05 Must Visit Places in the Maldives - the unmissable tropical island paradise

For most tourists to the Maldives, the city of Male on its eponymous island, is just the nation's bustling capital city and is no place of any "touristic" interest. It is not at all uncommon for tourists to land in the Velana International Airport on Hulhule Island and venture right away to their resort island, leaving no room for Male on their itinerary. Contrary to popular opinion, Male has so much more to offer than just being the bustling capital city it is, especially if you are after a truly authentic Maldives experience outside your fabricated paradisiacal resort island.

Unlike most beaches of the Maldives that invite you to frolic on sugary white sand, unwind under swaying palms and bask in the soothing sun, the beach on Vaadhoo Island is meant to be enjoyed after the sun goes down. Once the azure blue skies take a profusion of yellowish oranges and the darkness begins to descend upon you, hop on a boat and set sail to Vaadhoo Island to experience the Maldives' popular glow-in-the-dark beach. The neon blue "sea of stars" sets the perfect setting for a romantic stroll along the beach or a delightful family night out.

Among the 1,200 or so islands that make up the archipelago of Maldives, Hulhumale is one of the few artificial islands in the island country. In a nation where there's absolutely no shortage of natural islands, it is certainly interesting to check out what a man-made island, such as Hulhumale, has to offer. The atmosphere here is very much similar to that of Male, which is quite logical, as the motive of the construction of Hulhumale Island is to reduce the amount of congestion in Male.

Maafushi Island of Kaafu Atoll is one of the few inhabited islands in Maldives that still has its authentic island charm intact from commercial tourism developments. While the island is best known for its oodles of nature and beauty, its proximity to Male and the capital city's transport hubs also add to its popularity. Let yourself lose and immerse in the tranquil ambience to savour the real taste of serenity.

Nestled in the far north reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, Utheemu Island is the northernmost point in the Maldives. Far off from the tourist developments of the country, the atmosphere here is as peaceful and quiet as it gets. Vacationing tourists in search of accommodation, retreat to one of the best all inclusive resorts in Maldives, including the likes of Heritance Aarah Maldives, that make your idyllic tropical getaway even more delightful.