The Maldives is a dream vacation, often chosen as the top romantic honeymoon destination for its unmatched beauty, consistently warm temperatures and resorts that cater to luxury, privacy and seclusion. Travel to the Maldives may seem difficult (or impossible) but it is well worth any effort.
Maldives (officially the Republic of Maldives) is an archipelagic state in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean. The temperature is an average of 30 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round, with plenty of sun.
Scattered across a chain of 26 Atolls, resorts are remote and sometimes difficult to get to, which is a plus for those seeking solitude or privacy. Resorts closest to the main island of Male can be reached by boat, but those further away require a seaplane, usually via Trans Maldivian Airways.
What is an Atoll?
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets, surrounded by a lagoon. Channels between islets connect a lagoon to the open ocean or sea. It is here where visitors can often find dolphins jumping and playing in the early morning.
Snorkelling is the Number One Activity to do in the Maldives
The shallow waters surrounding the islands are home to abundant and colourful coral reefs, which make the Maldives an attractive snorkelling destination. There are many tours available if you do not wish to explore on your own.
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most unique underwater creatures. The reefs of the Maldives are host to hundreds of species of fish and a myriad of other sea-dwelling creatures.
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Most resorts will take full advantage of the surrounding reefs and have an overwater bungalow option, fitted with direct access to the surrounding waters and house reef.
Even if you don't opt to stay in an overwater bungalow, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the bridge access. Most resorts will have a bar or common gathering place at the end of the bridge for all guests to enjoy.
Underwater Hotels and Restaurants:
You can walk, dine or sleep underwater. The world's first underwater hotel and all-glass undersea restaurant were built in the Maldives, allowing guests unique opportunities to view the beautiful life underwater.
Read our review of the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives here.
You can sunbathe on some of the most beautiful beaches. The bright-white super-soft sand is one of the reasons that the Maldives is home to a large number of the world's best beaches.
You can get up close and personal with sharks and manta rays. Most sharks in Maldivian waters are not dangerous. To date, there have been no reported shark attacks on humans in the Maldives, ever. Most of the sharks that can be found in the Maldives are non-aggressive species.
Read more about our adventures snorkelling with reef sharks in the Maldives here.
The Maldivian archipelago is home to five of the seven species of sea turtles. You can often see them swimming close to the lagoons or near coral reefs.
If you are so inclined, you can go snorkelling at night and see the underwater world in an entirely new (and lacking) light. With only the use of flashlights, night snorkelling can be both terrifying and invigorating.
Read about our adventure night snorkelling in the Maldives (and what we saw underwater) here.
The sunsets are simply magnificent. In the Maldives, sunsets begin at approximately 18:00 (with some variation depending on the time of year). The golden hour prior to absolute sunset is most spectacular, painting everything in beautiful golden hues.
Sunrise in the Maldives, which begins at approximately 06:00, is just as spectacular. Depending on the time of year and amount of cloud coverage in the sky, the sun rises into a burst of colour.
Catering mostly to couples or families who needs to relax, most resorts will have a luxurious spa available to guests, with phenomenal views.
What to Eat in the Maldives:
The food is absolutely delicious. The local food is definitely a must try, but when staying on a resort in the Maldives, most will have top chefs creating delicious feasts for their guests to enjoy.
No matter where or what you eat, the views are simply breathtaking, calm waters in varying hues of blue, which is what makes the Maldives such an attractive destination.
If these photos haven't convinced you, check out the gallery here,
or read all about our adventures in the Maldives here.
Happy Travelling!