Take a trip to the exotic Maldives and stay in style

Photo: Maldives panorama CC BY-ND 2.0 Mac Qin

If you are looking for an exotic island destination offering the best in crystal clear waters and clean white sand, you just can’t go wrong by heading to the Maldives. This island nation is nestled in the Indian Ocean and consists of a double chain of 26 atolls lying between the southernmost part of India and around 750 kilometers south west of Sri Lanka.

The Maldives has experienced a varied history of occupations, including the colonial powers of Portugal, the Netherlands and Britain from the mid-16th century and the Maldives finally gained independence from Britain in 1968 and became the Republic of Maldives. The capital of the Maldives is the city of Malé, which is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and is situated on North Malé Atoll.  As can be seen from the photo, the city completely occupies the atoll with no space to extend any further. Besides being the most densely populated cities, it is also the lowest lying and many are concerned as to the effect on this city should sea levels rise. Malé itself consists of a central island, an airport island, and two other islands.

Photo: CC by SA 3.0 Shahee Ilyas

While Malé itself is a busy place to visit, other Atolls in the Maldives are of more attraction for holiday makers, some with exotic and traditional accommodation, such as that on offer by Overwater Bungalows. In these luxury villa accommodations you are literally sleeping over the water and can walk out to a clear turquoise view with incredibly blue skies, turning around to see palm-fringed beaches. There are several beautiful resorts to choose from throughout the islands.

Photo: Maldives in the morning CC BY-ND 2.0 Mac Qin

Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives with the archipelago of islands popular with tourists worldwide. The beautiful islands, crystal clear waters and the charming people of the islands make for a great touristic draw.

A typical tourist resort in the Maldives consists of islands offering exclusive accommodation and the population of that island is made up of tourists and employees of the resort, with no local people or houses. Each resort offers a range of different sized accommodations along with restaurants, shops, coffee bars, discos and diving schools for the newly initiated.

In the restaurants, the typical Maldivian cuisine can be enjoyed along with international options. The typical local food is healthy and delicious, consisting mainly of fish and coconuts, which are used in the grated form and squeezed to obtain coconut oil or milk to use in the dishes. Delicious curries are most definitely the order of the day.

Activities in the islands revolve around the beaches and sea, with water sports such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing and kite boarding all great attractions.

In conclusion, for those looking for an exotic paradise in which to spend their next holiday, where sheer relaxation, gorgeous palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters are the order of the day, the Maldives is the absolutely perfect choice.

Photo: Maldives sunset CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Over One Million Views