Visit Maldives – Islands Of Paradise

The Maldives is one of the best places to dive or snorkel with whale sharks. These gentle giants can grow to over 30 feet long.

Picture this : crystal clear water, perfectly soft, white sand, and a lush tropical setting. If that sounds like heaven to you, then you might just need to book a trip to the Maldives. Situated in South Asia, this nation of tiny islands lies just north of the equator in the Indian Ocean. A true paradise, you’ve likely seen many images of the Maldives online featuring over-water huts and stunning resorts. A favorite destination of honeymooners, the Maldives offers much more than just lounging on the perfect sandy beaches all day. Most resorts offer luxurious spas such as the Iridium Spa at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. In addition to typical massages and facials you might find at any spa, at the Iridium Spa guests can experience unique treatments such as the Caviar Journey which uses a caviar as a serum to revitalize the skin; the facial is capped off with a lavender-infused bathing experience like no other!

While you might need the spa treatments when you first arrive (getting to the Maldives is easily an 18-24-hour journey from anywhere in the US), if relaxing indoors is not quite your thing, you need not to worry. Luxury resorts like LUX South Ari Atoll offer a plethora of exciting watersport activities for your entertainment.

You can choose from jet skis, water-skis, hoverboards, wakeboards and catamaran outings just to name a few. While you are out in the ocean, you’ll likely be fortunate enough to see some of the Maldives’ enchanting wildlife. The Maldives is one of the best places to dive or snorkel with whale sharks. These gentle giants (which can grow to over 30 feet long!) are the largest known fish species and if you are looking to see them, the best time to visit is between December and May. The Maldives is home to hundreds of species of coral and over 1,000 different species of fish.

From beginners to experts, every resort will offer options for snorkeling or scuba diving, and it’s not something to miss. If you’re up for some extra adventure, there are several shipwreck dives around the Maldives, including the Victory wreck, a sunken cargo ship in the North Male Atoll, and the Kudu Giri wreck in the South Male Atoll. During your dive, you will see that the ships have become one with nature and are just teeming with aquatic life, acting as an artificial reef.

With all the exploring you’ll be doing, you will likely work up quite an appetite. Not to worry, resorts like the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offer numerous dining options on-site. There are nearly 10 dining options at this Four Seasons property alone, including Seabar, an amazing tapas style restaurant right over the water, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and the most delicious frozen drinks.

If you’ve come all the way to the Maldives, you’ll likely be staying at a resort property on its own island, but it’s worth taking a day or two to explore Male, the capital of the Maldives and the most populated city. Be sure to check out the National Museum which houses a collection of artifacts and explores the history and culture of the Maldives. You also won’t want to miss a drive by of Mulee’aage, which is the ornate official residence of the President of the Maldives, and was built in the early 1900s. Afterwards, grab a bite at the Seagull Cafe House, a cute bistro surrounded by trees with a large menu that is sure to please the whole crowd. You will definitely want to stay for dessert as this restaurant is known for its ice cream.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beachcomber, a foodie, or a history buff, the Maldives has something for everyone to explore – and who wouldn’t want to go exploring in paradise!