Experience Island Time: The Fascinating Practice of Maldivian Resorts
Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Maldives, luxury resorts offer more than just picturesque landscapes and vibrant marine ecosystems; they offer a unique temporal experience known as "island time."
Far from being a mere abstraction, "island time" entails a tangible adjustment of the clock, typically one hour ahead of the country's official time zone, which aligns with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5).
According to Mohit Dembla, General Manager of the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, this intentional time shift is more than a novelty; it's a strategic enhancement designed to cater to the diverse needs of international guests seeking an unparalleled holiday experience.
The JW Marriott is among several prestigious resorts, including the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, and the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, all adhering to Island Time.
While a one-hour adjustment may seem inconsequential, it holds significant value for vacationers maximizing daylight hours in a paradise where time is a precious commodity.
Zhilah Vego, Director of Sales and Marketing at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, elucidates that this practice allows guests to make the most of their stay on private island resorts, where leisure knows no bounds.
Under Island Time, the sunrise gracefully unfolds at 7 a.m. within these resorts, providing an extra hour of daylight for guests to revel in the splendor of their surroundings.
Soneva, another esteemed resort group, adopts a similar approach, setting their clocks ahead of Male Time, naming each clock shift after their respective properties.
In essence, Island Time transcends the conventional constraints of time, offering a harmonious blend of luxury and leisure for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable escape in the Maldives.