Maldives

Crystal clear seas, powdery white sand and indulgence beyond measure are three things that come to mind whenever the Maldives is mentioned. Whilst the country is famous for its unique beauty and extravagant resorts, it is not solely dedicated to the wealthy tourist – it offers various accommodation options catering to a diverse range of preferences. These facilities are broadly categorised into four types;

• Resorts
• Hotels
• Guest Houses
• Liveaboards

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometres. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometres, only 298 square kilometres of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. The country’s unique geography mesmerises the visitor. Reefs that offer bands of colour, tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand, surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine.

Only 200 of the islands are inhabited, and a select few on each of the atolls are resorts. Some of the islands are used for industry and agriculture.

The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water. The Maldives is home to about five per cent of the planet’s reefs, which come with an explosion of colour contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.