For a holiday dedicated to sun, sea and sand it doesn't get much better than the Maldives. This extraordinary country is located in the Indian Ocean and is an archipelago made up of thousands of mostly tiny little sun bathed islands surrounded by a very inviting warm turquoise blue sea.
A holiday in the Maldives can vary from being a Robinson Crusoe experience, but with all the amenities and comforts, to something a bit more raunchy like a Club Med resort complete with parties, drinking and games. It's also a divers and snorkellers paradise. It is genuinely quite difficult to view so much stunning sea life in water no deeper than your knee anywhere else in the world – it even beats the Caribbean on that score.
Those willing to go out a bit deeper will be greeted by the sight of much larger fish and if lucky sometimes even sea turtles and dolphins. Fortunately, most of this sea life is quite safe. For those going to the Maldives to mainly sample the sea life should consider more isolated island resorts, but be warned they do take longer to get to. These places will often have more larger fish and sea creatures swimming in shallower water as they're disturbed less by human activity. But as all the resorts are nature reserves even those where there is a lot of human activity will support plenty of colourful sea life.
Accommodation in the Maldives
But if pure relaxation is the aim, then the Maldives is also quite possibly the best place in the world to be. Most of the Maldives resort islands are surrounded by fine powdery white sand, most have swimming pools (though the sea is much more fun) and nearly all try and build some sort of theme around the bar and restaurant. Usually its a play on being in paradise with roofs typically thatched with palm tree leaves, a bit like Hawaii. Some of the bars are positioned so holiday makers can enjoy the sunset, which can be a truly spectacular sight.
Resorts range from being very basic and cheap to the absolute height of luxury, one of them even has an underwater restaurant! Those willing to pay for the privilege can have their own islands or relatively isolated water bungalows with their own boat. But most offer either water bungalows connected to the land by walkways or beach bungalows, which are cheaper.
The Maldives for nearly everyone
Different island resorts are geared to different types of holiday maker. There are those that are aimed at honeymoon couples, families or young single people looking to have some fun and of course hard core divers and water sports fans. Some of the bigger Maldives island resorts cater for different types of tourist simultaneously and will typically host facilities, such as multiple bars and restaurants, swimming pools, tennis and badminton courts, a gym, football, volley ball and even a golf course. Still the term “big” is relative, as these islands will rarely be more than a kilometre or two long. However, the really tiny islands may only measure a couple of hundred metres and can only host about 30 holiday makers at a time and will have limited facilities, but will still be comfortable. These are usually best suited for honey moon couples or those just wanting lots of rest, peace and quiet. Also, the Maldives are quite different from any of the sun and sea holidays in southern Europe.
For those considering a holiday in the Maldives it is vital to research the resort carefully in advance. Look at the hotel's website and read recent reviews on the web to get an idea what kind of holiday maker it is targeted at and if it is a good place to stay. Also, all inclusive packages are advisable as food and drink tends to be expensive. If coming from the UK try and avoid flying with Monarch airlines, the service is poor and the airline is constantly delayed. Sri Lankan Airlines, for example, is a much better alternative.
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