The Maldives from the air is a spectacular sight. As your airplane descends over this tropical paradise, thousands of little islands appear, each with its own ring of white coral reef enclosing its own blue lagoon. The 1,190 islands of the Maldives form an archipelago of 26 major atolls and extend 820 kms north to south and 120 kms at the widest point. They do not exceed more than six feet above sea level, inviting fears that this paradise is under gradual threat from global warming and rising sea levels. Many islands are still deserted and used for drying fish or agricultural purposes. About 200 are inhabited island, nearly half of them exclusively resort islands with the resorts occupying an entire island.  Most of the Maldives’ islands are under 500 sq metres in area.  The capital, Male, is home to about half the country’s total population which is about 300,000 people.

Male International Airport is located on Hulhule Island and is a short distance from Male.  This island consists solely of the airport and once you land a speed boat or sea plane transfers you to your resort. The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April.  The south-west monsoon lasts from May to October and is often wet and rainy, although it does provide the best conditions for surfers.

Ari Atoll: Ari Atoll has several island resorts, each occupying one island.  Nika Island Resort is designed for the discerning traveller and offers a good range of quality facilities and activities. The restaurant, a focal point of the whole resort, serves a range international cuisine.  Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a mid-range resort that suits those looking for a slow-paced holiday.  Transfer time from airport: Sea plane - 30 minutes.

Baa Atoll:  Coco Palm Resort & Spa will delight with its beautiful Beach Bungalows, rejuvenate with its superb Nautilus Spa, and energise with its extensive list of facilities and leisure activities. Transfer time from airport: Sea Plane 30 minutes.

Dhaalu Atoll:  A quality beach and spa resort, Vilu Reef is set on one of the most attractive islands of the Maldives in Dhaluu Atoll. Palm-fringed white beaches lead to warm, crystal blue waters- a perfect setting for romantic, stress-free breaks.
Transfer time from airport: Sea plane – 35 minutes.

Faafu Atoll:  Filitheyo Resort is the only resort on the tiny north Faafu Atoll, which is only 100m in length and 200m in width. A dreamlike island of swaying palms and soft white sand, Filitheyo is a tranquil resort will have particular appeal to diving enthusiasts and those yearning peace and privacy in paradise. Transfer time from airport: Sea
plane – 35 minutes.

Lhaviani Atoll: One and Only Kanuhara is a tranquil, 5-star island hideaway on Lhaviani Atoll.  The resort offers understated luxury coupled with impeccable standards of service. Kuredu Resort is a relaxed four-star resort on the northern tip of Lhaviyani Atoll. Blessed in location, Kuredu is a relatively young resort with few of the pretensions that can characterize more expensive resorts. Aside from a well-deserved reputation for diving it has much to offer in the way of leisure pursuits and a healthy social scene. Transfer time from airport: Sea Plane – about 40 minutes.

Male Atoll North: Kurumba was the first ever tourist resort in the Maldives and is now a popular five-star resort. Whilst relatively large, it is nevertheless still a sumptuous resort where privacy is valued highly and facilities are high-class.  Soneva Gili is another five-star island retreat offering great accommodation with traditional design, attention to detail and high standards of comfort.  Banyan Tree has a strong ecological commitment, and every effort is made to protect the coral reef that surrounds the island. Marine conservation is also stressed here. The luxurious Four Seasons Resort lies on the island of Huhule on the north atoll. This charming upmarket resort offers 106 bungalows, of varying luxury, traditionally built from timber and thatch, and watersports galore.  Huvanfen Fushi Resort set within its own private lagoon and boasting its own underwater spa is another option where you can expect a vast array of world-class facilities and services.  Angsana Ihuru has won environmental accolades and is the driving force behind several outstanding marine biology research initiatives. Although modern facilities are provided in the villas, utmost care is taken to ensure the resort remains environmentally friendly, in keeping with the Maldives natural beauty.  Makunudu is a value for money, high-quality resort perfect for those wanting to chill rather than pursue an active holiday. An all-inclusive resort perfect for a short break of sun worship, especially for couples, Makunudu’s charm lays in its gentle, easy atmosphere. Soneva Fushi is one of the most innovative and sought-after resorts in the Maldives, the pioneer of barefoot tourism whereby visitors need not bring any shoes. The philosophy “No News, No Shoes” creates an idyll of relaxation, tranquility and natural bliss, enhanced by the resorts trademark Robinson Crusoe style buildings and accommodation.  Transfer time from airport:  Speed boat – varies from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

Male Atoll South:  Olhuveli is a white-sanded jewel, a great all-round resort set within the calm waters of its house reef. The dive centre at Olhuveli is a strong plus point, great for both beginners and more experienced divers; exotic marine life can be seen from just a few metres away from the shore. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa nestles in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, a plush resort with extensive facilities. Laguna Beach is a vibrant resort which provides luxury accommodation and high-quality facilities. Watersports on the azure waters of the lagoon and expansive white sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for a secluded, romantic holiday. Bolufushi is a 4-star resort offering good value and is particularly valued by watersports enthusiasts.  Transfers time from airport: Speed boat – 15 to 20 minutes to Taj Exotica and Laguna Beach.  About 50 minutes to Olhluveli.

Diving:  Although most of the island resorts have their own dive base, some of the resorts are better geared towards diving and offers more options including night diving, double tank and all-day diving safaris.  We recommend Bandos Resort (North Male Atol), Filitheyo Island Resort (Faafu Atoll), Kuredu (Lhaviyani Atoll), Mirihi Island Resort (South Ari Atoll), Oluvheli Beach & Spa Resort (South Male Atoll) and Bolufushi (South Male Atoll).

Snorkelling:  If you prefer snorkelling to scuba diving, then it is best to select an island resort with a surrounding reef that is closer to the shore.  The greatest varieties of fish are found at the drop-off point of the reef.  For beginners, the lagoon area between the reef and shore will be sufficiently rewarding.  Snorkelling is good at Bolifushi (South Male Atoll), Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo (North Ari Atoll), Coco Palm Resort & Spa (Baa Atol), Olhuveli (South Male Atoll).

Watersports:  For watersports, an island resort with a larger and deeper lagoon area is best. Islands with good watersports centres offers surfing, canoeing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and kite boarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubes, blasts and banana boating.   Surfing is good at Chaaya Island Dhoveli (North Male Atoll); Kuredu (Lhaviyani Atoll) has one of the largest watersports centres in the Maldives and has an extensive range of activities; Kurumba (North Male Atol),

Family Resorts: Bandos (North Male Atoll) , Coco-Palm Four Seasons, Kuredu (Lhaviyani Atoll), Kurumba (North Male Atoll),  Chaaya Island Dhonveil (North Male Atoll), One & Only Kanuhara (Lhaviyani Atoll), One & Only Reethi Rah (North Male Atoll).

Exclusive:  Huvanfen Fushi (North Male Atoll), Soneva Fushi (Baa Atoll), Soneva Gili (North Male Atoll), Angsana Ihuru (North Male Atoll), One & Only Kanuhara (Lhaviyani Atill), and One & Only Reethi Rah (North Male Atoll).

Honeymoon: Banyan Tree (North Male Atoll), Huvanfen Fushi (North Male Atoll), Makunudu (North Male Atoll), Nika Island (North Ari Atoll), Soneva Fushi (Baa Atoll), Soneva Gili (North Male Atoll), Taj Exotica (South Male Atoll), Vilu Reef (Dhaalu Atoll).

Spa:  Coco-Palm Four Seasons, Huvanfen Fushi (North Male Atoll), Angsana Ihuru (North Male Atoll), One & Only Kanuhara (North Male Atoll), Kurumba (North Male Atoll), Laguna Beach (South Male Atoll), Soneva Gili (North Male Atoll), Soneva Fushi (Baa Atoll), Vilu Reef (Dhaalu Atoll).

Architecture

Island resorts & spas:  The Maldives has several magnificent resorts & spas which are award winning architectural designs some with traditional Maldivian architecture with conical shaped thatched roofs blended with modern comforts and others with stylish 'Tropical Modern' minimalist designs.  Most resorts have land based beach cottages and water bungalows that a perched right on the water with colourful fish and stingrays swimming right beneath.

The Islamic Centre:  As you approach Male, you will see one of its famous architectural landmarks, the Islamic Centre with its golden dome.  Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a mosque which can house 5,000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.

Arts & Crafts

Hand carved wooden ornaments and containers:  The most distinctive of the Maldivian handicrafts, these hand crafted items are produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll and includes beautifully crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Made from the local Funa (Alexandrian laurel) which grows abundantly throughout the country, they come in various shapes and sizes; small pillboxes, vases of various sizes to round and oval plates with lids. These elegant pieces are lacquered in strands of red, black and yellow resin and delicately carved with flowery patterns.

Thundu Kunaa mats:  These hand-woven mats are produced throughout the country with the most famous ones woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Mats range in size from place mat to a single mattress. The women of Gadhdhoo collect reeds called haa from the nearby island of  Fioari. They are dried in the sun and stained with natural dyes, the colour varying from fawn to black. Intricate abstract designs are woven on a handloom according to the imagination and skill of the weaver.

Music & Dance

Bodu Beru: is the most popular form of music and dance in the country with a Bodu Beru troupe in almost every inhabited island and is regularly played at functions and festivals. The musical instruments used in Bodu Beru consist of three or four drums and a variety of percussion instruments. The drums are made from hollowed coconut wood and covered with manta ray skin or goat hide. A lead singer chants the lyrics and a chorus follows as they clap to the beat of the drums. The rhythm build as the song continues until it reaches a frenzied crescendo.  As the rhythm picks up, dancers come out from amongst the troupe swaying to the rhythm.  Other traditional forms of music and song include Raivaru, farihi and bandhi.  Western pop and Indian music is also increasingly popular.

Art Galleries & Museums

The National Museum:  The museum is housed in an Edwardian style building, the only remaining building of the former Sultan’s Palace, which is now the Sultan’s Park. The museum is open daily except Friday and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40. A small fee is charges for admission.

Culture & Heritage

Male:  Male, built on an island of less than 4 sq kms, is one of the smallest capitals in the world.  As opposed to the other island in the Maldives, Male has high-rise buildings and paved roads. Government offices are located in one area and the main streets are lined with shops and offices. The old bazaar area is the hub of wholesale and retail trade.  Interesting places to visit includes the fish market and the local market at the northern waterfront.  Watch ‘dhonis’ unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls. The new harbour is located in the south-west corner of Male. The 400-year old Friday Mosque, Mulee-aage, and the Islamic Centre are interesting landmarks.

Friday Mosque:  Built in the 17th century the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served the population of Male as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984. Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of coral curving and traditional workmanship.  The walls of the mosque are hewn together with blocks of filigree-curved coral blocks. Heavy wooden doors slide open to the inner sanctums with lamp hangings of wood and panels intricately curved with Arabic writings. 

Mulee-aage: In front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. The palace, with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden, was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. It became the President’s Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present Mulee-aage houses the President’s Office.

The Islamic Centre:  As you approach Male, you will see one of its famous architectural landmarks: the Islamic Centre with its golden dome.  Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a mosque which can house 5,000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.

Sports & Adventure

Scuba Diving:  Every resort in the Maldives caters for scuba divers with the facilities, staff and equipment varying from resort to resort depending on the size of the island and its location.  All the resorts offer beginners’ dive courses and range of other PADI certified courses including night diving, rescue diving, and underwater photography. 

Snorkelling:  Snorkelling over the shallow reefs of the islands is an ideal way to explore the underwater world. The house reefs of most of the islands are just a few strokes away from the beach. Snorkelling equipment is available at all the resorts. Some organize regular snorkeling excursions to give visitors a chance to experience the diversity of marine life and reef structures in the Maldives.

Submarine Excursions: Now you don’t have to be an experienced diver to be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the underwater marine life. The German-built Whale Submarine offers excursions to see the beautiful coral reefs, magnificent tropical fish from the comfort of an a/c submarine which descends to 100ft.

Surfing: Surfing is relatively new to the Maldives, especially compared to more established activities such as scuba diving. However, the recent O’Neil Deep Blue Contest held in this year has placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Male Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered. For resort-based surfing, it is advisable to choose one of the resorts on the eastern side of North Male Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks.  November to April brings fine weather coincides with the high tourist season. The south-west monsoon from May to October is often wet and rainy. However, this period provides the best surf.

Fishing:  Fishing is not only the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy, it is also a popular pastime among locals as well as visitors. Maldivians enjoy night fishing and morning fishing.  In the case of night fishing, the boat leaves the island and anchors at a reef before the sunsets and darkness sets in. the lines are tethered with hooks and sinkers and dropped overboard from both sides of the dhoni. Morning fishing or big game fishing involves trolling, usually outside the atoll along the reef. Fishing enthusiasts may prefer to bring their own equipment.

Spa & Ayurveda: Most of the island resorts have a Spa offering a range of relaxing massages.  The treatments on offer are influenced by traditional methods from Indonesia, Thailand and India.  Aromatherapy and Ayurveda massages with using essential oils and Ayurveda inspired products are commonly used.  For total mind and body relaxation, Yoga and Tai Chi is offered as well as guided meditation in some resorts.

Marine Life & Nature

Underwater Marine Life:  The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. With good visibility even 50m underwater and warm temperatures throughout the year, makes diving in the Maldives a delight. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world and many visit repeatedly for the sole purpose of diving. All the island resorts have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced. Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. For those preferring snorkelling, the lagoons surrounding each coral island and the drop-off point by the reef can be just as rewarding.

Whales & Dolphin Watching:  Maldives ranks among the top five places on Earth for watching whales and dolphins. From the mighty Blue Whale (the largest animal on Earth) to the highly acrobatic Spinner Dolphin can be seen here.  Spinner Dolphins are seen here in their thousands. Many resorts offer morning or afternoon dolphin excursions.  Whale watching is possible in the deep seas, at least an hour’s boat ride away.