban, described as "essentially a political standoff between the Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and the opposition Adhaalath Party" by Hotels Magazine is partially in response to a protest organized in December by Adhaalath advocating for stricter enforcement of Islamic law in this relatively liberal Muslim country. The ban also included alcohol and pork.

For the most part, hotels ignored the ban, including Banyan Tree and Four Seasons.

"Several have raised concerns over our decision," tourism minister Mariyam Zulfa told the press. "We are considering allowing resorts to operate spas."

This is great news for the hotel industry in the area - so rest safely, Maldives visitors... you can now get your massages without worry. You just might have to forego the bacon and martini sides.

Image via Four Seasons Hotels.

Maldives reverses spa ban originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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