Time Shift in Paradise: Exploring the Clock Changes at Maldives Resorts
Discover the enchanting world of Maldives' luxury resorts where time takes on a unique twist. Dive into the turquoise waters, encounter diverse marine life, and experience the intriguing phenomenon of resorts having their own time system.
Maldives’ luxury resorts offer a lot - turquoise water, rich marine life, and some even have their own time system. Known as "island time," it's not just a saying, but an invitation for guests to unwind and not worry about time passing.
Many resorts adjust their clocks to be one hour ahead of the country's official time zone, which is GMT+5.
According to Mohit Dembla, the general manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, this intentional time change is not just a random travel practice, but a thoughtful way to improve the guest experience and accommodate the diverse needs of international visitors.
The JW Marriott is part of the Marriott Group in the Maldives, along with the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, and the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
All four resorts follow Island Time.
More daylight activities and sunset dinners
Maldives is famous for its stunning beaches.
Maldives is famous for its stunning beaches.
Matteo Colombo/Moment RF/Getty Images
For those on holiday in places with limited daylight hours, a one-hour time shift can make a big difference. In the Maldives, resorts on private islands like the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort operate on their own time, known as 'island time.' This allows travelers to enjoy an extra hour of daylight each day to fully indulge in their resort experience.
The time adjustment means the sun rises at 7 a.m. at the resorts instead of 6 a.m. – the official Maldives time.
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Soneva, a luxury resort group with several properties in the Maldives, also adjusts the clocks at its resorts to be an hour ahead of Male Time. Each property has its own unique name for this time shift instead of simply calling it "island." For instance, at Soneva Jani, they refer to it as "Soneva Jani Time."
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"Our guests at Soneva Jani can take advantage of the sun rising at 7 a.m. and setting at 7:15 p.m. This means they have ideal daylight hours for early morning jogs or evening sports, avoiding the hottest part of the day," shares Charles Morris, the General Manager.
"They also get to experience the tranquil beauty of dusk until 7:45 p.m., providing the perfect opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets on South Beach."
Staff at other resorts also have similar reasons for using unofficial time zones. They explain that this approach allows guests to make the most of their outdoor activities before the sun sets, and enjoy the sunset during dinner. Many resorts even plan special activities during these magical golden hours.
For example, at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, guests can participate in sunrise yoga and run sessions known as WestinRun.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
Marriott International
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests can enjoy dinner at the poolside bar while watching a stunning Maldivian boduberu drum performance during sunset. Meanwhile, at St. Regis, guests are treated to a special Champagne sabering ceremony at 6:45 p.m.
Island time in the Maldives can be a surprising experience for first-time visitors, who may struggle to find the right balance between relaxation and the need to catch their flight home.
At St. Regis, the staff acknowledges that guests might be puzzled by this concept. To address this, dedicated butlers proactively educate guests about island time before their arrival and assist with coordinating time adjustments and transfers, particularly from the airport to the resort.
Not every island resort follows island time
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Not every resort in the Maldives follows island time. That includes Kurumba, which holds the honor of being the country’s very first resort.
At Kurumba Maldives, we have never followed the concept of "island time." According to Ali Farooq, the resort manager, this is because Kurumba was the first resort in the Maldives and island time was not a thing back then when it opened in 1972.
Many of our team members travel from Malé, so we prioritize their work-life balance. It is also simpler for our guests to be on one time zone. Kurumba is just a short speedboat ride away from the airport, ensuring that guests do not waste any time during their stay.
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The Maldives is a collection of 1,190 small islands spread across 90,000 square kilometers. Most of the 160 resorts in the country are located on separate islands, which can be reached by float plane from Velana International Airport in the capital city, Male. Since these planes cannot operate at night, daytime hours are essential for travel.
Resorts in different countries have established their own time zones for different purposes, but the Maldives stands out with the highest number of them. According to JW Marriott’s Dembla, the focus is on the traveler's experience.
He emphasizes that the resort is more than just offering luxurious accommodations and services. The goal is to create an environment where time is tailored to the comfort and preferences of their valued guests.
“It reflects the unhurried pace and relaxed attitude characteristic of island communities, enriching the overall travel experience.”
Editor's P/S:
The concept of "island time" in the Maldives is a fascinating way to enhance the guest experience. By adjusting the clocks to be one hour ahead of the official time zone, resorts can offer guests an extra hour of daylight to enjoy their activities and surroundings. This approach not only allows for more time to unwind and relax but also creates the opportunity for special activities during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
While not all resorts in the Maldives follow island time, those that do embrace this unique practice to cater to the needs of international visitors. The focus on traveler experience is evident in the thoughtful design of activities and amenities tailored to the adjusted time zone. Island time in the Maldives is more than just a time shift; it's an invitation to immerse oneself in the unhurried pace and relaxed atmosphere of this island paradise.
