New RT-PCR machine provides results in 1-3 hours, minimising in-room quarantine

With international travel restrictions easing in the UK as of 17 May*, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has made further strides in protecting both guests and staff with the acquisition of a game-changing rapid RT-PCR test machine. A result of a collaboration between Bosch and UK-based Randox Laboratories, the new RT-PCR machine produces results in under three hours - ensuring guests spend less time quarantining on arrival, and more time enjoying their mask-free Maldives island experience.

To date, Amilla Maldives has invested more than USD150,000 in providing complimentary PCR tests on arrival for all guests and staff since the Maldivian borders reopened in July 2020. Previously, samples had to be flown to a laboratory on another island for processing, with a turnaround time of 12 - 18 hours; the new RT-PCR technology liberates guests to enjoy Amilla in full on the day they arrive by providing clear and concise results in a timely manner, direct at the point of care. As guests await results, in-villa dining is available and snorkelling equipment is provided to explore the surrounding house reef from the comfort of the villa.

The Randox-Bosch RT-PCR machine enables up to 160 samples to be taken a day, with 98 percent sensitivity and a specificity of 100 percent – a world first. Randox provides clinical diagnostic solutions to laboratories and private enterprises worldwide, with over four decades of experience developing technology for hospitals, research and molecular labs, food testing, forensic toxicology and more. Amilla Maldives is one of only a handful of resorts in the Maldives offering this sophisticated level of protection against Covid-19. As well as protecting both guests and staff on island, the testing regimen unlocks unparalleled levels of mask-less freedom on the spacious island.

Amilla Maldives is also poised to complete its staff vaccination programme, with all Amilla Islanders receiving their second vaccine doses by this weekend – providing even greater peace of mind for arriving guests.

Located just 30 minutes seaplane from Malé International Airport, Amilla Maldives is a private island resort blessed with verdant natural scenery and untouched foliage.  With most of its 67 Villas and Residences gracefully elevated over crystal clear waters, guests have enchanting space to roam; a rare luxury in the Maldives. Only a 15-minute boat ride from the island is Hanifaru Bay, the jewel of the UNESCO biosphere reserve and a world-famous snorkelling site renowned for attracting exceptionally high numbers of magnificent manta rays and gentle whale sharks.

Please find more information on Amilla Maldives' Covid-19 guidelines and enhanced safety and hygiene measures here: www.amilla.com/response-after-corona

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About Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

A large, verdant natural island in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is an enchanting space for families, friends and couples to roam and play. Most of its 67 Villas and Residences are gracefully elevated over crystal clear waters; to venture through the island's white sand fringe into its shaded heart reveals a surprisingly wild, green place – the inspiration for its organic garden-to-table concept. The resort's Homemade@Amilla and Homegrown@Amilla initiatives are manifestations of a heartfelt commitment towards sustainability and resourcefulness. Indigenous ingredients - sea almonds, screwpines, countless coconuts, fragrant frangipani - are celebrated alongside the homemade, homegrown and homebrewed, bringing personality and vigour to nutritious, immunity-boosting menus. While not strictly a wellness resort, embracing dietary lifestyles is an intuitive part of Amilla's Wellness Your Way, a fresh, holistic and highly customised approach to wellness that encompasses nutrition, mindfulness, movement and spa. 

*Full details of the UK government's traffic light system for travel, and the latest green, amber and red lists, can be found here. The country lists are reviewed every three weeks. The Maldives is on the 'red' list at the time of writing.

For further press information please contact:

Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net) or Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net) at Bacall PR Ltd; Tel: +44 (0) 207 630 2880.