Dead body washes up at David Beckham's hideaway in the Madives

British football icon David Beckham's New Year's Eve getaway in the Maldives has turned into a nightmare when a dead body washed up at the exclusive island resort where he was staying with his family.

Beckham, his wife Victoria and kids Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper were at the "One and Only Reethi Rah" resort near the capital Male when the body was discovered floating near a jetty.

Police said the dead man, identified as a Sri Lankan national, was not a guest or an employee of the upmarket resort where Russian billionaire and owner of the Chelsea football club Roman Abramovich was also reportedly staying.

In a separate incident, a stock of fireworks brought in for New Year's Eve exploded on the island, shattering the calm for guests who pay up to USD 14,300 a night for a room.

David and Victoria had visited the Maldives a year ago and stayed at the same resort, but that holiday had been dampened by incessant rain.

The Maldives is known for its secluded resorts with pristine beaches and privacy and have attracted nearly a million foreign holidaymakers last year.

Tourism has suffered setbacks in recent years due to political unrest following the resignation of former president Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012.