Once renowned mostly for scuba diving, the Maldives now appeals to a wider and more sophisticated audience, appreciative of the rich yet fragile ecosystem whilst staying in top notch watervillas on stilts, island spa’s and luxury family resorts.

Often referred to as “teardrops in the Indian Ocean”, the Maldives are undoubtedly some of the world’s finest and best preserved natural wonders. From powder sand beaches and exposed sandbanks to swaying palms and crystal clear balmy waters with a myriad of wonderful sea life, these islands are truly breathtaking.

Access to the islands from the international airport is very easy taking either a sea plane, light aircraft or speed boat to your island hotel. The Maldives is a conservative Islamic Republic with strict laws but service everywhere in the Maldives is attentive and friendly. The islanders have an endearing sense of humour and a willingness to share and educate, so you will always feel welcome. The islands are also rich in their variety of music, dance, arts and crafts.

Out on the Atolls there are deserted beaches on which to enjoy hours of basking and bathing or snorkel amongst schools of brightly coloured fish, swim with dolphins and go whale watching in season. The Maldives are the ultimate destination for those wanting to get away from it all and re-charge. They are also very romantic.

Enjoy the simplicity of nature elegantly combined with sophisticated excellence, including tiny islands offering Robinson Crusoe-style experiences, civilised resorts with award winning spas and imaginative amenities, and suites on stilts over iridescent shallow lagoons.

The Asian-European fusion cuisine can be enjoyed in a multitude of settings from formal gourmet restaurant dining to intimate villa meals or even picnics on the beach. No matter which hotel or resort you choose you will return refreshed and thoroughly rested.

ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
These are wide and varied and include: Diving, snorkleing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, whale and manta ray watching, reef conservation, surfing, kite surfing, hobbie cats, catamarans, dhoni sailing and stay aboard, mountain bikes, pedal boats, kayaking, children’s clubs 3-12 yrs & teens clubs, water skiing, jet skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, para sailing, yoga, spa treatments, fitness centre, gym, floodlit tennis, beach volley ball, squash, table tennis, badminton and cooking classes.

FLIGHTS
British Airways fly direct to Male three days a week. There are daily flights with Qatar Airways via Doha, and Emirates Airways via Dubai. Sri Lankan Airways also fly three days a week direct and daily via Colombo. Oman Airways has a very good service via Muscat. Please note that seaplane and boat transfers can only take place during daylight hours, which occasionally necessitates an overnight stop on Malé should an international flight arrive late.

LANGUAGE
Dhievhi is the spoken language in all parts of the Maldives along with English.

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT + 5 hours.

CURRENCY
Rufiyaa and Laaree although the US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Credit cards are accepted widely.

FLYING TIME
Approx 13 hours including one stopover or 11 hours non-stop.

ELECTRICITY
220 volts AC, 50HZ, square pin style UK plugs are the norm in most hotels.

CLIMATE
The Maldivian climate is warm all year round, and is determined by the monsoons. However, being located on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in other countries. There are two monsoons, the south-west monsoon from May to October and the north-east monsoon from November to April. Generally the south-west monsoon brings more wind and rain in June and July. The northeast monsoon from November to April is the dry season and therefore the best time to travel. The temperature rarely falls below 25C.

For up to date information we recommend that you look at the travel advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site at www.fco.gov.uk/travel

MAP of THE MALDIVES