The Maldives
The Maldives
A nation of sea and sand
About The Maldives
Image courtesy of One&Only
With over 99% of its territory being water, the Maldives is less a country of land and more a nation of the sea. It is the world’s flattest and lowest-lying country, a delicate scattering of over 1 000 coral islands across the Indian Ocean.
Its unique geography makes it the vision of paradise: tiny, palm-fringed islands of powdery white sand, each one ringed by a turquoise lagoon.
The Maldivian experience is one of pure escapism, encapsulated in its “one island, one resort” concept. Your destination is your resort, and your delivery to your overwater villa is by speedboat or seaplane.
The world beneath the waves is as spectacular. The country’s 26 atolls stand on a submerged volcanic mountain range, creating a world-class sanctuary for marine life. Vibrant coral reefs teem with colourful fish, and the warm waters are a magnet for manta rays and whale sharks.
While its history as a maritime crossroads on ancient trade routes has imbued the Maldives with a unique cultural legacy, today it is synonymous with barefoot luxury. It is a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with profoundly beautiful nature, and all you have to do is move with the rhythm of the tides and the colours of the sunset.
Top travel tips for The Maldives
Did you know
The Maldives is the lowest and flattest country in the world, with an average ground-level elevation of just 1.5m (4.9ft) above sea level
Understand your transfers: getting to your resort is part of the adventure. Transfers from the main airport in Malé will be via speedboat or seaplane. Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, so be sure to time your international flight arrival accordingly
Respect alcohol restrictions: the Maldives is a Muslim country, and alcohol is strictly prohibited and unavailable on local inhabited islands, including the capital, Malé. It is readily available within the self-contained private resorts, however
Pack reef-safe sunscreen: the equatorial sun is incredibly strong. To protect both your skin and the fragile coral ecosystems, it is essential to use a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen that is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate
US dollars are the primary tourist currency: while the Maldivian rufiyaa is the local currency, US dollars are widely used and accepted for all expenses within resorts, including tips. It’s a good idea to bring smaller denomination bills for tipping
Dress modestly on local islands: if you plan an excursion from your resort to a local inhabited island or the capital city of Malé, it is important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees, for both men and women
The Maldives is truly a paradise on Earth.”
