Maldives travel guide

Maldives guide

The prototypical Maldives tourists would be a pair of newly-wed underwater enthusiasts. Well, make that a flush couple of honeymooning scuba-divers, for this is a potentially pricey destination. But as the old adage runs, you get what you pay for, and the Maldives' 1,190 island grouped on 26 atolls in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean are without doubt one of the most exclusive destinations in the region.

Only around 200 of the islands are inhabited, and some 80 of them are home to resorts fully geared to the whims of 'paradise-seekers' and divers. Many of these grace the upper echelons of 5-star accommodation, designed with flair and sympathy for their surrounds and dispensing cuisine and services more readily associated with major cities rather than far-flung sandy islets. Expect full-board packages, as there are few dining options off site, and be aware that your hotel is the only place you will find alcohol, the Maldives is very Muslim in this respect.

The vast majority of visitors fly into the international airport near Mal, the capital city, if that is the right term for a huddle of mosques, markets and a neat maze of streets. In its favour, Mal does offer some inexpensive accommodation, as well as granting a window into local culture.

The Maldives are warm and sunny year round, however the dry season (December- April) is most favoured by visitors. Rain is more likely between May and November. Divers usually agree that the best underwater visibility is during the months of seasonal change in April and November. And it is diving (with the peripheral attraction of other water sports) that acts as the Maldives' chief allure, although El Nino has had a damaging impact in recent years. There are hundreds of easily accessible sites, while more can be reached in diving safari trips. Once below the surface there are veritable academies of fish, magnificent coral gardens, prowling turtles, manta ray, whales and sharks as well as what experts agree is one of the wreck dives, the Maldive Victory, off Hulule Airport. Above the waves, parasailing, waterskiing and windsurfing are on offer, and there are some excellent if slightly remote surf breaks. Big game fishing is also popular, although a strict 'tag and release' policy is in force.

As for other recreation, this is a definitely a couples venue rather than singles' vacationland, and there is little in the way of nightlife. However, a blissful tropical island and the seclusion of four-poster swathed in a mosquito net should be inspiration enough for most couples, whether they have just got married or not.

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