Monthly resort service-charge transparency, sector news, a full property directory, and a voice for the people who keep the islands running.
Every tourist establishment collects a 10% service charge that, by law, must be shared among employees each month. We compile and rank what reaches workers.
| # | Resort | Atoll | USD / staff | MVR / staff | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Velaa Private Island | Noonu | $3,660 | 56,437 | High |
| 2 | Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi | South Malé | $3,320 | 51,194 | High |
| 3 | Soneva Fushi | Baa | $3,253 | 50,161 | High |
| 4 | Cheval Blanc Randheli | Noonu | $2,640 | 40,718 | Steady |
| 5 | One & Only Reethi Rah | North Malé | $2,210 | 34,085 | Steady |
Compiled from publicly reported figures (Resort Workers Maldives, Corporate Maldives, Hotelier Maldives). Service-charge data is not published by the Ministry of Tourism.
OutlookFor Visit Maldives, the nomination reflects continued efforts to position the destination as the world’s leading romantic escape through experience-led storytelling, strategic partnerships, and destination marketing that goes beyond traditional luxury narratives.
ArrivalsAfter experiencing a prolonged decline in tourist arrivals due to the conflict in the Middle East that began in February, the Maldives an increase in arrivals by two percent.
EconomyManta-ray excursions are now a top-three marine activity in the Maldives, with revenue projected to reach USD 311 million annually as more guesthouses in Baa Atoll add the trip to their tours menu.
ArrivalsCumulative arrivals reached 879,154 by 1 June, putting 2026 on pace to clear two million for the first time. The Ministry credits expanded air capacity from China and India for the spring acceleration.
Labour LawA 10% charge, distributed monthly, with admin deductions capped at 1% — and fines up to MVR 500,000 for properties that fail to distribute.
Service ChargeVelaa Private Island distributed about USD 3,660 per employee, with Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi and Soneva Fushi also clearing MVR 50,000 each.
A ranked, searchable record of what each resort distributes to staff — the single clearest signal of how a property treats the people behind the service.
A confidential channel for staff to raise concerns about conditions, withheld charges, and treatment — reviewed before anything is published.
Openings, ownership, arrivals data, policy and regulation — the developments that move the industry, summarised plainly.
A growing directory of resorts, hotels and guesthouses across every atoll, with the basics on each in one place.
If your resort isn’t distributing service charge fairly, or conditions need light shone on them, you can submit anonymously. We verify before we publish.
Make a confidential submission →