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With almost 1,200 islands, the Maldives has something to offer every type of traveller – even business visitors.
Somewhere between living and dreaming, you’ll find the Maldives. Amid the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean, dhoni fishing boats still flit between 1,192 tiny islands. Below the surface, butterflyfish and angelfish flutter over vibrant coral gardens, while giant mantas glide on oceanic currents. And at the surrounding luxe resorts, travellers stroll curving promenades, suspended above waters so blue and sands so white it almost hurts the eyes.
Since the first resort in the Maldives opened 50 years ago, the archipelago has transformed from a simple fishing nation to an international tourist destination, with underwater restaurants, overwater villas and luxurious liveaboards. With so many islands to choose from, this tiny country has something to offer almost every type of traveller, from adventure fans and serenity seekers to honeymooners and culture vultures – even conference attendees.
For adventure fans
With about 90,000 sq km of ocean to explore, the Maldives draw scuba divers, snorkellers and free-divers from around the globe. Shallow, calm, clear lagoons with vivid marine life make ideal underwater classrooms for learner divers, while whale sharks, mantas and schooling hammerhead sharks draw veterans to deeper waters.
Dedicated divers often choose to explore the archipelago on liveaboards, which follow carefully charted routes depending on the season, but Maldives resorts, most of which occupy their own private islands, each with its own array of dive sites, also have plenty to offer. “We really don’t count the dive sites,” says Hussain “Sendi” Rasheed, a member of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame who’s been diving in the Maldives for more than 40 years.
Tropical biodiversity makes the archipelago a diver’s dream, with 1,100 fish species, five sorts of sea turtle, 21 varieties of whales and dolphins, and 180 types of coral, while warm waters create a relaxing dive experience. “In the Maldives, you don’t really need a big thick wetsuit – you can even dive with a T-shirt,” says Rasheed, noting that sea temperatures never drop below 26°C.
But it’s the sheer range of dive sites the Maldives offers that keeps experienced divers flooding back. Adrenaline junkies gather at Embudhoo Express, a fast-paced drift diving spot through a tidal channel where big marine life such as sharks and rays glide by. Maalhos Thila is an undersea pinnacle where huge sea fans wave above swaying soft corals in shades of blue, white and pink. And the island of Fuvahmulah offers the rare chance to see seven different types of shark in a single dive in season, with five species visible all year round, including tiger sharks, which can grow to more than 4m.
And, for those who need even more time in the ocean, the Siyam World resort offers stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, speedboats, jet-skis, sailing trips, and even a floating water park.
For serenity seekers
Powder-soft sands and the gentle lapping of the ocean make the Maldives one of the world’s favourite retreats for travellers in search of rest, relaxation and inner peace. A dedicated spa retreat lets guests take zen to the very next level. The Maldives is home to globally known brands such as COMO and Four Seasons, and dedicated wellness retreats including the new Joali Being.
Kagi Maldives is focused on the pursuit of wellness, with an expansive circular spa perched over the shallows of a crystal lagoon. Guests savour spa rituals from massages and facials through to sound baths and reiki, or work out overlooking the Indian Ocean. Beachfront yoga can help travellers develop mindfulness, while the long, slow, steady breaths of gentle, meditative scuba dives can build calm.
For honeymooners
Barefoot luxury and overwater bungalows have made the Maldives a honeymoon – and babymoon – favourite for decades. At Gili Lankanfushi, overwater Crusoe Residences offer a castaway experience, complete with a private boat, while Kanuhura has its own desert island to hide away on.
At the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, options for couples include private dining on sandbanks, a private beach cinema, a starlit overwater couples massage and a private villa accessible only by boat with a sunset-facing jacuzzi. And the guest relations team go out of their way to fulfil romantic requests: they once spent two days inflating balloons to fill a villa, and covered the in-villa swimming pool with rose petals.
For culture vultures
Lovers of culture who visit the Maldives may be surprised by how much there is to discover: the islands were an important centre for trading cowrie shells and coconut fibre when the mediaeval traveller Ibn Battuta visited in the 14th Century.
Today, a rich tradition of gold and silver jewellery centres on Rinbudhoo, where legend claims a sultan once exiled his personal jeweller for theft. Vibrant embroidery decks vivid fabrics in gold and silver threads, fine lace and colourful beads. Brilliant lacquer adorns lovingly crafted drums, vases, and storage boxes. Some resorts feature artists in residence and offer arts and crafts classes.
Most historic sights lie on the Maldives’ most populous island, bustling Malé. The Old Friday Mosque, dating back to 1656, is crafted from coral stone, lovingly carved into twining patterns and sacred scripts. The Medhu Ziyaaraiy shrine houses the remains of Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, a North African merchant who brought Islam to the archipelago back in the 12th Century – and, according to folklore, saved the nation from a sea monster.
Or even for business
While the Maldives is primarily a tourist destination, a few bold travellers spent some of the pandemic working remotely from luxury resorts, while the islands have hosted global events and conferences. In 2021, the nation launched a campaign to promote the archipelago as a top destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). The hope is that the islands’ laid-back atmosphere will enhance business creativity and lead to discussions as stimulating and thought-provoking as those held on the veranda of a luxury overwater suite after a day of diving, massage and sun.
As the world opens up after the pandemic, travellers are keen to indulge their senses and their interests. And this tiny country, with a population of barely half a million, offers something for almost everyone to enjoy. After all, with more than 1,000 islands, visitors really are spoiled for choice.
