Sun, sand and sea, a thousand 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.
The Maldives offer some of the finest vacations in the world. Here limpid lagoons, swaying coconut palms, sandy beaches, extensive reefs and the leisurely Maldivian way of life combine to make a truly idyllic setting. The Maldives is one of the very few places on earth where bliss can be derived from merely doing nothing.
With typically just one resort to an island, each is a world in itself – ranging from the luxurious to the pleasantly informal, from the tranquil and intimate to those offering entertainment and activities for all the family. Most provide a wide range of water sports facilities, including excellent diving and snorkelling, and all have their own restaurants and open-air bars, as well as live entertainment featuring international music. Complementing the natural simplicity of the surroundings, accommodation is in beachside chalets or bungalows built out over the sea. Most resort restaurants serve both local and international cuisine, and seafood is available in abundance. Typical Maldivian dishes include rice, accompanied by a meat, vegetable or seafood curry. The Maldives has a fine selection of fresh tropical fruits – especially coconuts, mangoes and bananas – which feature on most dessert menus.
Transfers to the islands are a treat in themselves, those to islands near Malé are by speedboat – from which you can catch a glimpse of flying fish and dolphins. Islands further away can be reached by a seaplane ride, which offers stupendous aerial views over the atolls and the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives offer some of the best diving in the world, with such a range of sites that both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the underwater wonders.
All resorts have professionally-run diving schools, with courses catering for everybody – from novices to those seeking night dive and open water qualifications – and most provide instruction in several languages. For those who prefer to explore the fascinating underwater world just by donning a mask and a pair of flippers, snorkelling in the lagoons is easy, safe and lots of fun.
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Sightseeing
Pure white sandy beaches, shallow turquoise lagoons and brightly coloured coral reefs; Malé's Friday Mosque; seaplane and boat excursions to uninhabited islands or inhabited village islands; the fish, fruit and vegetable markets; National Museum and the Presidential Palace in Malé.
Accommodation
Exotic resorts, some with water bungalows – informal to luxurious, intimate to family-friendly. Transfers to islands near Malé are by speedboat and islands further away can be reached by seaplane.
Family Activities
Children's clubs in some resorts offering playgrounds; Bubble-Makers – an introduction to diving; snorkeling, swimming, crafts with natural materials, crab racing and dolphin spotting.
Shopping
What you can buy – Wooden handicrafts; coir products made from coconut husk; bondi – local coconut sweet; dried fish and bargain watches.
Where you can buy – Malé's small shops and those in the resorts. Entertainment
Some resorts have live entertainment featuring local bands, dancers, outdoor discothèques on the beach or around the swimming pool, and theme nights including beach barbecues, lavish seafood buffets and cuisine from other countries.
Sports & Leisure
Snorkelling and scuba diving are the biggest attractions – novice as well as professional courses are available; sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, game fishing, night fishing and surfing; many varieties of massage including Ayurveda, Thai, Swedish, spas featuring hydro.
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