Six facts about Maldivian culture - Shaped by the sea

For travellers, this is the most important fact about the seascape destination. The Maldivian leisure industry grew organically and with some effort over the years to become sophisticated and worldly. That is why thousands of tourists flock to luxury resort islands to drink in the natural beauty and escape into bliss. The best way to enjoy the Maldives as a visitor is to splurge on a luxurious villa and spend time indulging yourself. People who love getting as close as possible to the sea would love overwater villas. A number of Maldives 5 star hotels offer numerous villa options to visitors. Check with resorts like the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo to see if you can find a villa to fit your needs. For example, if you book a water villa you can enjoy captivating views daily and be as close to the sea as you like.

Beach destinations all over the world love to talk about pristine white sand. But, in the case of the Maldives, the sand is truly white. And why is this? It is because the sand there is made up of coralline. Most other beaches have sand made up of quartz which gives a yellow tinge. In the Maldives, you can find true white sand. This type of sand is rare and occurs in about 5 per cent of beaches in the world.

The sunny nation is blessed with a thriving marine ecosystem. The Maldives is a safe haven for five out of the seven marine turtles recognized in the world. You can find loggerhead turtles, delicate green turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherbacks in the waters of the Maldives. The season between July to August is the best time to see marine turtles in the Maldives.

Travellers to the Maldives can experience the country like locals with dhoni rides. These traditional seafaring vessels don't use GPS or even compasses to navigate the waters. The boat captains rely on the movement of water in the lagoons to steer clear of danger. Sometimes, they rely on star patterns to cruise the waters at night.

Long ago, wealthy houses in the Maldives were made with corals. They used corals gathered from shallow reef flats. Mostly, these were used for mosques or tombstones. But some wealthy people also built their houses from coral – showing off their opulence. This practice is no more as the coral reefs are now protected. But you can still see some ancient coral houses in the Maldives.

The elegant coconut tree is the national tree of the Maldives. These trees last about a hundred years and give the people of the archipelago food, drinks, and material for dhoni boats and rope.