Atolls, Lagoons and the Art of Island Living
The Maldives is an island nation of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka, known for overwater villas, pale sand and clear lagoons. Roughly 1,200 small islands are grouped into about 26 natural atolls, and the country has one of the lowest average elevations in the world. Its capital, Malé, is a compact and busy island city, while the rest of the country is a scatter of resort islands, fishing communities and uninhabited sandbanks. The scale is intimate: most resorts occupy an island of their own.
Arrival is part of the experience. Many guests transfer by seaplane or speedboat, watching the atolls appear as rings of green and turquoise below. Resort life centres on the reef: snorkelling straight off the beach, diving among manta rays and whale sharks in places such as Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and sunset dolphin cruises. Food leans on tuna, coconut and chilli, with dishes such as mas huni, a breakfast of tuna, coconut and onion eaten with flatbread.
Overwater Villas, Reefs and Local Islands
Choice runs from barefoot, castaway-style hideaways to grand, multi-restaurant resorts, and increasingly to guesthouses on inhabited local islands such as Maafushi, which open the country to a broader range of travellers. Spa pavilions over the water, underwater restaurants and private sandbank dinners have become signature experiences, and honeymooners and families alike are well served. North Malé and South Malé atolls are closest to the airport, while Ari, Baa, Lhaviyani and Addu atolls offer further variety.
Culture rewards a short visit. Malé's fish market, the Old Friday Mosque and the daily rhythm of dhoni boats show the island way of life, and local festivals mark the Islamic calendar. Many guests combine the Maldives with another destination, such as the Seychelles for a twin-ocean trip, or with Dubai and India on the route out. A hotel group can showcase villa categories, wellness programmes and marine conservation work to exactly the right audience.
Read the full The Maldives guide on Visit Travel Group, or see TheMaldives.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.