A piece of heaven situated about 750 kilometers from the Asian mainland, the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should taste. 5 Top experiences in The Maldives for your bucket list include white sandy beaches, the bioluminescent waters at night, the thriving marine life around the diving spots, the lively Boduberu music, and traditional coral houses, there’s many an incomparable experience that makes the Maldives – and why it may just be the best vacation of your life!
The name ‘Maldives’ translates to a Garland of Islands, which houses over a thousand coral islands paying justice to the title. Just the thought of spending a few days embracing these idyllic islands and the sparkling waters seems almost too tempting to dismiss.
Why you should visit Maldives?
The Maldives is a favorite tourist attraction for wanderlusts and globetrotters. From being one of the top honeymoon destinations to being the dream vacation for entrepreneurs, divers, individuals, friends, and families, the Maldives seamlessly adds to the list of most visited places in the globe.
Staying in a luxury resort is one of the top experiences in the Maldives.
Interestingly, the Maldives is the smallest Asian country and also one of the most geographically distributed sovereign nations on the planet. The tourism industry here is unsurprisingly the most thriving economic industry. And to make this the case, this cluster of islands is packed with unique experiences.
Inhabited only 2,500 years ago, the Maldives has a rich and intense culture with many enigmatic myths, histories, and phenomena. Imagine waking up to a warm, rustic, and untarnished piece of nature. Enjoying a heartful and diverse palette, participating in fun-filled games and activities, and diving into the colorful and biodiverse ocean. Taking a stroll through the thick forests with intense flora and fauna, and sleeping near a luminescent sea as if it were full of stars. A long list of exotic places to meet in Maldives. And even that is not all. Thus, even though this nation remained undiscovered until the 1970s, in the course of a few years it was well-established for the tranquil heaven on Earth that it is.
Top experiences in The Maldives for your bucket list
Tasting the culture and cuisine at the nation’s capital – Male City. Visiting the pristine and breathtaking islands of the Addu Atoll. Striding on a getaway with your spouse on the many romantic Maldives places like Maafushi Island or Emboodhu Finolhu Island. Going for a dive at the Banana Reef or canoeing in the waters of Alimatha Island. Even though only 200 f the 1192 islands of Maldives are inhabited, there’s plenty to do and many places to meet in Maldives, so let’s get going!
1. Visiting Male, the capital city
Male, the capital of Maldives is situated south of the Northern Male Atoll or the Kaafu Atoll. A total of six islands, including an airport island – Hulhule, and the central Male island, all fall under the boundaries of the Male City. It is also deemed as one of the most densely populated cities, which has historically always been at the crown of the Maldives.
History and Culture of Male
Easily one of the most famous places in Maldives for tourists as well as locals, the islands of Male have a rich and immersive history. It is said that long ago it was the Dravidians that first inhabited this island group. The word Maldives may be derived from “the islands of Male”.The original settlers of the island were fishermen who lived in a simple society headed by the local headman. But then came the northern Prince Koimala who gradually set up his palace and reign which the inhabitants willfully accepted. Thriving under its rulers, the description of Maldives first appeared in the worldly Ibn Battuta’s accounts of the land and its Queen, Rehendi Khadeeja. Through the years, the city of Male saw some gorgeous and intricately built forts, mosques, and other marvels of architecture, which today form some of the prime tourist places in the Maldives.
Must-visit sights and attractions in Male
The city of Male is booming and colorful enough to entrap the passerby. From wonderful works of architecture to bustling markets, and exquisite cuisine, this capital city has a lot to offer. When visiting Male, make sure you visit the heritage coral mosque that is Hukuru Miskiiy, and certainly the striking Grand Friday Mosque which is stunning inside and out.You can also enjoy a quiet time away from the city’s rush at Heneveiru Beach, or take a ride across the fascinating Sinamale Bridge which connects three of the city’s islands. Catch a glimpse of Maldivian history at the National Museum and the Victory Monument. Pay tribute at the soul-soothing Tsunami Monument. And don’t miss out on the exquisite fish market and the local market, where the locally produced items and the fresh seafood serve an essential part of the local culture. The Male City also offers some of the topnotch diving locations which offer a paradisiacal view of the thriving marine life underneath.
2. Enjoying the atolls in Maldives
The Maldives are together a group of 26 natural atolls which house the thousands of islands that make this small nation. There are around 400 atolls all across the globe, out of which some of the Maldivian Atolls easily top the list, for they are true geographic and aesthetic marvels that remain unparalleled.
What are atolls?
An atoll is a ring-shaped land that surrounds a lagoon, which is a water body. This land may be a coral reef, an island, or even a range of islets. There are usually narrow or broad channels in these pieces of land which connect the lagoon inside to the surrounding ocean or sea.
An Atoll may also be commonly known as a coral ring which usually forms around underwater volcanoes. These volcanic islands keep eroding for years, leaving behind the fringing reef, forming an atoll with the lagoon standing where once the volcanic island did.
Best Atolls to Visit in Maldives
- Male Atoll – From participating in fun-filled adventures and water activities to experiencing the bustling life of the Maldives, the Male Atoll offers some of the most luxurious natural and man-made experiences to its tourists.
- Baa Atoll – Heard of the exotic whale sharks and Manta rays? The Baa atoll has some of the most picturesque views of the nation. This extraordinary biosphere reserve offers a transcendental snorkeling experience.
- Kaafu Atoll – The ‘Heart of the Maldives’, the Kaafu Atoll is a charming land where the old and the modern seamlessly fuse creating intrigue among visitors.
- Fuvamulah – An island atoll, Fuvamallah is an irresistible tourist attraction with pristine pebble beaches, freshwater lakes, marshlands, dense swamps, and forests, making it a biodiverse paradise.
- Ari Atoll – This is another diverse atoll with a picturesque Buddhist town on one hand, majestic marine creatures on another, a series of stunning sculptures, a masterpiece of a mosque that is the Sultan Al-Haj, and more.
- Faafu Atoll – This also falls among the many places to visit in the Maldives for couples, for it is perfectly embraced by comfort, serenity, and solitude. Lush green plantations, houses with palm leaf roofs, and beautiful lagoons form the majority of this lesser-populated atoll.
3. Beaches in the Maldives
The Maldives beaches are a true lover’s paradise and make for some of the best places to visit in Maldives for couples. With the white clean sand, the pristine turquoise waters, and the clear blue sunny sky, the Maldives beaches are some of the planet’s most beautiful beaches. Several private beaches are exclusively maintained for the luxurious world-class resorts.
Beaches can be of many varieties. There are Rocky beaches that form due to the constant erosion of the coastal cliffs, making interesting shapes and sizes, situated on the coastline.
Types of Beaches in Maldives
Then there are pebble beaches which are formed entirely of pebbles, due to water currents transporting and depositing them on the shoreline. Cave beaches are the ones where the sea water splashing on the cliffs ends up forming humongous gaps making the sea caves. Then there are boulder beaches, glass beaches, urban beaches which are man-made, sand beaches which are the most common ones, and seashell beaches which are entirely made of the carcasses of dead crabs, snails, and more.
Even among sandy beaches, we have a variety ranging from pink sand beaches, orange sand, white sand, red, green, black, purple, sparkling blue, and more. And excitingly a lot of these varieties can be found in the crevices of the Maldives itself. Here are the type of beaches you can find in this divine country:
- White Sand Beaches – The Maldives are remarkably known around the globe for their white clear beaches. Several private and public beaches form the core of the country and are also some of the popular visiting places in the Maldives. Hulhumale Beach, Veligandu Island Beach, Reethi, Fulhadhoo, Gulhi, Kurumba, Addu, and Gaafu are some of the popular white sandy beaches.
- Cave Beaches – Maldives is home to also several cave beaches that protect a teeming marine life. The Kuredu caves are also atop the tourist places in the Maldives and are undoubtedly a popular diver’s destination.
- Urban Beaches – The Artificial Beach located in Male City, is also the only man-made or urban beach in the entire nation. However, at the first sight, the unknown visitor wouldn’t even realize that this bewitching paradise isn’t a natural beach.
- Sparkling Blue Beach/ Glow in the Dark Beaches – What if a sky full of stars were to descend and reside into the sea, that is what the bioluminescent sparkling blue beaches of Maldives look like. It is the rich biodiversity of the ocean here, which is home to bioluminescent plankton and other sea life which cause the waters to glow at night. These creatures can come up to the beaches with rushing waters, making the beaches look as if they were filled with fallen stars. The Vaadhoo Island beach, Kuredu, Mirhi, Kuredu, and Veligandu are some of the popular sparkling beaches of the Maldives.
Best Beaches in Maldives to Relax and Soak up the Sun
The Maldives are home to an umpteen number of beaches and it is certainly not possible to visit all. So to help you choose, here’s a list of the most exquisite beaches here that count for some of the most exciting places to meet in Maldives.
- Cocoa Island Beach – A private beach offering a luxurious getaway in its crystal white beaches, clear blue waters, and a mesmerizing live coral reef.
- Thulusdhoo – Another surfing paradise one of the best in Maldives, Thulusdhoo offers both private and tourist beaches which are simply ideal for sunbathing.
- Landaa Giraavaru – One of the most luxurious, private beaches of the Maldives with thriving marine life including corals, Manta Rays, and Sea turtles open for exploring.
- Hulhumale – If you like your beaches a little more lively, this man-made island offers a busy day at the beach with a line of seaside shops, restaurants, and companies resourcing water activities.
- Baros – One of the prime visiting places in Maldives, the Baros beach has one of the finest lagoons and fine picturesque views.
- Bikini Beach – This public beach is hardly ever crowded and in this serenity, you can simply absorb the beautiful views, and the limitless sea and enjoy a little alcohol with your loved ones at the Floating Bar.
- Fulhadhoo – Another quiet paradise with an exclusive opportunity to sight wildlife as a busy marine life including dolphins and turtles, with a clear sea outside and gorgeous lagoons and pools forming right by the beach.
- Vabbinfaru – Surrounded by vibrant and colorful corals, the Vabbinfaru beach is the perfect tropical vacation with warm sands, exquisite tropical cuisine, fun-filled activities, and stunning views.
- Omadhoo – The bustling marine life is not the only reason to visit this island, for it offers an authentic Maldivian feel holding onto the traditions prohibiting excess westernization.
- Veligandu – A limitless sandbar, floating overwater villas, soft sands, and limitless shades of green and blue with a line of luxe thatched roof loungers.
4. Participate in the Water Activities in Maldives
Seeing how the majority of the Maldivian economy relies on tourism, you can expect the lost premium opportunities here on this cluster of islands. Water sports and activities are available in plenty and variety, and everyone must at least give it a try once amidst their vacations. Otherwise, you maybe miss out on one of the prime experiences of the bustling marine life here in this equatorial country.
Snorkeling and Diving in Maldives
There is a range of snorkeling options such as sandbank snorkeling, boat and shore snorkeling, and the best part? You don’t need to be an expert swimmer for this, all you need are the final and masks and you can be one with the napoleons, tropical fishes, nurse sharks, clownfishes, and more. Popular snorkeling spots are –
- Himmafushi
- Banana Reef
- Vaavu Atoll
- Addu Atoll
- HP Reef
- Lankanfinolhu Island
Scuba diving undoubtedly is one of the most popular water sports here, and there are diver’s tourist locations in the Maldives dedicated to beginners and amateurs as well as experts. You can experience the biodiverse marine life under the guidance of your scuba instructor who can help offer a transcendental experience like no other. You will find more varieties of sea life than you’ve probably heard of in your lifetime. The prime and safe diving spaces in the Maldives are:
- Baros Island
- Maaya Thilla
- Baa Atoll
- Kuramathi
- Cocoa Thilla
- Banana Reef
- Alimatha Jetty
- Fish Head or Shark Point
- Hammerhead Point
Surfing and Kitesurfing in Maldives
The Maldives again welcome both amateur and expert surfers with long and shallow surf points. Surfing here is tempted by the northeast and southwest monsoons. There are also windsurfing and Kitesurfing alternates. Kitesurfing doubles the fun of surfing for you can not only be one with the ocean but also soar into the skies with your mighty kite.
Popular surfing locations of Maldives which are also undoubtedly popular Maldives tourist places include – North Male Atolls (Chickens, Comes, Lohis), South Male Atolls(Lohis, Foxys) Himmafushi Island (Jailbreaks), Thulusdhoo (Cokes), and Thanburudhoo (Honky’s). Popular Kitesurfing locations include – Meerufenfushi, Thulusdhoo, Kanuhura, Thanburudhoo, Himmafushi, Thanburudhoo, Furanafushi, and so on.
5. Staying in the Luxury Resorts in Maldives
There are plenty of options available for tourists, especially around the famous places in Maldives ranging from cheap to expensive, offering many varieties in the staying options to fit the diverse tourist needs. There are local hotels, as well as beachfront resorts, overwater resorts, and even underwater ones. The luxury hotels of Maldives are some of the most well-known resorts around the world as they are exclusively built to serve the globetrotters who come for the ideal dream tropical vacation in seaside luxury resorts.
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Best Resorts in Maldives for a Luxurious Stay
There are some well-reputed lines of hotels in and around the Maldives and here’s a list of the top-notch ones for a memorable stay:
- Joali Maldives – Located at the Raa Atoll, these are over-water villas that truly stand out and that too seamlessly with their magnificent builds like the Manta Ray-shaped houses. It is true craftsmanship and perfection come to light.
- COMO Cocoa Island – This private island resort has gained quite a reputation and justifiably so. It is also easily one of the best places to visit in Maldives for couples. The spa here is a must-try and is a part of the ideal Maldivian experience. Moreover, the luxury overwater villas are bound to catch your eye.
- Soneva Jani – Built at the Noonu Atoll, the Soneva Jani is made for the perfect escapist vacation. Infinity pools, free chocolate, and ice cream parlors, removable roofs for you to sleep under the stars, and some of the villas even come with their water slides.
- St. Regis Maldives Voomuli Resort – Located on a secluded lagoon, the architected of this resort will have you awestruck, ranging from lobster shapes spas to whale shark-inspired bars to other abstract-shaped villas. The striking architecture paired with the luxurious ultra-modernistic living easily sends this luxury resort to the list of best hotels to stay in the Maldives.
- Reethi Rah – This resort has both beachfront and over-water villas, but surprisingly it is the beachfront ones that win the game. A seamless blend between an exclusive country club and a serene relaxing spa resort, this resort has the feel of a billionaire’s vacation. It also comes with several facilities and experiences that will keep you entertained for as long as you wish to stay.
What to Expect from a Luxury Resort in the Maldives
While each resort will vary in its exclusive experiences for the tourists, most of them share some common facilities and experiences in an attempt to offer the ideal postcard vacation experience to the guests. A luxury resort in the Maldives will first of all offer a grand view of the waters, beaches, and skies. They mostly have private and shared pools, world-class cuisine, and a deluxe bar. These resorts also are built with magnificence oozing out of the walls, ranging from the vintage Maldivian-style architecture to ultramodern abstract shapes. These resorts also mostly have spas, sun decks, and other convenient facilities for you to get much-needed relaxation. Some of these resorts also come with viable options for you to sleep under the starry sky. The luxury resorts also often offer private transportation facilities, water sports and activities, and other touring options.