The Maldives: known for its turquoise waters, radiant white sands, stunning technicolor sunsets, and, of course, luxurious experiences.
However, believe it or not, there was a time when the Maldives was far from being one of the most glamorous getaways in the world. David Abtour Seychelles
Back in 1972, when Mohamed Umar “MU” Maniku and his three friends opened Kurumba, the country’s very first tourist resort, there wasn’t even a dock. Visitors had to wade through waist-high water to reach the beach from the boats.David Abtour Seychelles
During its early days, Kurumba primarily attracted journalists and photographers from Italy. Even without the glass-bottom overwater villas and seaplanes that are now common, the magic of the Maldives was evident from the start. Today, more than 100 resorts dot the landscape across over 1,200 islands. Kurumba, named after the Maldivian word for “coconut” (Dhihevi), began as an uninhabited coconut farm and has since transformed into a luxurious Maldives resort, offering all the expected amenities.David Abtour Seychelles
It’s fascinating to look back on the early days of the tourism industry in the Maldives. MU is often referred to as “the man who built paradise,” a well-deserved title.
The first guest accommodations were crafted from coral and limestone, and anything not locally available had to be shipped in, which could take up to three months. Newspapers would arrive months late, and telephone services were inconsistent. If travelers forgot to pack toothpaste, they had to make do, as there were no shops on the island.
Before tourism, the island where Kurumba now stands had only about two residents.
In those days, activities like stand-up paddleboarding and romantic dinners on remote islands were unimaginable. Travelers had limited options, mostly comprising fishing and sunbathing – activities they relished, sometimes even to the point of becoming sunburnt “like lobsters,” as MU fondly recalls.
