The Maldives is the epitome of tropical bliss and luxury. When you escape to the Maldives, you escape time, space, and all things mundane. This superb string of coral islands creates a paradise for sun worshippers and diving enthusiasts alike. The Maldives invites visitors to find their inner peace on powdery sand beaches and swim into the depths of turquoise lagoons that hide beneath their glimmering surface a colorful world of beautiful marine creatures.
The country is home to 26 natural atolls and over 1,000 islands, many of them still pristine and uninhabited. The Maldives’ economy relies mostly on tourism, so you can expect to encounter fabulous luxury resort hotels, excellent services, and glorious opulence. Almost every resort in the Maldives comes with its own island and creates a splendid natural setting for couples who are searching for a romantic haven and beach vacations.
Explore the surreal underwater universe
Many of us know about the splendid white-sand beaches that adorn the islands of the Maldives. However, there is so much more to the Maldives than meets the eye. Dive under the hypnotic waters that caress the islands and you’ll discover a diverse world of tropical reef fish, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and giant snappers. One of the best places for a dive is the Mushimasmingili Thila in the Ari Atoll. Divers who want to spice up their diving experience should venture to discover the wreck of a merchant ship that has found its resting place near Hulhule, in 1981. Moreover, the Maldives is home to five different turtle species awaiting curious visitors in the Baa Atoll. A perfect escape to the Maldives.
Surf on turquoise waves
If you’re not a big fan of diving or snorkeling, but you love to take to the water, try surfing at Lhohifushi and Dhonveli in the North Male Atoll. Here await the country’s most tempting breaks, especially if you visit from March till October. Visitors who are curious about the underwater world of the Maldives but lack the skills to go under should head to Male, the country’s capital, and hop on the “whale” submarine that will take them closer to spectacular coral reefs to admire manta rays and reef sharks.
Visit the fabulous Addu Atoll
If you can find it in you to leave the sun lounge behind and step away from all the pampering and comfort for a few hours, you should plan a trip to the spectacular Addu Atoll, situated in the south of the Maldives. The atoll has four main inhabited islands and about 20 uninhabited islands and sandbars. It is famous for its superb coral reefs and impresses visitors with lush greenery and peaceful villages adorned with fruit trees. If you’re in the mood for a bike ride, follow the road from Gan’s Equator Village and you will get to the city of Hithadhoo.
Feel the rhythm of the Maldivian life in Male
Male is the island’s capital. Crowded and always busy, Male paints a picture of the local Maldivian life stripped of all the luxury and extravagance tourists find in their resorts. Nevertheless, even without all the glamour and glitz, the small capital of the Maldives manages to impress visitors with its abundance of colorful buildings and vibrant markets. Visit Male to experience the local culture and feel the country’s pulse. You will not find a plethora of historical sights but you will get to discover the authentic Maldivian rhythm. Visit Male’s National Museum to learn more about the country’s history and admire the 17th century stone Hukuru (Friday Mosque).
Step into the future on the island of Hulhumale
For a sudden change of scenery, head to the manmade island of Hulhumale that awaits just a short ferry trip away from Male. Considering that the Maldives is extremely low lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m above sea level), the locals have decided to build a utopian city that will become their new hub when the sea levels rise. Currently, Hulhumale is dedicated to youth development, shopping, and dining, and invites visitors to explore the local markets. Moreover, it is a great starting point for diving and snorkeling adventures, as well as for wildlife safaris.
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