Maldives

The paradise… and the other side of the story

Name: Jonathan Jagot
Age: 26
Specialty: has been sailing around the world for over 13 years

This island is still safe from the property developers - and that’s a good thing!

A €50 million hotel that has been derelict for 15 years... Slowly, nature is reasserting itself.

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Published 17/05/2024

By Jonathan Jagot

Réservé aux abonnés

Issue: 196

Published: july / aug. 2024

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Mention the Maldives and the first thing you think of is paradise: sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and total tranquility. However, behind this picture postcard setting there are sometimes some less glamorous realities, which are often overshadowed by the tourism narrative and influencers.

At the heart of this dream destination, a worrying phenomenon has been taking place for years now: the privatization of the islands. Once natural havens accessible to all, some islets are now reserved for a wealthy elite who can afford the ultimate luxury: white sand, coconut palms, but also quiet and privacy. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that? But this phenomenon is driving a wedge between those who can afford to live the Maldivian dream and those who can’t, exacerbating social inequalities.

Despite efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the Maldives, waste management remains a major challenge for the local infrastructure, which sometimes struggles to cope. The constant influx of tourists is of course a contributing ...

This article was published in the issue 196. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.