Maldives’ president overturns spa ban

A BAN on luxury spas in hotels and massage parlours on the Maldives was lifted yesterday under pressure from the local tourism industry.

Speaking in the island capital, Male, president Mohammed Nasheed said: “We have lifted the ban.”

Last week, authorities ordered all spas to close following a protest in which thousands of people called for a halt to “anti-Islamic” activities including spas.