Simply Breathtaking... (Maldives)

Member Name: littleme96

Product:	Maldives
Date:	06/11/08 (156 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing Views and Wildlife

Disadvantages: Expensive

The Maldives is like no other place on this planet. I have been lucky enough to go on holiday there twice and can honestly say that the pictures in the brochures just don't do it justice.

Geography:

The Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean to the south of India. As 99% of the Maldivian territory is underwater, the country is actally made up of over 1000 small low lying coral islands. These form 'atolls' which are the natural geographic regions of the country. The capital of the Maldives is Male.

Resorts:

Each resort is on it's own seperate island and most islands offer the same sort of thing - white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and amazing sunsets. Obviously facilities do vary from island to island, but most have Dive centres, small souvenier shops, pools and a spa. Some of the larger islands also boast tennis courts, golf courses and gyms too.

Accommodation also varies, but you won't find any high rise hotel blocks here. Instead you have the choice between individual Beach Bungalows/Villas (some with their own Jacuzzis or plunge pools) or Water Villas, which stand on stilts over the lagoon with steps leading down into the clear blue water. Some rooms have amazing outdoor bathrooms too!

Wildlife:

There is an amazing array of wildlife right in front of you here - you don't need to look too hard to see som amazing animals. On our visits we have seen Geckos, Lizards, Fruit Bats, Crabs, Cockroaches, Rabbits(!), Dolphins and Reef Sharks. Not to mention the fantastic sea life - many people come here to Dive and Snorkel and it's easy to see why! It is easy to see hundreds of fish not far from the shore and more experienced divers can swim with Turtles, Sharks and Stingray to name a few...

Excursions:

Although the islands are quite quiet, there tend to be many excursions to be enjoyed at an extra cost if relaxing every day isn't your thing! These include boat trips and sunset cruises, diving excursions, Sea Plane trips, visits to inhabited islands or Male. Some islands have Water Sports centres so you could also learn to Parasail or Windsurf if that is more appealing.

Summary:

There is no getting away from the fact that holidaying in the Maldives is expensive, but the scenery and wildlife really do make it the holiday of a lifetime. It really is one of a kind, especially from the air - seeing these little islands surrounded by light blue lagoons sitting in a huge expanse of dark blue sea is like no other view you will ever have.

Summary: Not just for Honeymooners!