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Maldives Holidays

Overview

99% of the Maldives – a nation of over 1,000 islands and sandbanks - is water. Water such as dreams are made of. Every shade of blue you could imagine, and then some, is distilled in the crystal Indian Ocean lagoons that lap these romantic coral islands. If you’re Maldives-bound and watersports are your ‘thing’ then be prepared to go to Heaven.

Oh, and there’s another ‘unique selling point’ we should mention. Escapism here is just a matter of stepping out on to your beach terrace or overwater sundeck. Most Maldives hotels stand on once uninhabited islands, each with just one resort. Comfort-loving Crusoes will revel in the Maldives mood of barefoot sophistication. The only crowds here are the shoals of exotic fish – over 700 species – that flourish in the warm tropical seas. Come on in, the water’s lovely . . .

Island Adventure

There are no jungles to explore or mountains to climb in the Maldives. Make for the sea. Polish your watersports skills to perfection – or acquire some new ones. We challenge you to find a more perfect setting. You’ll expend most of your energy on the resort’s main raison d’etre – those fabulous watersports.

Nightlife & Party with Locals

Making a case for coming to the Maldives for their nightlife would be like recommending New York for its tranquillity. Some hotels do offer dancing and island-style entertainment – but otherwise you may have to make do with dining under the stars and moonlight cruises . . .

Gourmet Cuisine & Dining Out

The leading resorts set high culinary standards and tend to serve a range of international, Oriental, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, with fish a major feature. Maldivian fare is spicy but milder than the food found in some neighbouring countries.

World's Best Scuba Dive Sites

A holiday in the Maldives offer both experienced and novice divers superb underwater conditions for drift diving, wreck diving, night diving and more. 70 species of coral attract a rich marine life, with large pelagics mixing easily with a rainbow array of tropical fish. Most dive sites are in the shallower reefs. Many inter-island channels also offer excellent sport.

Family Holidays to Maldives

Some resorts do not accept young children during peak season (late-December – April), but otherwise it would be hard to imagine a more child-friendly setting than the safe Maldives beaches – though don’t expect highly organised children’s activities.

Sightseeing & Activities

Holidays in the Maldives will disappoint culture-vultures and heritage buffs. Only in the capital, Malé, is there evidence of the hand of history and footprint of time! ‘Action’? Well, there are no nightclubs or discos - except perhaps at some resorts. There ARE watersports, sunsets and stars. That’s the Maldives for you . . When it comes to description, it's hard to resist traditional lyrical metaphors about green-and-gold jewels scattered over velvet seas of sapphire blue. That's exactly how this spectacular cluster of coral atolls appears when first seen from the air and yes, the sea really is that translucent blue seen in the photos. Comfort-lovng Crusoes will revel in the Maldives mood of barefoot sophistication, welcome to the bluest natural aquarium imaginable. Little wonder then that a holiday in the Maldives is truly most people's vision of paradise!

WHAT TO SEE

Malé

All visitors to the Maldives pass through the little capital Malé en route to or from their island resort. Should you want to renew acquaintance with ‘civilisation’ during your stay there are excursions to Malé from most nearby resorts (in the North or South Malé atolls, for example). Not a lot happens in this clean and tidy little city with its maze of small streets - aside from its 70,000 inhabitants going about their everyday lives. Explore the shops of the busy main Majeedhee Magu Street and in the local market. Wander around the colonial-style National Museum in the pleasant Sultan Park and admire the imposing white Islamic Centre and 17^th century Friday Mosque which dominates the skyline.

WHAT TO DO

Scuba-diving & Snorkelling

Many resorts provide sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and reef sightseeing trips by glass-bottomed boat but above all the Maldives are prized as one of the world's best diving and snorkelling destinations, thanks to their outstanding and easy-to-access underwater life. Every major resort can offer a professional dive school (with courses for both beginners and experienced divers with daily boat trips to sites around the islands throughout the year. Night dives and special dives for experienced divers are also a feature.

Fishing

Water makes up over 99% of the Maldives' total area - so it’s no surprise that these islands boast some of the world's best fishing grounds. Some resorts offer fishing trips on modern speedboats equipped for big-game fishing. Fishing trips can often end with a barbecue at which the day's catch is cooked and eaten! Night fishing is also popular. Harpoon guns are prohibited.

Island-Hopping

Many resorts arrange visits to fishing villages on neighbouring islands – and to uninhabited islands, with a beach barbecue the day’s highlight. Moonlight island excursions are another magical Maldives experience.

Photo Flights

A number of resorts make it easy for you to view the magic of the Maldives in the most amazing way of all - on a seaplane or helicopter photo flight. When it comes to description, it’s hard to resist traditional lyrical metaphors about green-and-gold jewels scattered over velvet seas of sapphire blue. That’s exactly how this spectacular cluster of coral atolls appears when first seen from the air and yes, the sea really is that translucent blue seen in the photos.

Dolphin & Whale-Watching

You’ll probably see dolphins on almost any boat journey here. Special dolphin and whale-watching excursions are popular, with spinner dolphins the most numerous and acrobatic and blue whales and other whale species regular visitors.

Shopping

You’ll need to take a day-tip to Malé if your holiday feels incomplete without a little retail therapy. The main street presents a variety of shops offering both local goods and keenly-priced imported items. Try the market and the Singapore Bazaar for local produce and handicrafts.

Nightlife

Late-night revellers be warned. Nightlife at the resorts is pretty low-key - although most do have informal discos around the bar, sometimes featuring live bands. Beach parties and barbecues are popular and many resorts also have regular cultural shows. On some islands there are a few restaurants in addition to those run by the resorts - but the only bars are those at the resorts. Even in Malé (where no alcohol is available) ‘nightlife’ is confined to teahouses and a few western-style restaurants.

Events

Maldivian festivals often invoke a real sense of family, with everyone sharing in the preparation of food, decorations and entertainment. Most celebrations include folk dances, traditional songs and pop music. Many public holidays in the Maldives are governed by the phases of the moon.

January

The day of Hajj, Bodu Eid, and the three days that follow are national holidays and the Maldives’ longest annual public holiday. Families enjoy special meals and festivities are the order of the day, with sports, music and dance, varying in scale and style from island to island.

March

There are parades in the streets of Malé and on other islands on the 1st of Rabee-ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar, when the Maldives' National Day commemorates Muhammed Thakurufaanu's 1573 victory over the occupying Portuguese.

July

July 26 marks Republic Day, the biggest national event in the Maldives. Republic Square in Malé hosts the official celebrations with lively parades and traditional dances.

October

The three-day festival of Kuda Eid (Eid ul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan. It begins with the sighting of the new moon, announced by cannon in Malé, followed by prayers and feasting. By noon each house has prepared a feast to mark the day and neighbours and even total strangers are invited to join in the festivities. Traditional, sporting activities and other community celebrations take place later in the day.

November

Republic Day on November 11 is celebrated throughout the Maldives, with marching bands and children’s parades,

December

Fishermen's Day is celebrated on December 10 to emphasise the importance of fishing to the Maldivian economy and the livelihood of Maldivians. Savour skipjack tuna, frigate mackerel and other local fish on what promises to be a delicious occasion.

Weather

Maldives Holidays

Maldives Hotels

Anantara Kihavah Villas

Anantara Resort and Spa Maldives

Angsana Velavaru

Banyan Tree Madivaru

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Maldives

Baros Maldives

Coco Palm Bodu Hithi

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Constance Moofushi Resort Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives

Filitheyo Island Resort

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Resort

Huvafen Fushi Spa Resort

Kanuhura

Kuredu Island Resort

Kurumba Maldives

LUX* Maldives

Medhufushi Island Resort

Naladhu Maldives

Niyama Maldives

One&Only at Reethi Rah Island

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa

Six Senses Laamu Maldives

Soneva Fushi & Six Senses Spa

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Velassaru Maldives

Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef Maldives