Specialising in extraordinary escapism and unrivalled relaxation
For beaches of almost uniform perfection in a flawless setting of crystal clear ocean, look no further than the Maldives, the ultimate in luxury holiday escapes.
Close to twelve hundred islands are scattered like exotic petals across the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean to the south west of Sri Lanka. This garland of twenty six ring-shaped atolls is home to the very finest, whiter than white powdered sand beaches, and luminescent turquoise blue open water blessed with dazzling coral reefs and tropically colourful marine life.
Each resort in the Maldives is its own private island, barely rising above sea level. There are crowns of coral reefs and submerged volcanic mountains to which you arrive from the capital Male by either speedboat or seaplane at the start of a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
The Maldives offers some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities to be found anywhere in the world. The water clarity is little short of astonishing, enabling dazzling views of school after school of brightly coloured tropical fish, superbly varied coral walls and quite magnificent sea caves. Venture further out to discover turtles, sharks, manta rays, and the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, particularly evidenced through October and November. And with sea temperatures as warm as this a wetsuit is an optional extra. Paddle boarding, massages, private dining, island hopping, dolphin spotting, picnicking, scenic sunset cruises and flights by seaplane are some alternative ways of mitigating carefree holiday relaxation. Or simply contemplate the infinite horizon, gaze at the stars, study the hypnotic sway of the coconut palm and follow the comings and goings of dhoni sailboats. With so much natural beauty to observe, indolence can feel remarkably guilt-free.
Influenced by neighbouring India and Sri Lanka, the cuisine of the Maldives features a variety of tantalising flavours. Perhaps unsurprisingly freshly caught fish is a typical feature of many local menus. And there are many ways to crack a coconut, the ubiquitous, fibrous fruit, nut and seed provides no end of different ingredients: from water and grated flesh to creamy milk.
To make the most of your time in the Indian Ocean why not combine a stay with a cultural tour of the Maldives’ near neighbour, Sri Lanka.