An archipelago of 1190 hidden gems scattered in the Indian Ocean. While we might be small in size, we’re big in things to discover.
Our air is one of the cleanest in the world and landscapes are second to none. We are a country consisting 99% of the sea and less than 1% of the land. Unparalleled luxury, untouched white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, swaying palm trees and incredible underwater experiences make the Maldives one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Enough sitting, wishing and waiting. Go forth and make some new memories.
1. Glow-In-The-Dark Beaches
Our islands are world-renowned for its beaches that sparkle under the warm rays of the friendly sun. It transforms into an exhilarating shade of neon blue at night. A natural phenomenon, where Bioluminescent plankton creates a sea of stars that wash up on a beach in Vaadhoo, an island in Raa Atoll, creating an unforgettable and breathtaking display.
2. 30-Day On Arrival Visa
The Maldives grants a 30-day stamp on arrival to passport holders of all nationalities. The 30 day stay rule does not apply to the citizens of the following countries – Brunei (15 days) and India (90 days).
3. See Santa Claus at the Beach
Our vision of Santa Claus has always been the big, jolly, old man with a glorious white beard dressed in a red and white suit riding a sleigh led by eight reindeers through the snow. However, the sight is quite peculiar in the Maldives, here you see him appearing on the pristine white sandy beaches, and sometimes popping out of the azure waters yelling “Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas!” during the festive season.
4. Instagram Opportunities
As you have seen, Maldives is a captivating tropical country, and naturally, it lends itself to some rather picturesque Instagram opportunities that are bound to amplify your followers. Not least is NEST, a tree-house restaurant at PER AQUUM Niyama resort, where open-air dining pods attached by pathways and bridges, flanked by bamboo rails elevated 20 feet up in the banyan trees.
5. Swing in the Ocean
In case none of the activities in the Maldives are fulfilling your expectations, Taj Exotica has a charming wooden swing swaying above the sea, about 90 meters off the shoreline, you can also walk to it, during the low tide.
6. Visit the Smallest Capital in the World
One-third of the country’s population, roughly 400,000 residents live in Malé City, making it the smallest capital city in the world. It is where all the hustle bustle and action takes place, the center of commercial and trade activities of the Maldives, but it faces severe congestion due to its small size.
7. Swim with the Whale Sharks
Maldives is home to some of the most diverse species of sea creatures including the majestic whale sharks. Swimming and interacting with the largest fish in the ocean are top ultimate bucket-list experiences for many visitors to the Maldives. Lucky, that, there are a handful of places to observe whale shark sightings around the country, especially in the Northern and Southern Ari Atoll, Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaal Atoll and Thaa Atoll.
8. Ride the Sea Plane
Flying on a seaplane in Maldives is one of the many unique experiences that the country has to offer. If you visit the Maldives, you might get the chance to fly one, since they are the main mode of transport used to transfer tourists to many remote resort islands across the country.
9. Dynamic Cuisine
Maldives has a very innovative food scene with native fish species on top of the menus at many of the country’s top resorts and hotels. An opulent array of the freshest seafood imaginable awaits you. Fished locally using conservative and sustainable skills, and it doesn’t just stop at seafood. The choices are as vast as the ocean, a diverse menu of alluring favorites to suit the international palate and dishes to satisfy the health-conscious.
10. Dine at World’s First Undersea Restaurant
The world’s first ever all-glass underwater restaurant is at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. The restaurant’s name, ‘Ithaa’, means ‘mother of pearl’ in the native language, Dhivehi. Secured five meters below sea level, offering 270-degree panoramic views of the reef and marine life. Its customers can see sharks, manta rays and stingrays swim as they savor lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves a variety of quality world cuisine and Maldivian fusion cuisine.
Are you ready to visit the Maldives? Head over to Skyscanner to grab the cheapest flights to the Maldives and for affordable accommodation, go to Agoda, I use it all the time to book hotels and I highly recommend them!
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