THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE
The Maldives should be at the top of your wish lists for a reason: these picture-perfect islands are a true desert-island paradise. you'll step down on a secluded white-sand beach where you'll be totally undisturbed. It's as close to heaven as you can get.
Where to stay
Photo by Colin Watts
ADAARAN SELECT MEEDHUPPARU
With an amazing Maldives trip at the spectacular Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, expect breathtaking white sand, crystal-clear seas, and captivating tropical surroundings. Guests may relax by the pool or on the beach, while those seeking a little additional pampering can visit the spa for a treatment or massage to rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. The resort also has a gym and a range of sports facilities, with more daring guests able to participate in a variety of water sports or go scuba diving or snorkelling.
Dining at the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is also a joy, with exquisite restaurants and a fantastic all-inclusive service to guarantee visitors are never left wanting. When you add in the magnificent villas, you have everything you need for an amazing vacation. The seductive views and sounds of the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu might be just what you're searching for if you're seeking for a heavenly refuge.
COMO COCOA ISLAND
COMO Cocoa Island is a low-key private island resort in the Maldives with 33 overwater villas that allow you to dive right off your balcony into the blue lagoon to explore the sealife-rich house reef. The Maldives' South Malé atoll is home to COMO Cocoa Island. With two private house reefs, diving is among of the greatest in the world. The rooms are designed to look like native dhoni boats, with bleached wood and kajan roofs. Planked paths that stretch out into the warm lagoon lead to them. A COMO Shambhala Retreat is dedicated to body and soul renewal. Ufaa is a restaurant that pays homage to nature by serving seafood and organic vegetables in interesting, healthy combinations that combine European and Indian flavours.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA
Spend the first few days in paradise. Explore the ocean floor, relax at the Island Spa, and toast the sunset from the beach while lounging poolside in the seclusion of your villa (or boat).
The Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa is set on a secluded coral island in the middle of a turquoise sea. Discover the splendour of a typical Maldivian hamlet on a private speedboat ride from Male Airport.
Pavilions and bungalows with palm thatch border the white sand beach or tower above the crystal clear ocean. Beach bungalows have private plunge pools, while water bungalows, some of which have pools, provide panoramic views of the sea.
What to do
Surfing
Photo by Jailam Rashad
The Maldives is situated in the midst of the Indian Ocean, with complete exposure to southern swells and superb surfing conditions on the atolls' outer reefs. The surfing season runs from mid-February to November, with the greatest conditions being from March to May and September to November.
Many surfers consider Huvadhoo Atoll, located in the southern group of the atoll chain, to have the best waves in the Maldives, with the majority of them found on the atoll's southern rim. The atoll's well-known surf spots include Beacons, Tiger Stripes, Castaways, Blue Bowls, Airports, Five Islands, Two Ways, Love Charms, and Antiques.
ADDU NATURE PARK
Photo by Mohamed Samee
The second biggest wetlands area in the Maldives is found at Addu Atoll. In Hithadhoo Island, the Addu Nature Park includes the picturesque Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands and the protected Koattey area. The park has lovely piers that extend out into the lakes, mangroves, and attractive cycling trails through the wetlands' rich foliage. You may join a guided nature trip of the park to learn about the park's distinctive wildlife and plants. One of the most remarkable experiences in the Park is canoeing in the Bay of Bedhi, which is famed for its gorgeous red mangroves, young stingrays, and sharks.
DIVING IN NORTH MALÉ ATOLL
Photo by Sebastian Pena
For the ardent diver, Male' Atoll has a great variety of diverse and well-established diving spots. The atoll's diving spots are among the most popular in the country, as it was the first to begin tourism. The atoll has amazing underwater landscape and marine creatures ranging from colourful reef fish to huge species like manta rays and sharks.
The Maldives Victory Wreck is one among the atoll's most popular wreck dives. The wreck is around 35 metres deep and has been coated with an incredible assortment of beautiful corals since it sank in 1981. Its inhabitants include groupers, fusiliers, and batfish.