Maldives
A beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a by-word for all-inclusive resorts, clean white-sand beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters, and limitless diving opportunities.
Made up of a group of low lying coral islands forming an archipelago of 26 atolls, The Maldives is a honeymooner’s dream, the perfect romantic rendezvous and the ultimate wedding anniversary destination.
The islands are picture perfect with the whitest beaches, tropical landscapes and aquamarine waters filled with a dazzling array of tropical fish. Nautical pleasures are definitely top of the agenda. The diving is superb and the snorkelling among the best in the world. Add to this night fishing and windsurfing and you have a water sport heaven.
Your journey will likely begin and end in the capital Male, where you can take in the Male Museum and feast your eyes on local artefacts including the Sultan’s throne. The Friday Mosque is also worth a visit, being built entirely from coral stone.
Kunfunadhoo Island is reachable by a wonderful seaplane flight. The journey itself is magical – flying over hundreds of little islands shimmering like diamonds before splashing down in the tropical ocean. Luxury resorts offer private beaches complete with champagne breakfasts.
In search of a new experience, the beautiful Addu Atoll is worth visiting for its fresh waters and water clarity. The southern-most island of the Maldives, Addu Atoll provides palm fringed and sun-kissed beaches, an abundance of aquatic life, coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. Diving safaris are hugely popular here, with 25 dive sites dotted around the outer reef. Demon Point offers advanced divers the opportunity to try drift diving with mantas, grey reef sharks and napoleon wrasse. Another dive that is particularly special is at Mushimasmingili Thila where sharks, giant snappers and tropical reef fish inhabit this pristine and exotic spot.
The Maldives is a collection of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls.
