Indian Ocean: Maldives
Sprinkled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are, quite simply, heaven on earth. Nestled amongst captivating lagoons, these idyllic isles are washed by warm seas shot with piercing hues of luminous turquoise, electric aquamarine and sparkling sapphire. The crystal clear waters teem with extraordinary marine life and exotic corals - perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Encircled by two large atolls, the majority of the islands are barely higher than two metres and from the surface are no more than mounds of pure white sand, covered with dense tropical vegetation interspersed with characteristic coconut palms. Of the 12,000 islands, about one in ten of them are inhabited and less then half of them have any tourist development and of those that do, there is room for no more than one hotel. These breathtaking resort islands are worlds within themselves with some of the larger ones offering several different restaurants as well as their own water sports centres. Welcome to paradise.
Beaches
It would be difficult to find a more beautiful Eden than a typical Maldivian beach...peaceful and uncrowded with pure, snow-white sands - perfect for those who wish to indulge in lazy days in the sun. The Maldives are also popular with water sports enthusiasts. Equipment is readily available and most resorts offer windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing and canoeing. The Maldives' popularity with scuba divers and snorkellers 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 the marine life is extraordinary.
Eating out
Due to the heavenly island seclusion, hotels provide for your every culinary whim – choose from local and Continental food, exotic buffets and tempting barbecues. Since fish and coconuts are the only items that don't have to be imported, they tend to find their way onto most menus and are the mainstay features in Sri Lankan and Indian-influenced curry that are so popular here. Locally-caught spiny-backed lobster is a Maldivian seafood delicacy, and fresh tuna, plucked straight from the sea, is another favourite. For more a more 'urban' dining experience, there are cafes and restaurants in the capital, Male. If your hotel offers All Inclusive or an All Inclusive option for their meal plan, please check what's included in the hotel details and look in the A-Z. The All Inclusive concept in the Maldives can differ from other parts of the world.
Nightlife
Mother Nature puts on some wonderful entertainment when evening arrives. From the spectacular pink sunsets and sparking star-filled skies, to the gentle rustle of palm leaves and crash of waves against powdery sands, the calming nightlife of the Maldives is derived from the spectacular beauty all around. Loved by families, couples and honeymooners looking for a secluded getaway, nightlife in the Maldives tends to be quite sedate with hotels offering entertainment such as small discos to local folk dancing.
Shopping
Away from the turquoise waters, you can shop locally for popular items such as feyli - beautiful woven sarongs, onyx ornaments and costume jewellery, which make ideal souvenirs and gifts to take home. Male is the best place for shopping for imported goods and if you're seeking some duty free, Male International Airport offers a selection of goods from cameras, cosmetics, electrical and electronic equipment and other products. The Singapore bazaar in Male sells a range of Maldivian handicrafts, including mats woven with local fibres and tiny carvings of dhoni boats, and the Baa Atoll is famous for its lacquer work crafted by skilled artists from the surrounding islands. Please note it is illegal to take any shells or coral from the islands, or to buy anything made from turtles.
