Listly by Joanna James
As one of the world's most pristine environments, the Maldives is a dream location for a post-pandemic getaway. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to head down to the paradise archipelago once international travel is possible and feasible.
The Maldives is not your average beach holiday hub. Unlike neighbouring Sri Lanka, it is not made up of a single island. With more than 1200 islands scattered across an area of no less than 870 kilometres, the Maldives allows visitors to experience a private piece of paradise of their own. The fact that most resorts occupy an entire island means that holidaying in the Maldives is as close to vacationing on a private island as tourists can get. The secluded beaches, the spacious and spread-out over-water villas of Heritance Aarah Maldives and countless other luxury Maldives resorts are what make self-isolation a possibility in the country. This means the risk of contracting COVID-19 on holiday is greatly reduced.
One natural attribute that keeps attracting visitors to the Maldives is its rich marine life heritage, which also includes being the only destination in the world that is home to five coral species. The colourful and breathtaking underwater landscapes of the Maldives can be explored on a snorkelling excursion or a scuba diving tour as the islands also provide excellent water and visibility conditions for engaging in these types of deep-sea exploration activities.
If you are concerned about hobnobbing with large travel groups or fellow holidaymakers, then the Maldivian hospitality industry caters specifically to your needs. Unlike a getaway in Paris, London, or even Thailand, the chances of encountering hordes of tourists are quite low in the Maldives due to the layout of resort islands and how the tourism landscape is designed to offer beachgoers a sense of holidaying in seclusion.
As the main reason that most tourists travel to the Maldives in the first place, the sheer variety of water sports activities accessible in the island nation is truly staggering. Whether it's surfing, waterskiing, kayaking, or jet skiing, there are dedicated water sports centres and tour packages for those who wish to enjoy wakeboarding, parasailing, stand-up paddling, and windsurfing during a vacation in the Maldives.
Seafood lovers and those with a passion for Asian fusion cuisine will find no finer holiday hotspot than the Maldives. With its local culinary school boasting elements of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences, the coconut milk-infused curries and dishes of Maldivian cuisine is a compelling reason to spend time in the island nation.
After spending months at home due to mass lockdowns, there's nothing better than exploring the wide-open spaces and waters of the Maldives to reorient yourself to the post-pandemic era. Embarking on sailing and sunset cruises is a great way to melt away the stress of spending time indoors due to the pandemic.