Maldives is an archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean that offers the quintessential island paradise: pristine white beaches, azure waters, generous hospitality and an idyllic climate.
Surrounded by caressing tides, the Maldives is a geological wonder. A series of ancient coral reefs cluster around the sides of ancient extinct volcanoes, semi-submerged in the ocean to create coral islands of breath-taking natural beauty. The spectacular array of natural sea-life puts on a dazzling display in lukewarm lagoons, making diving and snorkeling major attractions.
From the contemporary capital of Male to the perfection of the Southern Atolls, the Maldives is an unparalleled destination for romance, indulgence and luxury with perennial blue skies and year-round sunshine.
The local population is largely Muslim, but resorts cater to holidaymakers from across the world and provide all the luxury, comforts and freedoms they desire. The Maldives is recovering from the natural disasters that it was vulnerable to in the past few years: such as the coral bleaching caused by the last el Niño and the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. As the Maldives returns to its former glory, there is an air of excitement and re-growth evidenced in thriving eco-tourism, gleaming new resorts, high-end designer boutiques and swanky restaurants filled with honeymooners, beachgoers and divers.
The Maldives is the ultimate oceanic destination, a sublime natural wonder that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
White sandy beaches | Soaking up year-round sunshine | Pristine island scenery | Water sports at the resorts | Reef diving
Interesting facts
− Maldives has 1199 coral islands, grouped in twenty-six major atolls
− The official language of Maldives is Divehi