Whether it's the gently swaying palms or the white sandy beaches, the tranquil atmosphere or the turquoise lagoons that attract you to the Maldives you won't be disappointed. The Maldives is a group of coral islands to the south west of Sri Lanka that are filled with picturesque beaches. The majority of the islands are uninhabited though 88 have been turned into exclusive resorts and there are a host of diving, fishing and windsurfing centres to keep all ages busy. Temperatures in the Maldives remain hot throughout the year though there is usually a cooling sea breeze to make the heat more manageable. December-April is the best time to visit, as this is the dry season. Flights from the UK to the Maldives take around 10hrs.
With its beauty and tranquillity, the Maldives attract anyone looking for pure rest and relaxation...
There are fabulous diving opportunities in the Maldives and the area attracts watersports enthusiasts from around the world. It's also a popular resort for couples, including honeymooners, who want to escape to a real-life desert island paradise. The nightlife and entertainment options on the islands are limited and consequently the Maldives is really aimed at those looking for a restful and relaxing escape.
The biggest draw of the Maldives is its beautiful turquoise waters, which are home to exotic marine life and beautiful underwater fauna. There are many snorkelling opportunities for those who aren't quite ready for full-scale diving, although the many diving schools will help you learn the basics. The Whale Submarine descends 100ft below the surface to discover some of the deepest treasures of the ocean and whale and dolphin watching popular across all the islands.
There are lots of resorts to choose from including Baa Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Meemu Atoll and the north and south Atoll areas. Each has its own type and quality of accommodation - with everything from huts on stilts to first class hotels and villas. Many resorts also offer trips into the local villages where you can experience some first hand Maldivian culture.
Male is the capital of the Maldives and has much of the islands' population - with around 100,000 people in the area at any one time. It is here that you will have the best opportunities to shop and collect souvenirs, as well as to visit the sights with several mosques and small streets with plenty of charm. You can also catch a flight for an aerial view of the islands, which are simply breataking from the sky.
Shopping in the Maldives revolves around the Majeedhee Magu, the main road on the island, where a variety of goods, including cosmetics, jewellery and watches, are plentiful. The local market is divided into small stalls with yams, fruits, nuts and traditional handicrafts on offer.
The nightlife in the Maldives is fairly limited and most of the entertainment takes place within the islands' hotels. This is certainly not a clubbers paradise, with the emphasis firmly placed on relaxed dining and laid-back lounge bars
