Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Male, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on the main road, Majeedhee Magu, and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Friday Mosque) made of carved white coral.

Beaches

The Maldives is home to perhaps the best beaches in the world; they’re on almost every one of the country’s nearly 1200 islands and are so consistently perfect that it’s hard not to become blase about them. While some beaches may boast softer granules than others, the basic fact remains: you’ll find consistently whiter-than-white powder sand and luminous cyan-blue water like this almost nowhere else on earth. This fact alone is enough to bring over a million people a year to this tiny, remote and otherwise little-known Indian Ocean paradise.

Resorts 

Every resort in the Maldives is its own private island, and with over 100 to choose from the only problem is selecting where you want to stay. At the top end, the world’s most exclusive hotel brands compete with each other to attain ever-greater heights of luxury, from personal butlers and private lap pools to in-room massages and pillow menus. It’s not surprising that honeymooners and those seeking a glamorous tropical getaway have long had the country at the top of their wish lists. But there’s choice beyond the five- and six-star resorts. Other islands cater for families, for divers, for those on a (relative) budget, and anyone wanting a tranquil back-to-nature experience.

Underwater World

With some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, the clear waters of the Maldives are a magnet for anyone with an interest in marine life. The richness and variety is astonishing; dazzling coral walls, magnificent caves and schools of brightly colored tropical fish await you when you get down to the reef. In deeper waters lurk manta rays, turtles, sharks and even the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. The best bit? The water is so warm many people don’t even wear a wet suit.

Independent Travel

In the last few years, these incredible islands have finally started to open to independent travelers, meaning you no longer have to stay in resorts and remain separate from the local population, something that has kept backpackers away for decades. Intrepid individuals can now make their own itineraries and travel from island to island by public ferry, staying among the devout but friendly local population. With a fast-growing number of privately run guesthouses on inhabited islands, the Maldives and its people are now more accessible than ever.

what we can do?

Private picnic on a sandbank

Recline back in your bean bag as you sample a pre-ordered picnic hamper full of Maldivian delicacies, lobster, cheeses, and (of course) a bottle of champagne. “A sandbank picnic is really special,. ‘You’ll have these amazing turquoise hues of water surrounding you and it literally glows because the water is quite shallow and surrounded by pristine, sugar white sand.”

Snorkelling and diving

Spot the usual suspects — schools of colorful tropical fish, reef sharks, tortoises, the odd ray if you’re lucky — or take a deep diving expedition to dive with whales and hammerhead sharks. “Hanifaru bay is the largest ‘feeding station’ in the world and is Unesco protected. “The area is abundant in marine life due to large amounts of plankton that washes in which attracts the big draw cards, such as beloved Manta Rays.”

Underwater spa date

Enjoy “hot rocks, cold ice, couture facials, Champagne and truffles for the skin” at another world-first - an underwater spa experience at Huvafen Fushi.

It’s the ultimate relaxation experience, receiving a treatment surrounded by glass walls that are staring out into the beautiful turquoise ocean while its marine life dance around you.

Traditional dhoni sunset cruise

Where: Per Aquum Niyama

Perfect for a family-packed holiday, is a sunset cruise on a traditional Maldivian boat, where adults can enjoy the view while the children keep a look out for the next school of dolphins.

You might be lucky enough to literally spot hundreds of spinner dolphins, somersaulting right next to the boat.

Experience the local culture

The sand, sea and high-end luxury offered at most resorts in the Maldives may be more than enough for some but others might like to tap into the rich culture and heritage on, what locals refer to as, a “home” island. “It’s a good way to draw children away from the spoils of luxury. Collectors will also appreciate Thulaadhoo for the arts and crafts.

Dance along to the Boduberu

The Boduberu is a traditional Maldivian performance, consisting of rhythmic drumming, singing and dancing.

“The music can be heard from far and wide and the atmosphere is really exhilarating during a performance,” she says. For those who don’t have the chance to take a trip to the inhabited islands, several resorts .

The Piano Deck at Baros

The piano deck, a stilted platform in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is the ideal spot to enjoy a decadent breakfast, sunset cocktails, or even book in a spa treatment. The quaint little deck can be hired for a few hours, entirely secluded from resort guests and staff.