With the colour of the ocean unlike anything seen ever before, Maldives is a surprise package for anyone who lands on its shores. You may have seen the pictures; you may have done the recce online, you may have even heard tales of description from your friends and relatives but nothing can prepare you for what Maldives has in store for you… beauty, romance, adventure and rejuvenation… the destination has it all…
Priyanka Saxena Ray
If you have been recently hitched and are looking for a quiet place to unwind and get to know your other half better… If you are a couple who wish to celebrate a milestone such as anniversary or just a quite long weekend together… If you are a family who loves spending days together on the sun-kissed beaches… Or if you are an adventure enthusiast you wishes to try out-of-the world snorkelling and scuba diving… MALDIVES is your destination! Yes, the island has something for everyone.
The Maldives is a geological miracle. It never had an ice age, so the diversity of marine life is immense, and it has year-round heat. One day you might see a hundred dolphins, another you can watch turtles rising to the light. Anyone can marvel at this gleaming pageant but the variety of fish is, to the untutored eye, confusing.
Actually, Maldives can be a very confusing destination for you if you are the kind of traveller who is used to having a hurried breakfast before catching the hop-on hop-off bus and heading out for sightseeing, only to return later in the day, have a buffet meal and sleep! Nope. Maldives is definitely not a ‘10 am to 8 pm on the road’ destination… well, actually, talking of roads, there are none actually.
Maldives is all about luxury – luxurious resorts, lavish breakfasts, relaxing spas, special tailor-made dinners… sun sets and sun rises dotted with few water sports, which too can be enjoyed at leisure. The numerous islands in Maldives attract tourists throughout the year as the dream destination for millions. Its gorgeous beaches, plenty of sightseeing options and breathtaking views of the calm, natural surroundings make it an ideal place for leisure hunters.
The Republic of Maldives is located west of the southern part of India in the Indian Ocean. It comprises some 1200 coral islands of which only 200 are inhabited. With such a small population you can see why its natural beauty shines through. Almost all the islands offer unique marine life and excellent beaches. Exotic species of marine life including blue-stripped snappers, batfish, trumpet fish, black-spotted puller fish and others are found all over the coral reefs of the islands. Breadfruit and coconut trees are found in abundance, which influences the local cuisine.
Accommodation in Maldives is generally luxurious in nature with few budget options. The resorts here are essentially characterised by thatched roof cabanas with en suite facilities. Equipped with air-conditioned rooms with mini bars, sports and leisure facilities, restaurants and bars, shops etc., these resorts are each a class apart from the other offering a rejuvenating and thrilling stay in the islands. Special dive resorts are remotely located with access to private beaches and equipment for diving and other water sports. Please note that hotels in Maldives range from extravagant to mid-range and budget ones – so choose wisely as per your budget.
The tourism industry is very important for the country and it is said that economics has played a great role in how the people of these islands treat anyone who visits their country. The Maldives relies heavily on tourism. In fact tourism accounts for 20 per cent of the country’s GDP. While tourists come to enjoy, the people of Maldives takes tourism as serious business and value the income. That is why once you are in the Maldives, expect to be welcomed with warm hospitality and politeness that you rarely see anywhere in the world. Other than tourism, the country’s economy largely depends on the export of fish, while agriculture in the country is based on coconut and sweet potatoes.
Maldives, floating on the translucent waters is a divine paradise for those looking for a getaway from the daily humdrum of city life, with attractions unparalleled. With its sun-kissed beaches, palm-fringed islands, crystalline lagoons and pristine waters, Maldives enthrals and draws visitors all year round. The resorts here are an entire island itself usually, including stay options like overwater bungalows. Imagine having a room on a pier jutting out from the shore with a glass floor under which tropical fish can be seen swimming! Renowned for its incredible diving opportunities, the azure waters of Maldives are home to diverse marine life and corals of distinct hues. While the vivid blue lagoons are perfect for snorkelling, the reef walls offer a kaleidoscope of sea life for more experienced divers, making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts. The capital city of Male is both the commercial and financial capital. Seat to the executive, legislature and judiciary, this city is a tourist favourite as well. The history lovers will be satiated here, given Male houses several buildings and monuments of historical importance. Male is easily accessible by ferry boats from the airports. Travel to other islands in Maldives is also quite feasible from here. Be it island hopping, candlelight dinner by the sea, breakfast ferry to an uninhabited island (yes, this is possible), scuba diving or even dolphin watching for all you leisure lovers, this idyllic holiday will never afford you an idle moment!
Honeymooning in Maldives…
Start the auspicious beginnings of your new life in Maldivian style and enjoy each other’s undisturbed company. Let the powdery white beaches, the different hues of blue water, inhabited islands and breathtaking sunsets be the backdrop of your honeymoon. The natural settings and the privacy that Maldives offers, compels honeymooners to choose Maldives as their honeymoon destination. That is also the reason why Maldives is awarded with various most romantic destination awards.
The numerous luxury resorts in the lap of nature adds on to make your honeymoon as exclusive as possible by offering unique services and pampering, which is out of the world. Together, couples can pick from an array of activities that they can indulge in.
One can start the day by selecting a relaxing spa in peace amidst blissful ambiance of the island. Loosen your senses with the wellness treatments on secluded beaches with your spouse that will take your stress miles away. One can also choose to do the spa treatment in your room or an underwater spa treatment room!
A trip to Maldives is incomplete without the turtle touring and Dolphin cruising experience. Sail around on the traditional Maldivian “Dhoni” to spot the friendly marine species with your spouse. If you get lucky you could also be swimming with a turtle. Let the videographer capture these precious moments of togetherness for a lifetime.
To add a bit of thrill to your honeymoon, dive into the Indian Ocean and discover the deep secrets. For non-divers, the underwater scooter is a must do activity for exploring the marine beauty. Paddle boarding, snorkelling and kayaking are some of the activities that will leave you wanting for more adventure.
If this is not enough, get surprised by a romantic dinner under the blanket of stars with the waves washing over the shores close by. You could go beach-combing on the white sandbanks with your partner or hopping from one island to another and then call it a day by enjoying the sunset at your resort with a sundowner.
Choose Maldives as the landmark where you will begin the journey of your life with your beloved and surprise you every day of your honeymoon!
