Forget sightseeing, leave the guidebooks at home, grab your sunscreen, swimmers and a snorkel and kick back in the Maldives

From the moment your plane breaks through the cloud cover and you begin the descent over hundreds of tiny coral islands ringed with luminous turquoise waters, you’d be hard pressed not to fall in love with the Maldives.

Its largest attraction is, of course, its underwater coral gardens – something of a paradise for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving. Another major draw is its collection of luxury five-star resorts, many of which now set the standard for long-haul luxury beach holidays.

The ride from the airport in Malé to your chosen resort is all part of the charm – a line of barefoot pilots await to whisk you off in your own private plane! Splashing down in an azure blue lagoon, you're then delivered by traditional dhoni fishing boat to the island's dock where crisp linen-uniformed staff shower you with compresses for your brow and welcome mixed beverages. Welcome to the Maldives!

Coral islands

Made up of approximately 1,200 Robinson Crusoe like coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, this island nation is spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres.

Famously at risk from rising sea levels (the islands' highest point is just eight feet above sea level), the Maldives has turned its isolation and geographic make up into its main selling point by limiting development on each coral island to just one resort.

Days in the Maldives are filled with an exhausting schedule of meals, poolside yoga sessions, massages, sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming.

For many an intrepid explorer a holiday here is almost anti-travel – there really are no sights to see, no museums to visit and contact with the locals is so fleeting that the closest you'll come to a cultural experience is watching your fellow tourists ponder over the dinner buffet.

This lack of cultural content is often a turn off for those used to immersing themselves in another world when on holiday. But look at it this way – you don’t have to feel guilty about not exploring the sights so you may as well spend another hour by the pool instead.

Out and about

Day trips are a popular remedy for explorer’s malaise, and it is possible to visit a ‘local’ island and chat to the villagers. Islanders are famous for their hospitality and friendliness, and the relative novelty of foreign visitors ensures a warm welcome.

In fact it’s even possible to stay on some of them overnight as small guesthouses are now springing up all over the country. A word of warning though, sunbathing is frowned upon and on many islands you’ll be expected to cover yourself from head to toe.

Alternatively spend a day in the candy coloured capital of Malé. This crowded capital city, with its high-rises and teaming streets, provides the perfect contrast to the surrounding islands.

With its maze of alleys and careening mopeds Malé may seem insular and impenetrable, but if you stop and chat with the locals (most of whom speak English) you’ll soon find a friendly guide or two. Meeting up for coffee (lavazza) is a popular pastime, always welcomed, and is usually followed by leisurely chewing of the popular national stimulant, areca nut.

Underwater love

The Maldives is also one of the best places in the world to dive and snorkel - the variety of marine life is quite incredible, with huge manta rays, whale sharks, green turtles and schools of dazzlingly kaleidoscopic fish populating the reefs.

The warm seas of the Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see fish from as far as fifty metres away. Add to that over 3,000 coral reefs and the free flowing tides caused by the monsoons and the result is one of the world’s richest diving coral reef areas.

Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit these waters and the best thing about a visit here is that you don’t even need to be a professional diver.

Every resort will have its own safari boats that will be able to give you basic to advanced training, equipping even the most reluctant diver with the skills necessary to enjoy the beauty of Maldivian underwater life. And, if you really can’t dive then snorkeling is also an option. You’ll still get to experience up-close-and-personal encounters with manta rays and scores of colourful fish without strapping on a tank.

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Shangri-Las Villingili Resort & Spa
Located on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa offers guests a stylish and luxurious experience in a spacious and boutique-style environment. The island features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, towering banyan trees, 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and nature trails for guests to explore. The resort is a 70-minute domestic flight from Malé International Airport and an eight-minute boat ride from Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll.
Mustn’t miss: A sunset cruise on the resort’s luxury yacht

Where to stay?

W Retreat & Spa

W Retreat & Spa resort is located on the island of Fesdu, North Ari Atoll, which is just a short 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. With its contemporary, lifestyle-oriented concept, this resort is in perfect harmony with the island's sweeping arcs of gleaming white sand and calm turquoise waters.
Mustn’t miss: A meal of wild-caught fresh seafood prepared with an Asian flair at Fish

One&Only Reethi Rah

Located on North Malé Atoll One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives has 12 beaches spread over six kilometres of coastline. The 35 kilometers between the resort and Malé International Airport are swiftly covered by a 75-minute journey in a 55-foot luxury yacht.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to the One&Only Spa by ESPA or the Chi Pavilion to practice Kundalini yoga or meditation

Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo

Located 42km away from Malé, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo is 25 minutes by seaplane or 85 minutes by speedboat. The dive sites in the northern Ari Atoll are among to the 100 best in the world. Green Globe certification is testament to the resort’s values and ethos.
Mustn’t miss: An overnight stay in one of the island’s water bungalows

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is located in Raa Atoll, 136km to the north of Malé via a 45-minutes seaplane journey. An eco friendly resort, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu prides itself on soothing and pampering its guests.
Mustn’t miss: Café Mass @ Grill Bar’s weekly beach party