Introducing Maldives
Perhaps the ultimate in long haul luxury, the Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again having bounced back from a series of disasters in the past few years including the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. Indeed, so superior are its beaches, so cobalt blue its waters and so warm its welcome that the country has become a byword for paradise whether it be for honeymooners, sun worshippers or divers.
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A geological eccentricity nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes. These immense structures have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind coral islands of incredible natural beauty, now themselves being colonised by travellers seeking unbridled pampering and romance, from the modernity of Male’ to the idyllic paradise of the Southern Atolls.
This is life stripped down to simplicity – bright blue skies, all-year sunshine and fantastic diving and snorkelling in lagoons the temperature of bath water. The country embraces travellers from around the world allowing them the freedoms holiday makers require without compromising the islands’ deep Muslim faith one bit.
This is an exciting time to visit a country in developmental frenzy. Every few months brings newly opened resorts from top end boutique brands to ecologically sound back-to-nature hotels. Not cheap even at the bottom end, this is a place for a holiday of a lifetime (and that phrase suddenly takes on a new meaning here). The Maldives demands the attention of anyone looking for a uniquely indulgent break, breathtaking nature and sheer beauty that stays with you long after your tan has faded.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- From summit to sea: trek the Himalayas and cruise the Maldives
- ... or what about a 6-day Maldives Dhoni Cruise
Last updated: Feb 8, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Helicopter Rescue insurance for tourists from AUSTRALIA
by Eerene 13 September 2011
Hi again, guys. Just for the info, got a reply from columbus direct and they do not cover australians. here's list of countries they work…
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RE: lakshadweep
by edwardseco 12 September 2011
That I think is the point, a lot like the Maldives & Bhutan..
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RE: Rock climbing in Maldives?
by TTT 12 September 2011
Yep, the rock climbing in the Maldives is better than the dune bashing in Norway
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
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Maldives
Things to do
- All things to do (32)
- Activities (3)
- Entertainment (0)
- Restaurants (14)
- Shopping (4)
- Sights (9)
- Tours (2)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Maldives
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1 Fushifaru Thila
Manta rays, sharks, sweetlips and turtles abound at this diving site
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2 Male'
The Maldives' modern face, this thriving, fascinating capital is quite unlike anywhere else in the country
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3 Isdhoo
Buddhist remains from the Maldives' pre-Islamic past have been impressively excavated here
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4 Maa Kandu & Kuda Kandu
Surviving the coral bleaching, the astonishing coral here is the best in the country
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5 Gan
The new road from Gan enables you to see Maldivian villages and towns on your own terms
Fast Facts about Maldives
- Number of internally displaced people since the tsunami
11, 000
- Percentage of population living in Male’
27%
- Number of atolls
26
- Number of shark attacks since 1976
none
- Percentage of GDP spent on defence
5.5%
- Area
90, 000 sq km (above water 300 sq km)
- Inflation
6.8%
- Population
360,000
- Percentage of the country that is water
99.9%
- GDP per capita
US$2509
Our favourite Maldives Blogs (beta)
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The Maldives is Not Only a Paradise for Honeymooners
Blog: Ciao Bambino! - 15 September 2011
The Maldives is the exotic paradise I’ve always imagined with palm trees, white sand beaches, and water the color of a Tiffany box. What is often perceived as an ideal honeymoon destination or couple escape proved to be one of our most memorable family holidays to date. I mean, why wouldn’t you take your kids to paradise?
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Wild Side of Travel: animal photo tribute
Blog: Todd's Wanderings - 19 July 2010
Interesting characters are usually the center piece of my travels. They help make a place memorable either by their actions, personalities and generosity. However, there is another group of actors that deserves attention, our fury and feathered friends in the animal world. They participate in festivals, live monastic lives in temples, sneak into our rooms at night, and play hide and seek while we tramp through their neighborhoods in 4-wheel drive vehicles. They have made many of my trips extraordinary and unforgettable.
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Boat, Sea and Sky: Travel Photo Contest Friday 11
Blog: Todd's Wanderings - 25 June 2010
Update: There were some great guesses this week but alas no clear winner. I could say we are all winners for participating..blah blah blah. Thanks for all of the participation and nice comments about the photo. I took this shot in the Maldives while I was on a live-aboard for a week scuba diving. It is hard not taking nice pictures when the scenery is so beautiful. Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday. If this is your first time visiting, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels and you guess where it is.
