Maldives Holiday
Sprinkled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives islands are palm-fringed gems lying in turquoise lagoons of the most incredible blue you've ever seen. Entirely circled by two large atolls, the majority of the islands are barely higher than two meters, and from the surface are no more than mounds of pure white sand, covered with dense tropical vegetation interspersed with characteristic, towering coconut palms. Their lagoons are crystal clear, enclosed by coral house reefs teeming with life and exotic corals - in fact the marine life is extraordinary.
The Maldives island's popularity with scuba divers and snorkelers is legendary and for those who have never dived, this is the perfect opportunity to learn - the waters are warm, the sun always shines and there are plenty of resorts with their own fully-equipped diving schools. Of the 12,000 islands, about one in ten of them are inhabited and less then half of them have any tourism development; of those that do, there is room for no more than one hotel - in fact the capital, Malé, occupies one island, the airport another! The resort islands are worlds in themselves. Some of the larger ones offer several different restaurants featuring local and continental cuisine along with exotic buffets and barbecues. Since fish and coconuts are the only items that don't have to be imported, they find their way onto most menus and spiny backed lobster is a particular delicacy. The Maldives are highly recommended for those who wish to do absolutely nothing and it would be difficult to find a more beautiful place to relax than a typical Maldives beach...peaceful, uncrowded, with pure, soft sand of an almost dazzling whiteness. Needless to say the majority of the more strenuous activities are sea based. Water sports equipment is always available and most resorts offer windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing and canoeing. You'll find the nearest thing to sightseeing is a leisurely trip in a local boat known as a dhoni, in search of an even more perfect beach or picnic spot. Clearly the essentials for a Maldives holiday are a good supply of books, a generous supply of sun cream and a burning desire to do as little as possible......
"A nation of idyllic islands where you'll wine and dine under the stars; an exotic getaway of unpretentious comfort combined with a castaway ambience..."
Maldives Holiday - Beaches
The essence of each and every island is the brilliant white sand and lush vegetation holding it all together. The beaches really are idyllic and superlatives flounder when trying to describe the magical experience of staying on your own desert island. There are plenty of water sports on offer for those in need of activity, with beautiful reefs to be explored, fishing to be enjoyed and boat trips to be taken.
Shopping
The Singapore bazaar in Male sells a range of Maldivian handicrafts, including mats woven with local fibres and tiny carvings of 'dhoni' boats. Baa Atoll is famous for its lacquer work, crafted by skilled artists from the surrounding islands, and 'feyli' - beautiful woven sarongs.
Nightlife
Mother Nature puts on some wonderful entertainment when evening arrives. From the spectacular pink sunsets to the sparking star-filled skies, from the gentle rustling of palm leaves to the crash of waves against powdery sand, the calming nightlife of the Maldives is derived from the spectacular beauty all around. Some hotels offer a helping hand with live music, karaoke, bars and even a disco or two.
Local Specialities
Due to your isolation your meals will be provided by your hotel. Fortunately tropical islands offer up an array of exciting cuisines. Start the day with some juicy fresh fruit by the ocean before heading out to catch some fish for your dinner, tuna especially abundant in these parts. Coconuts play a part in lots of meals especially the Sri Lankan and Indian influenced curry. The best part of dinner though is the backdrop of palms and ceaseless tranquility. For some more urban dining there are cafes and restaurants in the capital, Male, should you have a moment to spare there. Some of the larger ones offer several different restaurants featuring local and continental cuisine along with exotic buffets and barbecues. Since fish and coconuts are the only items that don't have to be imported, they find their way onto most menus and spiny-backed lobster is a particular delicacy.
Maldives Holiday Tips
Please note that casual clothing is accepted in the Maldives, but visitors should cover their thighs and shoulders when visiting Malé or other islands so as not to offend local custom.
Please Note
In the hotel restaurants you may have to share your table with other guests - this is standard practice in the Maldives.
Climate
The temperature in the Maldives is high all year round, usually in the 80s F.. The rainy season is May-Oct and during these months the rainfall can be high.
Passports & Visas
Passports must be valid for 6 months after date of return. A visa is not required for British passport holders.