In the Maldives, luxury resorts set the bar for superior island living. Overwater villas are standard, spas dangle above lagoons, and restaurants spill onto white-sand beaches or house reefs.
The country is also a paradise for families (many of the best Maldives resorts are top-rated for kid-friendly activities) and romantic couples. And while there is plenty to do, the pace of life here is low.
Beaches
The beach is at the heart of any Maldivian resort and is where the bulk of guests’ time will be spent. It’s also a key factor that sets this tropical destination apart from the rest.
The beaches of the Maldives are a paradise for marine life. Coral reefs thrive in clear, shallow waters and are a magnet for visitors who brush up their Putonghua on safe’snorkelling’ tours and stroll along the silky-soft sands to snorkel over a house reef that’s teeming with life.
It’s easy to see why the beaches of this Indian Ocean archipelago are a draw for visitors from all over the world. The sands are beautiful, the waters are clean and the calibre of hotels is sky high. Overwater villas are a given and there’s no shortage of spas, bars and restaurants to choose from, many with an eye on sustainability. There’s a new generation of resorts pushing the boundaries of luxury island living.
Water Sports
With 99% of the country consisting of ocean, Maldives is a water sports paradise. Get your adrenaline pumping with fun tube and sofa rides, try out windsurfing and catamaran sailing, or cruise around the calm lagoons on a kayak.
If you’re looking for something more exciting, try out flyboarding. This adventurous water sport involves standing on a board attached to a jet pack that moves you through the water at high speeds. You will be provided with floatation devices to keep you safe in case you fall off the board, while a helmet will help prevent head injuries.
Those who prefer to be at ease in the water should try out snorkelling or underwater walking. Both activities are suitable for all ages and provide you with the opportunity to spot exotic sea creatures like manta rays, whale sharks and nudibranchs. Fishing is also very popular here, especially the night fishing where you can enjoy the excitement of catching exotic big fishes including napoleon wrasse, snappers, squirrelfish and jacks while relaxing on the deck of your Dhoni.
Food & Drinks
Since the country is almost 99% sea, seafood plays a major role in local cuisine, but visitors can enjoy dishes from all over the world at resorts. Choose from Japanese teppanyaki, fine Italian dining, spicy Indian flavours and traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as buffets and more casual fare.
The upscale, all-inclusive Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a range of restaurants that offer international, Asian and Italian cuisines. The hotel also has bars and several lounges where you can sip cocktails and tropical juices. There’s even a wine cellar that offers over 400 different brands of wines.
The luxurious and famous resort is composed of 2 islands connected by a wooden bridge. Guests can try out seafood and steaks cooked over a fire (grill, tandoor and oven) at Fuddan Fusion Grill. You can also enjoy a wide selection of wines at Terrazzo or savour dishes from Thailand at Baan Huraa. Other highlights include an original terrace bar where hammocks are suspended over the sea and a large selection of snacks and drinks at 73 Degrees.
Activities
The Maldives have a lot to offer beachgoers – and not just sand and water. Honeymooners can pamper themselves with exotic couple massages, snorkelers can explore the coral reefs, and adventure seekers can indulge in an array of over & underwater activities.
Some resorts also place an emphasis on experiencing local culture and tradition. For example, Secret Paradise, based on the island of Hurra, invites guests to visit a small village in the neighboring inhabited island of Villimale for a chance to learn how the residents live their simpler lives.
Some hotels also have partnerships with outside companies to offer more unique experiences. For instance, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has partnered with Extreme Maldives Water Sports to offer a number of activities, such as wake boarding, knee boarding, surfing, and water skiing. Guests can also take a Seabob, an underwater scooter, out for a spin, which opens up a whole new level of exploration around the North Male Atoll.
