Powder white sand, fluttering palm trees and water of a hundred turquoise shades kissing the sky on the horizon as it extends to who knows where. Welcome to the Maldives, sitting pretty in the middle of the Indian Ocean as a string of over 1,000 coral islands with around 200 inhabited. The first settlers of the Maldives were from southern India and Sri Lanka, but now the population of the Maldives belongs almost fully to the Maldivians. With such breath-taking views and flourishing resorts, the economy is dependent on tourism with over 130 resort islands and growing.
Of course, being surrounded by a shimmering ocean means that water-based activities are boundless throughout the day and into the evening. Choose snorkeling safaris to explore the life and colour beneath the surface, diving to swim with the underwater residents, or racing on jet skies. There are opportunities to learn from a scuba diving instructor and progress toward certification. Boat trips range from dolphin watching and stargazing to line-fishing as well as the sunset cruises to toast the day and the light show radiating around the sky.
It’s more than the ocean
During my visit to the Maldives, I stayed at the Sun Siyam Olivehli which provided a happy balance of water-based activities to on land experiences. Days started with yoga, group walks along the beach or Pilates in a studio. Tuition in painting with acrylics captured the beauty of the surroundings in permanent vibrant colours providing an immersive experience with your own canvas masterpiece to take home. There was training too for those ocean activities – this resort boasts the largest pool in the Maldives at 210m long. With hydrotherapy pools, steam and saunas, there are spas to enjoy relaxing massages while watching fish swim serenely below from over water treatment rooms… bliss.
Infusing Maldivian culture, the local island walking tour excursion took half an hour to travel from luxury resort living to rural life, a trip which is popular with guests. With a population of 2,000, Guraidhoo Island is quiet and genteel, with a few low-key guesthouses. Small houses line narrow alleyways which are draped with guava and rose apple trees while souvenir shops have shelves full with coral and silver jewellery on Middle Street. There is a diving and water sports centre, a village bank, government offices, three mosques, a football pitch and a school. A centre for special needs is located on this island, supported by the Government and has been helped by various sponsorship activities by the Sun Siyam Olhiveli Resort. On this village island, there is a strict dress code for visiting tourists.
The Sun Siyam Olhuveliis a multi-island resort connected by bridges, offering 15 categories of accommodation including over-water villas. Romance Island is dedicated to adults. Each island has different facilities such as restaurants, bars, spas and activities. The new Grand Beach Suite with Pool on Dream Island has a patio garden with an outdoor and indoor shower and a bathtub begging to be used. In the front there’s a private pool and then the eye leads you to the sea, passing sun loungers on the way to creamy strips of powdery sand. It’s contemporary, sophisticated and chic.
Local Food
As fishing is the second largest industry, seafood, especially tuna is a big part of the local diet. A traditional breakfast dish is Mas huni, made with tuna, onion, coconut, lime juice, salt to taste and chilli. This dish is usually eaten with freshly baked roshi (flatbread) and sweetened hot tea. Many dishes are rice-based and feature ingredients commonly found in South Asian cuisine, such as coconut, cumin, curry leaves, chili, and cardamom.
Visit Malé
Malé is the capital of the Maldives and known for its mosques and colourful buildings. The fish market is a popular tourist attraction and height of activity where fishermen bring their daily catch. The Friday Mosque is the oldest and most revered site on Malé island which displays unique architectural features, artwork and traditional carvings.
Conservation
Climate change is a very present threat to the country and its way of life. The Maldives have been a leading country in conservation efforts and creating a sustainable environment. They have already begun facing environmental-related problems, such as soil erosion and beach loss as well. As reducing single-use plastic, and minimizing pesticide use.
Next steps
To plan and book your island adventure to the Maldives, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 4567.
