Why The Maldives is still a dream destination
With the prospect of international travel on the horizon, now is the perfect time for travellers to dream about The Maldives. And not just the idyllic location of luxurious resorts, but also the incredible experiences you can have in the Maldives. The Maldivian sands are as white as the smiles of the locals. Fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun illuminate each island. It is time to start planning your next adventure to this heaven on earth.
Fly Above The Islands
Seaplane transfers provide transport mixed with scenic views in The Maldives
Witness the beauty of the Maldives from above via a thrilling seaplane ride. The Maldives has the world’s largest seaplane fleet, which takes you from Malé to your island resort. Get a bird’s-eye view of lagoons, islands and sandbanks scattered across the deep blue ocean. This will surely be one of the most incredible plane rides you will ever experience!
Enjoy A Floating Breakfast
Floating breakfast at Amilla Fushi in The Maldives
Maldivian resorts love an innovative dining concept. Imagine yourself in the private pool of your overwater villa with a large floating tray filled with delicious breakfast foods. Then there are the mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean in the background. There are a number of luxury resorts that offer this incredible spread, including the luxurious Ayada Maldives and the stunning Sun Siyam Iru Veli Maldives.
Live Like A Local
Arrange a visit to a local island in The Maldives
Aside from the luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, the Maldives has one of the most unique and authentic cultures in the world. Venture to one of the many local islands scattered across the Maldives and get to know the friendly residents. Join their laid-back lifestyle and play football with the children. Enjoy a home-cooked meal or simply just sit on the beach and watch the sunset. To get a taste of local Maldivian life, Secret Paradise offers a range of guided tours that are educational, sustainable, and unforgettable!
Stay In An Over-Water Bungalow
Soneva Jani’s Water Retreat in The Maldives is out of this world
Perched over crystal clear blue waters with iconic boardwalks and thatched roofs, over-water bungalows are the ultimate source of luxury and privacy. With the one-island, one-resort concept in mind, visitors are guaranteed a romantic holiday in complete seclusion. Some of the most lavish over-water bungalows include Soneva Jani’s Water Retreat. This stunning retreat comes equipped with a retractable roof, private pool, open-air bathroom and even a water slide. Then there is The Muraka at the Conrad Maldives, which boasts an infinity pool, a private butler, private jet skis and three bedrooms. One of these bedrooms is submerged 16-feet below sea level for the ultimate underwater sleeping experience.
Swim Freely With The Fishes
Snorkelling with manta rays in The Maldives
The Maldives is one of the best countries in the world for swimming, snorkelling and diving. You can snorkel at a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles, and even whale sharks, Bar Atoll and Ari Atoll are the best locations for this incredible experience, where you will almost certainly find a wide range of stunning marine life.
Dine Underwater
Dine underwater at 5.8 Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives – the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
Exceptional dining experiences await under the sea amidst vivid views of fascinating coral gardens, deep blue water and stunning marine life. With impressive menus on offer and luxury guaranteed, this is one experience that you will never forget. The Maldives has several underwater restaurants including 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant – and Subsix, submerged off a private island 500 metres from Niyama’s main island.
Book A Treehouse Adventure
Luxury Treehouse Villa at Amilla Fushi in The Maldives
Looking for a unique adventure or an escape among leafy green trees? Book yourself a resort with a luxury treehouse villa. Wrapped in a canopy of coconut trees, serenity infuses every part of these exceptional spaces. Amilla Maldives offers an incredible Treetop Pool Villa which boasts two bedrooms, an outdoor rain shower, private freshwater pool and wine cellar. All sitting 12 metres above the ground amongst the palm trees.
Stay In A Beach Bubble Tent
Stay in a bubble tent on Finolhu in The Maldives for an unforgettable experience.
A spectacular luxury ‘glamping’ concept, these beach bubble tents provide a whole new meaning to ‘sleeping under the stars’. The stylish Finolhu on Baa Atoll was the first resort in the Maldives to offer this type of experience. It includes a private butler and chef, four-poster bed, luxurious bathroom and an exclusive beach barbeque and breakfast. The best part about the Beach Bubble experience is that the tent is nestled in a secluded spot along a 1.5km sandbank, ensuring the ultimate socially-distanced holiday.
Sunset Fishing Excursion
Sunset fishing in The Maldives is often enjoyed on a traditional dhoni
With over 2,000 species of fish, The Maldives is one of the world’s top destinations for sustainable fishing excursions. One stand-out experience to try is sunset fishing, which is not only a fun activity for anglers, but also for those wanting to watch the skies turn into magical shades of pink and orange. Como Cocoa Island offers guests the chance to catch their own fish at sunset, which can be taken back to the resort and cooked by its chefs for the freshest of seafood dinners.
Replenish And Conserve Coral
Snorkelling in The Maldives
Help the Maldives save and preserve its underwater beauty by planting coral during your next stay. Many resorts have programmes available for guests to help rejuvenate and restore reefs affected by coral bleaching. For instance, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort gives guests the opportunity to join their reef regeneration project, by adopting coral and planting it on the reef, with instruction from its resident marine biologist.
Experience Illuminated Waters
Bioluminescence lights up the night in The Maldives
Have you ever walked along the seashore at night and seen it completely lit up like stars in the sky? Caused by bioluminescent planktons, this incredible phenomenon is only found in a few places in the world, with the Maldives being one of them! The best time to witness a glowing beach in the Maldives is mid-summer through to winter, with Vaadhoo Island on Raa Atoll being one of the best places to see it. Other resorts include the sleek Farrufushi Maldives and the romantic You & Me by Cocoon.
Watch Movies Under The Stars
The most romantic movie night imaginable can be spent at Constance Moofushi in The Maldives
Spice up your holiday date night with an epic outdoor cinema experience. Cinefushi at Constance Moofushi gives travellers the chance to watch a film under the stars on an idyllic Maldivian beach. Choose your film from a selection of more than 100 to watch on a private screen, with the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore and soft powder sand beneath your feet. Lie back on loungers and enjoy a unique luxury cinema experience complete with popcorn, ice cream, canapés and sparkling wine served to you on the beach.
Feeling ready to go to The Maldives yet? If not, then you might after you see this Maldives video!
Underwater suite at The Muraka in The Maldives
FOR MORE STORIES ON THE MALDIVES, CLICK HERE:
