The island republic of Maldives lies in the Indian Ocean, about 800 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka. Coral islands are on average one to two meters above sea level and are surrounded by a lagoon. The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,200 coral islands, which are divided into 26 groups of coral atolls.
202 islands are inhabited, of the other islands 75 are currently touristic, most of which have been converted into hotel settlements.
FOR DIVERS
Thousands and thousands of reefs, more than a thousand known species of fish, more than two hundred species of coral..., so it is not unusual that many people see the Maldives as one of the most desirable areas of the globe where they can enjoy the beauty of underwater life. Divers can choose from places that are particularly famous for seeing sharks, manta rays, whales or shipwrecks. All Maldivian resorts also offer trips for divers who have diving licenses, and organize diving courses for beginners. The courses are held in different languages, and in most hotel settlements the teachers speak English, German, Italian, French and Japanese. There are also two decompression rooms in the Maldives, namely on Kaafu Atoll and Ari Atoll. Many resorts also offer more challenging dives, such as night dives, rescue diver courses and underwater photography courses. Recently, however, courses that focus on getting to know the rich marine life have become very popular.
FOR NEWLY WEDDING
The island of Rangali, which is famous for its extraordinary natural beauty, has added a Hilton resort and spa center to its wonderful sea and natural beauty. In fifty villas above sea level, you can observe what is happening below sea level right from the living room, which has a glass bottom. The resort offers a little more than seventy houses on the beach, in which you and your better half can enjoy undisturbed romantic evenings. Especially for those in love, Hilton has prepared a special offer for newlyweds, which also includes dinner in one of a total of seven restaurants, the only one located five meters under water. And why exactly in love? Because the Hilton resort has set itself a difficult task: to become the most beautiful place under the sun, where couples can promise each other eternal fidelity. But if we have already said our fateful yes, we will not be deprived, because on Rangali we can once again confirm our promises in a special ceremony called the renewal of wedding vows. But to not stop at the ceremony, we can continue the romance in paradise with a sunset cruise or even a passionate Argentine tango class.
FOR RELAXATION
Relaxation and wellness centers are the leading trend followed by most Maldivian resorts. A mixture of luxurious treatments, care for health and beauty and a soothing environment are the foundations on which they build a magical range of spa centers. Pampering in the Maldives thus took on a new meaning. Wellness centers offer a wide selection of therapies and treatments, from aromatherapy, ma - smoke, to saunas and group meditations. Due to the excellent location of the archipelago, thousand-year-old Eastern wisdom is intertwined with the latest scientific discoveries of the West. Although some hotel complexes have their own centers, in most resorts there are internationally established chains that also draw on many years of experience.
FOR SHOPPING OBSESSIONS
Most visitors vacation on one of the eighty-seven islands - hotel communities that have been built on uninhabited islands where only tourists and staff stay, ensuring visitors a completely intimate and carefree vacation. But since these are usually limited to only one island, most of them opt for cruises to the nearby islands or even get on a plane and go to the modern, bustling capital city of Malé. And the capital of the Maldives is the place where we will spend our money the fastest and easiest. The city, home to almost 80,000 out of a total population of 360,000, is noisy and not very attractive, but offers the largest range of different shops. Most tourists stay in the northern part, along Chaandhanee Magu Street, where souvenir shops are in the foreground. Majeedee Magu is visited mainly for its clothing and shoe shops. The streets are filled with spendthrifts, especially in the evening hours, when the hot atmosphere cools down a bit and most shops stay open until 11 p.m.
ADDU – THE ATOL THAT HAS IT ALL
Let's not forget about any exploration of volcanic mountains overgrown with wild tropical vegetation, because the highest point of the entire archipelago is an unnamed hill on Wilingili Island in Addu Atoll, only 2.4 meters high. Addu lies 478 kilometers south of the capital Male and comprises seven inhabited and approximately twenty uninhabited islands. In addition to its "extraordinary" altitude, Addu Atoll is also known for its rebellious history in the twentieth century, when in 1959 the inhabitants rebelled against the authorities in Male. Until recently, life on the atoll was subject to fanditha - a mixture of healing, spells and magic based on ancient beliefs and superstitions with the addition of verses from the Koran. In the lives of young Maldivians, fanditha is subject to ridicule, but the revered sages are still sought after, and many atoll locals still rely heavily on their judgments and opinions. So, mountaineers or not, superstitious or not, Addu Atoll will attract seekers of pristine beaches, anyone who wants to interact with the locals, as many as 25,000 live on the atoll, and divers who can see the wreck of a British cargo ship that sunk by a Japanese torpedo during World War II. Equator Village Gan is the only tourist facility on the atoll. It was named after the largest island of the atoll, called Gan. The bungalows, with a total of 78 rooms, are not prestigious, but they are comfortable and not outrageously expensive. Winter rates, valid until the end of April, hover around $150 per night for all-inclusive services. Recently, the Serena Spa center was opened in the Equator Village, which offers interesting pampering, including a special program for divers.
