Maldives

Located south of the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives is a chain of islands spread across the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls. Known for its sapphire blue waters teeming with a diverse marine life and luxurious resorts boasting pristine sandy beaches, the Maldives is paradise for avid divers and honeymooners.

Ocean Adventure

Make the ocean your oyster. Apart from paddling in a full-glass kayak or sailing on the open waters in a private dhoni, consider indulging in uniquely Maldivian experiences. Soak in a spa onboard a luxury yacht by Scubaspa, embark on a semi-submarine adventure to explore the ocean floor, and watch endangered green turtle hatchlings scramble across the white-sand beaches.

A couple enjoy a magical romantic meal under the sea, with sharks and fish swimming overhead.

Enjoy an underwater dining experience in Maldives

Of course, nothing beats plunging into the blue depths of the Indian Ocean to admire the surrounding coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Swim alongside the graceful manta rays, snorkel amongst the clownfish, and spot reef sharks. If you’re lucky, you can even enjoy a rare encounter with a whale shark!

Enhance your under-the-sea experience by dining at Ithaa, one of Maldives’ undersea restaurants. Partake in meticulously-prepared seafood dishes while watching the ocean’s residents go about their daily lives before your eyes.

Vibrant Capital

With its prime location in the centre of the Indian Ocean, Malé has been traditionally known as “The King’s Island”, where ancient monarchs of royal dynasties used to rule from. Malé remains a bustling city till this very day, with an intermingling of various cultures. Take your time and wander through the buzzing fruits and fish markets for the fresh catch of the day. Visit the Tsunami Monument, erected in memory of the people who lost their lives in the 2004 tsunami, and admire the spectacular Friday Mosque, decorated with traditional carvings and art forms. Spend some time at the National Museum and discover Maldives’ colourful history. You will find a large collection of historical artifacts from the Buddhist era to the rule of Islamic monarchs on display here.

Maldivian Cuisine

Also known as Dhivehi cuisine, the island cuisine of Maldives traditionally centres around coconuts, fish and starch. Tuck into an assortment of textures and flavours: crunchy street snacks, spicy curries and freshly-baked bread. Try masroshi, a Maldivian snack that consists of stuffed and fried dough, filled with tuna, grated coconut, peppers, curry leaves and lime. Don’t forget to try a steaming bowl of garudhiya, one of the staple dishes of Dhivehi cuisine. Typically served with rice or a Maldivian flatbread known as roshi, this delicious soup is made from simmered tuna and flavoured with spices such as curry leaves and chilli peppers. Complement your meal with a traditional beverage of raa, a toddy freshly tapped from local palm trees.

Wellness Haven

Wellness resorts in Maldives are reputed for allowing guests to re-discover their inner peace and re-invigorate themselves. Engage in yoga and meditation sessions with some of the resorts’ spiritual gurus or simply immerse yourself in a private jacuzzi tub in the comforts of your own room.

The Maldives is also a great opportunity to pamper your body with top-to-toe spa treatments rich in natural minerals from the sea. What’s better than letting the cooling ocean breeze sweep over your skin as you enjoy traditional massages and facial treatment on a floating ocean pavilion?

Bolster your immunity with Velaa Private Island Resort’s snow room, the first cold sauna in the Maldives, or rehydrate your skin with fragrant coconut essence and a tension-relieving body scrub at Six Senses Laamu’s signature Six Senses Spa.

For a more unique Maldivian experience, Huvafen Fushi’s Lime Spa houses an underwater spa treatment facility, the first of its kind in the world. Be enchanted by the shoals of fish darting in and out of anemones – guests have reported seeing the elegant manta rays and occasional sea turtles gliding past the glass panels!