There’s a good chance that the travel and hotel industry may never look the same again.

For one, certain holidays and events are not going to have the same pull as before.

Even when we emerge from these *insert word that isn’t ‘unprecedented’ just to mix things up* times, I am not sure if as many revellers are going to want to take part in the Running of the Bulls, for example, or battle hordes of tourists for a spot on a popular beach in the Mediterranean.

If it’s sun and sand that you’re after, though, and you don’t mind paying for the privilege, you could always rent out the Joali resort, on the idyllic island of Muravandhoo in the unspoilt Raa Atoll region.

That’s in the Maldives, as you may have gathered, although you will need to fork out $90 000 a night (around R1,5 million) to have it all to yourself.

Steep, yes, but looks what greets you upon arrival:

Forbes with more info:

It was established in 2018 with the cornerstones of luxury, sustainability, art (it’s the Maldives’ first and only immersive art resort), gastronomy, and wellbeing at the very heart of it…

For all those wunderlusters who are looking for unadulterated luxury, beauty and of course, privacy, this year Joali are offering a private buyout.

Yes, you’ll have the ultra-exclusive use of the private island’s 73 villas and residences as well as their facilities, from their restaurants to the relaxing Joali Spa by ESPA.

For nature and sports lovers, spend time with their Marine Biology and water sports team, learn about their coral nursery, go on a turtle quest and top it off with some scuba diving. Perfection.

The resort loses a point by virtue of the fact that Forbes used the word ‘wunderlusters’ (yes, ‘wanderlusters’ is just as frowned upon), but it’s still pretty impressive.

So impressive, in fact, that the price for renting the resort rises to $185 000 per night (R3,15 million) between October 1 and November 30, 2020.

Those with the measly R1,5 million better get booking before the end of September. If you can find 72 other couples willing to join in (there are 73 villas), you’ll only have to pay a shade over R20 500 a night each.

No? I tried.

One more photo for the road:

It’s nice, but can it beat a walk around Signal Hill between the hours of 6AM and 6PM? Living that lockdown life, yo.

[source:forbes]