Joanna James
While the Maldives is known for its beaches and rich marine heritage, very few travellers experience all there is to enjoy in the country's nightlife scene. While clubbing and bar hopping are largely unavailable in this Islamic nation, there are fun things to do once the sun goes down in paradise.
As an activity that can be experienced in waters with excellent visibility as those fringing the Maldivian islands, night diving is for seasoned scuba diving fanatics only. Regarded as an activity that is both daring and adventurous, diving beneath the waves under the veil of the night can prove to be exhilarating once in a lifetime encounter with the country's marine life heritage. Exploring the coral reef gardens and the countless underwater landscapes of the Maldives after nightfall is a whole new experience as Alimatha is deemed the best diving hub for night diving enthusiasts. Teeming with reef sharks, tropical fish and manta rays, this mesmerizing diving hub provides all the action one can take during a night out in the water.
Open-air cinemas in the Maldives are not the run-of-the-mill drive-ins one is used to seeing in the United States and elsewhere but an oceanfront movie experience like no other. Several resorts in the country organize these spectacular entertainment showcases once or twice a week where guests can watch classic Hollywood films seated on bean bags or plush seats set right on the beach. Jungle cinemas are another variation of this concept that is also on offer in the Maldives where a space in the tropical jungles of the islands are selected and cleared to house chairs and a projection screen for movie night.
Taking private dining to another level, dinner for two in a private island is one of the most romantic activities couples can enjoy in the Maldives. With so many uninhabited islands located close to many resorts, diners can have their pick of a private paradise in which to wine and dine for the night. A boat transfer quickly transports the guests to the island where a delicious meal and a personal butler await right on the beach.
While the Maldives is not home to many clubs and drinking holes, Subsix is a rarity all travellers must encounter at least once during a night out in the archipelago. This one of a kind bar and club is located 6m below the surface of the water and is an underwater entertainment hotspot like no other. Cocktails and fine wines are served well into the night of this unique disco which stays open till the wee hours of the morning. Those based at Embudu Village or any similar beach resort in Maldives will find that the venue is accessible to most five-star resort islands.
Head to the nation's capital to sing your favourite tunes in some of the finest cocktail lounges in the region. Located in hotels and resorts alike, these lively lounges are always packed with locals and tourists who love to live out their dreams of being a pop star for a night.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
