Unbelievable Beaches
The Maldives is home
to perhaps the best beaches in the world; they’re on almost every one
of the country’s nearly 1200 islands and are so consistently perfect
that it’s hard not to become blasé about them. While some beaches may
boast softer granules than others, the basic fact remains: you’ll find
consistently whiter-than-white powder sand and luminous cyan-blue water
like this almost nowhere else on earth. This fact alone is enough to
bring over a million people a year to this tiny, remote and otherwise
little-known Indian Ocean paradise.
Resorts for Everyone
Every
resort in the Maldives is its own private island, and with over 100 to
choose from the only problem is selecting where you want to stay. At
the top end, the world’s most exclusive hotel brands compete with each
other to attain ever-greater heights of luxury, from personal butlers
and private lap pools to in-room massages and pillow menus. It’s not
surprising that honeymooners and those seeking a glamorous tropical
getaway have long had the country at the top of their wish lists. But
there’s choice beyond the five- and six-star resorts. Other islands
cater for families, for divers, for those on a (relative) budget, and
anyone wanting a tranquil back-to-nature experience.
Independent Travel
In the last few years,
these incredible islands have finally started to open to independent
travellers, meaning you no longer have to stay in resorts and remain
separate from the local population, something that has kept backpackers
away for decades. Intrepid individuals can now make their own
itineraries and travel from island to island by public ferry, staying
among the devout but friendly local population. With a fast-growing
number of privately run guesthouses on inhabited islands, the Maldives
and its people are now more accessible than ever.
Underwater World
With some of the best
diving and snorkelling in the world, the clear waters of the Maldives
are a magnet for anyone with an interest in marine life. The richness
and variety is astonishing; dazzling coral walls, magnificent caves and
schools of brightly coloured tropical fish await you when you get down
to the reef. In deeper waters lurk manta rays, turtles, sharks and
even the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. The best bit? The water
is so warm many people don’t even wear a wetsuit.
Show in Lonely Planet
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