 | Lying just to the southwest of Sri Lanka, The Maldives are a collection of around 1,190 coral islands that come together to create one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations for holidays in the world. The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately eight feet above sea level. Ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide the natural defence against wind and wave action on these delicate islands. These beautiful islands lie directly on the equator, creating one of the most temperate climates in the world. The sun shines all year round and it is almost always warm and humid, with the temperatures around 29-32 degrees celsius.  |
Holidays in the Maldives - Crystal clear waters
The islands of Maldives are all about dazzling white soft powdery beaches encircled by turquoise shallow calm lagoons with crystal clear waters coupled with lush green exotic vegetation providing shade on those sun-filled days - images of natural scenes to rival the Garden of Eden. Holidays in the Maldives mostly focus on barefoot romance, rest and relaxation.
Maldives is home to some of the world's most diverse marine fauna and flora - tens of thousands of reefs, a thousand recorded species of fish and over two hundred species of coral. No wonder many see it as one of the greatest dive destinations on earth. Diving is available all year round and all are all staffed by qualified dive instructors. All resorts have water sports centres providing a range of water sports and fun activities including snorkelling, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. More...
When one dreams perfect holidays you would be inclined to think that this is what comes to mind, lazing on a beach in the blazing heat with wonderful beach service. On each island by law there can be one resort and usually, therefore one hotel. This means that views are not spoilt by high rise buildings that block the sun on the beach after a certain hour and beaches are not filled with hoards of people; so you can recline in utter peace. Most of the Maldivian islands provide their guests with that special feel of privacy and total seclusion. Hotels in the Maldives tend to be 3, 4 or 5 star with different styles of accommodation from superior and deluxe rooms and apartments to beach villas and the very popular water bungalows providing that unique and quintessentially Maldivian experience - a morning swim in the lagoon straight from the privacy of your bungalow's terrace! Many resorts tend to focus on all inclusive holidays, which can be very helpful here because the islands are so small. Even though the order of the day is rest here, there is also plenty to do when you leave the beach, if you can! Resorts organise various island-hopping excursions, for example visiting the island's capital Male or an island that has only 50 inhabitants. On a sunrise cruise that leaves at four in the morning one can go and watch the dolphins, a treat for any animal enthusiast or on the night fishing cruise you could enjoy the peace of the night under starry skies while you fish and end the evening with a barbecue prepared with your very own catch! Resorts also offer you the opportunity to savour the beauty of the Maldives from the air. While some resorts offer organized photo flights by seaplane, you have the option of arranging your own aerial expedition as well. Spa's in The Maldives are in a world of their own. It is the perfect blend of luxurious therapies, health and beauty experiences and sensory stimulation complemented by the tranquil surrounding and blissful tropical beauty. Many of the treatments combine traditional Asian therapies with classic European spa techniques.
Maldives Holidays - Getting to the Maldives
The journey to holidays in The Maldives is about 10 hours, but for such tranquil paradise one must not expect any less. The flights are more than often direct from the UK with carriers such as Thomson, Monarch and First Choice or Sri Lankan Airlines. The main airport is on the North Male Atoll and transfers to other islands are often by sea plane, a wonderful opportunity to see the fascinating islands from above or by speedboat.
The Maldives - A protected paradise
Holidays in Maldives are true paradise. Because the islands here are made from low lying coral, many of them are uninhabited, because they are not big enough or simply to try and protect them and their wildlife. Because of this there is a focus on eco-tourism for holidays here; many companies try to protect them with the help of the local government. There have been rules put in place concerning the buildings; they cannot be taller than the tallest palm tree, resort numbers; one resort per island and built up areas can only be 20% of the land area. These rules plus many more keep The Maldives looking like the paradise they are and preserves them for lucky visitors on their holidays for years to come.
