<strong>The early days of Maldives tourism: </strong>It may seem impossible amid the glitzy resorts of today, but as recently as the 1970s the Maldives was not on most tourists' radars. Click through for more vintage photos.
The early days of Maldives tourism: It may seem impossible amid the glitzy resorts of today, but as recently as the 1970s the Maldives was not on most tourists' radars. Click through for more vintage photos.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Kurumba</strong>: The first modern resort in the Maldives was Kurumba, which opened its doors in 1972.
Kurumba: The first modern resort in the Maldives was Kurumba, which opened its doors in 1972.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>How to get there:</strong> Before this pier (pictured) was built in the 1980s, guests had to walk to Kurumba in waist-high water.
How to get there: Before this pier (pictured) was built in the 1980s, guests had to walk to Kurumba in waist-high water.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Crash pad: </strong>The first villas were made of coconut leaves and limestone.
Crash pad: The first villas were made of coconut leaves and limestone.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Passing the time:</strong> There was little to do on the islands besides sunbathe and go fishing.
Passing the time: There was little to do on the islands besides sunbathe and go fishing.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Roughing it:</strong> The rooms had brackish water coming out of the taps.
Roughing it: The rooms had brackish water coming out of the taps.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Bungalove:</strong> In the 1980s, Kurumba updated its accommodations for the first time.
Bungalove: In the 1980s, Kurumba updated its accommodations for the first time.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Enter here:</strong> This is how the lobby looked in 1986.
Enter here: This is how the lobby looked in 1986.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Boat life:</strong> Guests could go out on the water in these typical Maldivian boats.
Boat life: Guests could go out on the water in these typical Maldivian boats.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Say cheers:</strong> 1970s Kurumba didn't have consistent phone service, but at least there was a bar.
Say cheers: 1970s Kurumba didn't have consistent phone service, but at least there was a bar.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>First look:</strong> Mohamed Umar "MU" Maniku was one of the original owners of Kurumba.
First look: Mohamed Umar "MU" Maniku was one of the original owners of Kurumba.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>Pioneers:</strong> The first Kurumba tourists were primarily Italians.
Pioneers: The first Kurumba tourists were primarily Italians.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives
<strong>High drama: </strong>Thankfully, the Maldives' beautiful sunsets and waters haven't changed at all.
High drama: Thankfully, the Maldives' beautiful sunsets and waters haven't changed at all.
Courtesy Kurumba Maldives