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| Maldives |
The Maldives has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Indian Ocean for many years and understandably so. The introduction of cheap flights from a variety of UK airports and the abundance of good quality and affordable accommodation has opened up this collection of some 1000 coral island to those of us that want to see the world. Many of these island are accessible from Male by speed boat, as familiar in the Maldives as cars are in the western world. Journeys can vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours although for the longer duration and those of us who don’t possess sea legs its just as easy to take a sea plane to our chosen island. The draw of relaxing on beautiful safe beaches under year round warm sunshine and wading out in crystal clear blue sea to view shells of tropical fish has proved to much for many of us to resist.
Around 100 of these coral islands are for visitors with usually just one hotel on each island. Some have become quite sophisticated with mod cons such as air conditioning, swimming pools and luxury spa’s, a choice of restaurants and entertainment where as others have retained the typical “no news no shoes” flavour of the Maldives with thatched roofs, open air bathrooms, unheated water and few facilities. The ingenious introduction of building small bungalows on stilts out in the sea an yet attached by decking to the mainland has proved to be a winner and a far cry from my suburban home, stepping on to the sundeck of our private bungalow down 5 or 6 wooden steps into waist high warm water was something to behold.
Surrounded by crystal clear water it’s not surprising that these idyllic coral islands rank amongst the best diving destinations in the world. This is a destination to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and partake in some of the numerous activities at your leisure.
The rare beauty of the magnificent underwater world has made these islands one of the most enchanting diving destinations in the world. There are many dive sites catering for all levels of diver providing the opportunity to explore nature beneath the sea and if diving’s not for you there is some superb reef’s idea for snorkelling where visibility sometimes exceeds 50 meters. Swimming and snorkelling are at their best when the water is at it’s calmest usually in December through to April when the rainfall is at it lowest. The rainfall is at its highest during the south-west monsoon, normally May through to November. The temperature though remains around 30 degrees centigrade all year round.
Having just returned from a relaxing week lying in the sun and mixing with my fellow holiday maker I was staggered to realise just how many people thought they’d just go for a walk around the local town or would eat in a variety of local restaurants. This just isn’t that type of place, to enjoy this unspoilt natural environment as it is means there is no nipping off to the local off licence for a bottle of rum or saving your pennies and going to a local café for lunch. Due to necessity almost everything has to be imported to these tiny islands and many extras can be expensive but its possible to pre pay for most things in the UK and I assure you, a small price to pay to swim in the warm blue waters amongst tropical fish and to experience the unspoilt beauty that makes the Maldives a destination that everyone should visit.
USD 12
per night
The Central Hotel is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The hotel provides all the amenities that today's travelers desire in all of its 41 rooms. Each gu...
USD 87
per night
The Constance Moofushi Resort - All Inclusive is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. The hotel provides all the amenities that today's travelers desire in all of its 1...
USD 36
per night
With its central location, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo Resort is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Maldives. This 3-star property offers travelers a choice of 112 ple...
USD 62
per night
The Skai Lodge is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The 13 guestrooms at this 2-star hotel provide all the essential amenities needed by the business and ...
USD 70
per night
The Angaga Island Resort and Spa is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Angaga Island Resort and Spa boasts a convenient location with modern amenities ...
USD 269
per night
The Velassaru Maldives Resort is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. All 129 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities to ensure that each guest's...
USD 50
per night
The Hilton Maldives Irufushi Resort & Spa is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its...
USD 212
per night
The Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas Resort - All Inclusive is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All of the hotel's 37 guestrooms are equipped with standard ...
USD 143
per night
Discover all that Maldives has to offer with Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi Resort - All Inclusive as a base. The hotel features a wide range of modern facilities and services in its 137 well-appointed...
USD 593
per night
The Angsana Ihuru Resort is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All 45 guestrooms at the hotel provide all the comforts and conveniences guests would expect...
USD 993
per night
Discover all that Maldives has to offer with Viceroy Maldives as a base. This 5-star hotel offers 61 guestrooms, each presenting guests with all the comforts expected from a hotel in its class. Each...
USD 67
per night
The Lucky Hiya Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. This 2-star property offers travelers a choice of 35 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard am...
USD 64
per night
The Arena Lodge Maldives is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All of the hotel's 6 guestrooms are equipped with standard in-room amenities to ensure the m...
USD 373
per night
The Atoll Explorer Cruise (7 nights cruise - departs Mondays ) is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. The hotel features a wide range of modern facilities and services...
USD 158
per night
Discover all that Maldives has to offer with Cocoa Island Resort as a base. All of the hotel's 33 guestrooms are equipped with standard in-room amenities to ensure the maximum comfort for its guests....
USD 60
per night
The Zitahli Resorts & Spa Kuda-Funafaru is located in Maldives making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All the modern facilities are available in all of the hotel's 50 rooms. Eac...
USD 96
per night
Discover all that Maldives has to offer with Huvandhumaa Inn as a base. This 2-star property offers travelers a choice of 10 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in...
USD 76
per night
Discover all that Maldives has to offer with Pearl Hotel as a base. All 14 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities to ensure that each guest's satisfaction. All of the guestro...
USD 96
per night
The Gan Island Retreat is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. All 50 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities to ensure that each guest's satisfa...
USD 179
per night
The Six Senses Laamu is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Maldives. With the guests' convenience in mind, each of the 97 guestrooms at the hotel is well designed and fully equ...
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