Joanna James
As a collection of over 1200 islands, the Maldives is a beach lover's dream come true. From the country's pristine natural beauty to its exciting water sports activity options, here are 5 reasons why the Maldives should be your next holiday destination.
Home to some of the world's finest luxury resorts and accommodation providers, overwater villas have become a top reason to head to the Maldives in recent years. Offering guests the chance to vacation in a 5-star suite suspended over the ocean, the facilities and amenities contained within these overwater abodes are almost an afterthought considering their spectacular location. With Niyama Private Islands Maldives and other properties and private islands in Maldives gaining worldwide popularity, it is easy to see why these stunning ocean-based hospitality hotspots are drawing visitors in their thousands.
Although the official tourist season in the Maldives extends from December to March, the archipelago is one of the few countries in the world where water sports activities are accessible all year round. While you may experience the best surfing or scuba diving conditions during a particular period, there's no denying the possibility of engaging in a plethora of water-based activities regardless of the timing of your getaway. While snorkelling, diving, jet skiing and windsurfing are some of the better-known water sports adventures accessible in the Maldives, the country's turquoise waters also provide excellent conditions for water skiing, Stand Up paddle boarding, banana boating, parasailing and flyboarding.
The diversity of the outbound excursions on offer on the islands is another reason why the Maldives is a top-tier beach holiday hotspot. While a getaway in the Caribbean or neighbouring beach hubs including Sri Lanka and Thailand offers holidaymakers the chance to unwind in spectacular seaside settings, the sailing opportunities that are available are decidedly more limited. In addition, to whale and dolphin watching safaris and sunset cruises, tourists can embark on full-day or multi-day island hopping tours to explore the hundreds of uninhabited isles that make up the Maldivian archipelago. Catamaran and dhoni expeditions as well as night-time fishing tours also make the prospect of a Maldivian holiday more attractive to sailing enthusiasts while families can also charter a yacht and spend their days exploring the unchartered territories of the islands with a full staff and crew on board.
With easy access to fresh seafood all year round, authentic Maldivian cuisine is another compelling reason for foodies to travel to the isles. Whether it's humble comfort food varieties such as the Garudhiya soup or decadent snacks such as Reef Fish Cutlets, vacationers will find that only the finest seafood is used to prepare these traditional delicacies. So, while seafood restaurants in most South Asian beach capitals may serve grilled and BBQ dishes from the catch of the day, no other destination's culinary heritage is as deeply linked with the sea as it is in the Maldives.
Where else but in the Maldives can one tie the knot in an underwater chapel or wine and dine in a submerged restaurant? As a country where what lies below the waves is just as enchanting as what lies above, the country's iconic underwater restaurants, clubs and chapel have made it a must-visit destination for those who love novelty experiences.
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.
