Located in the Indian Ocean, and home to more than 1,000 stunningly beautiful coral islands, the Maldives is the ideal destination if you want a holiday you’ll never forget. No need to get overwhelmed at the thought of choosing an island, however, since only about 200 of those islands are inhabited and a mere 100 of those are resorts.
Here are some suggestions of top things to do in the Maldives which should inspire you to start planning your tropical dream vacation now.
Visit Veligandu Island Beach
With its light blue water and white sands, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, simply because you are. Veligandu Island beach offers you the chance to stay somewhere completely exotic without the hustle and bustle of other beach resorts. Walk along the white sands and dip your toes in the Indian Ocean. Sunbathe near palm trees, and stay in a villa that’s a stone’s throw away from the shore. If you’re looking for a touch of luxury in a tropical paradise Veligandu is the place to be.
See the Hukuru Miskiiy
Located in Male, the Hukuru Miskiiy is the country’s oldest mosque and dates back to 1656. It’s likely that you will need permission to visit the mosque from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, however, as most of the staff are officials it is often possible to get permission on the spot. Make sure you dress appropriately (conservative coverage) and know that you will only be allowed entrance outside of prayer times. Once inside you will see an incredibly beautiful and intricate mosque. The interior of this historic building is covered in amazing woodcarvings and a carved panel from the 1200’s that commemorates Islam coming to the Maldives. Surrounded by elaborate tombstones and mausoleums, you don’t need to be a fan of architecture to appreciate the beauty of Hukuru Miskiiy.
Relax at the Veli Spa at Kurumba
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday to the Maldives you need to book a trip to the Veli Spa at Kurumba. Set in beautiful gardens you and your loved one are in for a wonderful time thanks to the Traditional Maldivian therapies that are used to give you the level of relaxation you’ve been looking for. With a range of treatments available and the incredible Spa Under the Stars, you and someone special can enjoy a romantic and relaxing holiday that will help to heal your body and soothe your soul.
Visit Male Local Market
If you want a taste of real Maldivian life, you need to head to the market in Male. Selling locally produced fruits and vegetables along with fish, and so much more, if you enjoy eating very fresh fruit, this is the place to be. Enjoy freshly prepared mangoes, fish that is caught locally, and the atmosphere of a real market. Although the market itself is not aimed at tourists, if you want to cook yourself a meal using local produce, or simply get a real taste of life in the Maldives, this is the place to find it.
Indulge in a Spot of Extreme Water Sports
If you like nothing more than to go a little wild on your holiday, why not indulge yourself in some extreme water sports? Enjoy a touch of kiteboarding if you dare, or try your hand at windsurfing or even snorkelling or scuba diving. If you love to be on or in the water head to the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa on Furanafushi Island and get ready to have some fun!
No matter what you love to do on holiday, whether you want to relax in a spa, spend time on the water, or visit incredible places, the Maldives has it all.
Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. As a young adult she spent every penny she could on experiences as opposed to possessions. Eventually she found a way to earn a living doing what she loved: traveling, writing and capturing images of the wondrous world we live in. When not on the go Sarah enjoys time in her “sometimes home” of Vancouver.