Male - A secluded, paradise island getaway
"A cluster of paradise isles, the Maldives is an exotic haven of unpretentious comfort combined with a unique castaway ambience..."Sprinkled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, these paradise islands are palm-fringed gems lying in turquoise lagoons of the most incredible blue you’ve ever seen. 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, towering coconut palms. Their lagoons are crystal clear, teeming with extraordinary marine life and exotic corals. 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 within themselves. Some of the larger ones offer several different restaurants featuring local and continental cuisine along with exotic buffets and barbecues. Transport to your chosen island will most likely be by seaplane and then speedboat or dhoni boat, so be prepared to get a little wet on arrival at your island!
Beaches
The Maldives are highly recommended for those who wish to do absolutely nothing and it would be difficult to find a more beautiful Eden to relax than a typical Maldivian beach...peaceful, uncrowded, with pure, snow-white sands. Needless to say the majority of the more strenuous activities are sea-based. Watersports equipment is always available and most resorts offer windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing and canoeing.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.Eating out
Due to your heavenly seclusion, your hotel will provide your meals and these tropical islands offer an array of exciting cuisine. Start the day with some juicy fresh fruit by the ocean before heading out to catch some fish for your dinner, such as tuna, which is especially abundant in these parts. Since fish and coconuts are the only items that don’t have to be imported, they find their way onto most menus especially the Sri Lankan and Indian-influenced curry and locally-caught spiny-backed lobster is also a particular delicacy. For more urban dining there are cafes and restaurants in the capital, Male and some of the larger hotels offer several different restaurants featuring local and continental cuisine along with exotic buffets and barbecues. The best part of any dinner though in this lush paradise, is the backdrop of palms and ceaseless tranquility.Nightlife
Mother Nature puts on some wonderful entertainment when evening arrives. From the spectacular pink sunsets and sparking star-filled skies, to the gentle rustling of palm leaves and crash of waves against powdery sands, the calming nightlife of the Maldives is derived from the spectacular beauty all around. The Maldives are ideal for families, though their main visitors tend to be honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic, secluded getaway so there is little nightlife, though many hotels offer entertainment ranging from small discos to local folk dancing.Sightseeing
Probably the nearest thing you’ll find 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. Most people come to the Maldives to scuba dive, though if this is not for you try snorkelling to see the rainbow-coloured fish and coral reefs. Reel in some big game fish on a deep sea fishing excursion where you could catch marlin and swordfish, or go island hopping and see dolphins frolicking through the water. 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...Male
The capital, Male, is home to most of the island's historical and cultural treasures. Discover the fascinating National Museum which houses several archaeological finds dating from the times of the Sultans, including weapons, clothes and culture. Admire the large dome and elegant minaret of the Grand Mosque, which accommodates over 5,000 people or meander around the Hukuru Miskiyy - Friday Mosque, which is the oldest in the Maldives.
Kudahuvadhoo
The southern island of Kudahuvadhoo has some mysterious mounds that are thought to be the ruins of Buddhist temples.
View a magical underwater world
See the breathtaking gardens that dance under the water, abundant with colourful coral and captivating marine life. The islands’ 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 there are plenty of resorts with their own fully equipped diving schools.
Useful links
www.visitmaldives.com
