How to spend a memorable holiday in the Maldives

With close to 1200 mini coral islands and sandbanks formed into atolls, the island nation of Maldives is truly an exotic paradise. Famed as a luxurious beach destination, Maldives is your centre for thrilling water adventures, rejuvenating spa rituals and tropical marine life. Planning a holiday to the Maldives can be tricky at first, given its diverse range of activities and attractions. However, knowing about some of the best activities and places to visit will make it easier.

Surface water thrills

If you’re wondering just how to spend your holiday in the Maldives, given the plethora of things to do in this tiny archipelago, begin with the most popular activity: water sports. The options are endless, from kayaking, fun tubing and jet skiing to wakeboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing and catamaran sailing. For those who love a challenge and are pumped to try something daring, consider flyboarding. This is a relatively new water sport in the Maldives. It involves getting on a board attached to a jet ski, which is then fired into the air, causing you to fly for just a few seconds.

Exploration of Male

A holiday in the Maldives is not complete without a visit to Male, one of the tiniest capitals in the world. Explore some of Male’s history by visiting its famous architectural monuments such as the Male Friday Mosque, a 17th century-old landmark, Mulee’age, Medhu Ziyaarath and Sultan Park. Be sure to make a pitstop at Male’s Artificial Beach, a crescent-shaped man-made stretch of white sandy shore. Grab some keepsakes from Male’s street markets, including the famous Majeedhee Magu street market featuring an eclectic mix of handicrafts, handloom and accessories.

Underwater adventures

You’ve experienced activities above water. Now it’s time to head underwater to experience another world teeming with colourful and vibrant marine life. Snorkelling is one of the most famous underwater activities in the Maldives. It can be done just about anywhere around the archipelago. Some of the ideal places to snorkel include Turtle Reef, Biyadhoo Reef, Shark Reef and Banana Reef. You will be greeted with an exhibition of hawksbill turtles, bannerfish, reef sharks, nurse sharks, manta rays, squids and giant trevallies, to name a few. Consider heading to Coral Garden for a stunning display of corals.

Another fun activity is scuba diving. Popular diving spots include Banana Reef, Fish Head, Maanta Point and HP Reef. Change up your underwater experience by exploring the ocean bed on underwater scooters at Maafushi Island. This is a motorised scooter that comes with a bubble-shaped helmet, allowing your head to stay dry. Consider indulging in some of these activities closer to the country’s famed sandbanks, where you can enjoy a relaxing meal at the foot of the turquoise-blue ocean.

Cruising at sunset

During your holiday, consider a spectacular cruise at sunset on a Dhoni. This is a type of ancient yacht identified by its signature curved bow that reaches upward. It is regarded as the oldest vessel of Maldives but has undergone some modifications to cater to the needs of the modern world.

Bask in the dimming rays of the sun as it melts away into an endless blue canvas. Admire the beauty of the atolls with its group of tropical islands. Be sure to look out for varied species of dolphins and whales. Online travel sites, including the likes of The Luxury Travel Channel, provide travel tips and helpful information about activities in the Maldives, including cruises. So, consider browsing through some of them before embarking on your trip.

Rejuvenating spa therapy

With the range of water activities you’ve been indulging in, your body yearns for some inner serenity. Head to your nearest Maldivian spa for an effective therapy to calm your mind, soul and body. Consider a much-needed massage therapy to soothe your tired limbs and treat your skin to a luxurious pampering. Voted 2017’s best spa destination in the Indian Ocean by World Spa Awards, Maldives is your oasis for inner wellbeing and tranquillity.

Midnight blues

It is impossible to experience the Maldives in one visit with its countless array of activities. However, consider jazzing up your holiday with one more experience by visiting Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. Dine at one of the charming resorts on Vaadhoo and then venture out to its shores closer to midnight to discover the ‘Sea of Stars’. This is akin to the ocean version of the Northern Lights. Provided the moon is out, you will notice a glowing blue at the edge of the waters greeting the shore or rock formations nearby. This exceptional phenomenon is said to be a result of the various phytoplankton found in the sea.