Luxury Maldives resorts set to close their health spas because Islamists say they're 'offensive'

By LEON WATSON

Banned: Massage sessions like this at The Huvafen Fushi Spa in the Maldives were deemed offensive

Thousands of honeymoons will never be the same again after Islamists put pressure on the Maldives government to close them down.
The islands are a paradise holiday destination renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and high-end luxury.
Honeymooners and celebrities from around the world flock there, often paying up to $1,000 a night at hideaway resorts.
But now officials in the Maldives have ruled the Indian Ocean archipelago's luxury spas, health centres and massage parlours must close.

Tourists flock to the Maldives to enjoy the luxury resorts and explore the Indian Ocean. Here a diver swims underwater at Meemu Atoll

The government has relented after sustained pressure from radical Islamist opposition parties claiming they were offensive.
It has led to fear the £1billion tourism sector in the Maldives will suffer.
The country's president issued the decree on Saturday, saying the idea came from opposition parties angry at widespread sales of pork and alcohol.
Importation of alcohol is already severely prohibited in the Maldives and Islamists are now calling for a complete ban.

Luxury: One of the treatments that were available at the Four Seasons resort at Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives

The Maldives is a mainly Sunni Muslim nation of more than 1,200 atolls housing a population of 400,000.
'The government has decided to close massage parlors and spas in the Maldives, following an opposition-led religious protest last week calling for their closure,' President Mohamed Nasheed's office said in a statement.
'Ironically, the same opposition leaders who railed against spas and the selling of alcohol and pork to tourists are some of the country's biggest resort owners.'

The Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huras in the Maldives charges $600 for a two-and-a-half hour spa treatment, according to the resort's website.
Other resorts also charge similar amounts. The country's tourism minister said the move has already prompted calls from resorts affected.
'Several have raised concerns over our decision. We are considering allowing resorts to operate spas. They are also aware of the reasons that led us to take the decision,' Tourism Minister Mariyam Zulfa said.

source: dailymail