Joanna James
A holiday in the Maldives is so much more than sun, sand and sea. Not that anyone ever complains about the gorgeous tropical island vibes, sun-bleached sandy beaches and cuisine fresh from the ocean, but there's more. Read on to learn why Maldives holidays are unmatched worldwide.
What more can you expect but the best from the ocean when you holiday on an archipelago spread across the warm waters of the Indian Ocean? In the Maldives fish is a staple, and fishing is its main economy. Seafood and luxury dining in the Maldives are a great pair. Book your stay at one of the best luxury resorts located on a private island and you can shamelessly let out the foodie in you to tuck into all the mouth-watering goodies on the menu. The islands are home to luxury resort chains like Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, which makes it easy to pick a hotel in the Maldives to enjoy the very best of luxury stays on the archipelago.
Seafood is the primary ingredient in most traditional dishes served in the Maldives. Coconut and starchy ingredients make up the rest. A firm favourite is tuna, especially skipjack tuna. Fish is cooked fresh or smoked, and dried for making traditional favourites such as soups, and fresh fish salads with creamy coconut shavings make up the menu in most households. If you book a stay at a luxury resort in the Maldives, you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes including mouth-watering delights such as lobster, prawn, crab and other delicacies of the ocean.
Festivals on the islands are often national affairs that lead to music and dance as well as food taking centre stage. The islanders are proud of their heritage and celebrate in style. Many festivals include colourful pageants that take place along the streets; folk dances, troops of marching bands and even children dressed in brightly coloured costumes fill the streets on these occasions. Religion is a focal point of celebrations on the archipelago which is a 100% Islam nation. Some notable festivals that you may find interesting to be a part of include Ramadan, Prophet Mohammed's birthday, Kula Eid and so on. National holidays too are given prominence and are an excuse for more celebrations by the laid-back islanders. Some notable national holidays include Independence Day, the day national hero Mohamed Thakurufaanu triumphed over the Portuguese colonists in 1573 and Independence Day.
This is a prominent feature of the Maldivian culture. Bodu Beru drumming is part of the nation's indigenous culture and is a type of folk music that is more familiar around the northern atolls of the archipelago. The type of drumming involved in Bodu Beru is likened to those of African culture with many historians believing that visiting merchants from the African continent may have influenced the tradition. Either way, you can enjoy Bodu Beru drumming as part of your experiences in the Maldives as many resorts offer to expose guests to drumming as part of their entertainment. Bodu Beru drumming at traditional Maldivian weddings is a common feature with many foreigners choosing to have the wedding celebrations on the islands also opting for this form of entertainment.
In addition to its exquisite cuisine and vibrant culture, the Maldives is renowned for its warm and welcoming hospitality. The locals, known as Maldivians, take pride in their genuine hospitality and make visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. Whether you're interacting with resort staff, exploring local communities, or participating in cultural activities, you'll be greeted with genuine smiles and a friendly demeanour. The hospitality of the Maldivian people adds a special touch to your holiday experience, creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere throughout your stay.
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.
