Joanna James
A vacation in the Maldives will be quite unlike any other! This beach lover's paradise holds many incredible experiences that ought not to be missed. Here are some of the top picks so you won't miss out on your Maldivian adventure.
After you arrive at the airport, unless you are staying in Male or nearby atolls, you will have to take a transfer to your accommodation. Usually, there will be two options: via seaplane or speed boat. Go by seaplane whenever possible, especially if you are staying at a distance from the Male atolls. Sure, it will cost a bit more, but the views you will get of the archipelago are ones you will rarely forget! Deep blue ocean, glistening white beaches, coral reefs, and lagoons are all views that you can savour from a seaplane.
Some resorts in the Maldives have their house reefs plus a lagoon. If this option is something within your budget, it's worthwhile to check it out! It will be the ultimate experience for those who love to snorkel and dive. These reefs provide shelter to a plethora of sea creatures, like colourful fish, sea turtles, sharks and manta rays.
Water villas are primarily found only in the Maldives and in French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. Presently, worldwide there are roughly 8,000 water villas and two-thirds are in the Maldives. These luxury villas are made to stand on stilts in a lagoon overlooking a nearly endless expanse of water. The sea and lagoon at your beck and call 24/7 will be quite an experience. Everything you will require is just a button away, so you can revel in luxury with minimum worry. These stunning villas come fully equipped with all amenities. You can relax on an outdoor terrace or sip a glass of wine in your infinity pool. The glass floor panelling will allow you to see the fish beneath your feet, while the retractable roofs allow you to immerse in the tropical night sky. All inclusive hotels in Maldives the likes of VARU by Atmosphere are among the top choices you can consider for a water-villa experience.
Also known to the locals as ‘Vandumaafaru’, Hanifaru bay is one of the highlights of the Baa atoll Reserve. This bay is regarded as a vital feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. If you go snorkelling here, you will have an incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures like never before. Diving, however, is restricted within the bay for the time being. The best period to see manta rays is between May and November, but whale sharks are visible throughout the year. Hanifaru Bay is one of the most strictly monitored snorkelling locations in the world! No more than 80 people are allowed to enter the bay at any given time. Also, know that each snorkeler is granted only 45 minutes, but still, for avid lovers of sea life, this will be a one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets will have to be purchased from resorts affiliated with the Manta Trust.
Visit some inhabited islands to know what life is really like in the Maldives! It will be the best way to experience Maldivian life and see how the locals thrive. Most island communities live simple lifestyles centred around fishing and household chores. They are pious Muslims and live according to the Muslim calendar. Visiting an island like Dhigurah, Thulhaadhoo, Utheemu Island and Villingili among many others will be a unique experience.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
