May 19, 2024
In the realm of luxury tourism, certain destinations go above and beyond merely offering exceptional services. They strive to enhance every aspect of the guest experience. A prime example is the practice of some luxury resorts in the Maldives of adjusting their clocks an hour ahead, known as “island time.” This change is not just a quirky tourist attraction but a strategic move to maximize guest satisfaction.
The Magic of Island Time
Island time refers to the deliberate decision by some resorts in the Maldives to set their clocks an hour ahead of the country’s official time (GMT+5). This adjustment allows guests to enjoy an extra hour of daylight, translating to more time for outdoor activities and sunset dinners.
According to Mohit Dembla, General Manager of the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, this change is “a thoughtful enhancement to the guest experience, catering to the diverse needs of our international visitors.”
A Tailored Approach to Luxury
The Marriott group, which includes properties like the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, and the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, has adopted island time across all its locations. Zhilah Vego, Director of Sales and Marketing at the St. Regis Maldives, explains that this practice allows travelers to make the most of an extra hour of daylight each day to fully enjoy the resort’s amenities.
Charles Morris, General Manager of Soneva Jani, another luxury resort in the Maldives, notes that this adjustment allows guests to engage in morning and evening activities without the intense midday heat, and to relish the serene beauty of dusk until 7:45 p.m., perfect for witnessing spectacular sunsets.
Exclusive Activities and Memorable Moments
Many resorts use this extra hour to offer special activities during the precious moments of sunrise and sunset. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort hosts sunrise yoga and running sessions, while the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, serves dinner at its poolside bar with Maldivian boduberu drum performances at sunset. The St. Regis marks the sunset by sabering a bottle of champagne for its guests.
The Importance of Communication
To avoid confusion, especially for first-time visitors, many resorts inform guests about island time ahead of their arrival and coordinate time conversions and transfers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
A Unique Experience in the Maldives
Although not all resorts in the Maldives follow this practice, those that do emphasize their commitment to excellence in guest experience. As JW Marriott’s Mohit Dembla states, “It’s not just about providing luxury accommodations and services; it’s about curating an environment where time itself is attuned to the comfort and preferences of our esteemed visitors.”
In an archipelago covering 90,000 square kilometers with over 160 resorts, island time is a testament to how luxury destinations can go beyond merely offering services to create unforgettable experiences that redefine the concept of luxury in international tourism.
