Maldives Resort and Islands

Maldives Resort and Islands

The resorts in the Maldives are separate entities with their own amenities occupying whole islands. This provides the visitors the perfect opportunity to spend their holidays in a secluded place far from any maddening crowds.

All resorts have their own electricity, fresh drinking water and waste disposal facilities. Enjoy your stay in Maldives resorts with lush vegetation, pure white beaches and the azure blue lagoons typical of the Maldives.

Accommodation

The accommodation in the resorts varies from island to island. Some resorts may provide only thatched huts while others have air-conditioned rooms with satellite television. It is common that most resorts have some diverse accommodation to offer to suit the tastes of the visitors. All rooms have bathrooms and some resorts have them without roofs to give a feel of the traditional Maldivian gifili. Some resorts even have small gardens in such open-air bathrooms.

Food

The food is as diverse as the accommodation. If the resort rates do not include the food then you ca dine in a good restaurant in the resort. Most resorts have more than one. These restaurants cater to tastes ranging from Oriental, Indian, Middle Eastern and Continental. Usually separate bars are found, with most resorts providing mini bars in the rooms. Coffee shops are an additional facility found in many resorts when you need a light snack or a drink.

Activities

The activities offered by different resorts also vary. However, generally Maldivian resorts cater to the needs of tourists with different tastes. For the relaxation and comfort of the sandy white beaches, one would not have to go far. Most islands have beaches close to the rooms. They are unpolluted and provide a panoramic view of the crystal clear lagoons that beckon you. These untouched beaches are the perfect place for you to practice the art of doing nothing. If the desire to take a dip is too over whelming, do not hesitate. The turquoise lagoons and the blue sea will definitely have a soothing effect on you.

Diving and Snorkeling

But the surprises are hidden under the surface. Don a mask and a pair of fins and you will get a glimpse of the treasures. But a meresnorkeling experience may not be what you really need. The deep is even better. The Maldives provides breathtaking underwater scenes. Divers can play along with rainbow coloured fish and caress the corals that make the Maldives a diver's fulfilled fantasy. Most resorts have dive schools and from where you can obtain the necessary equipment. They also offer diving trips with the assistance of qualified instructors.

Sports

For the sports enthusiasts a range of activities are offered including windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and water-skiing. Or if you prefer to have an exciting time on the island, table tennis, volleyball and tennis are for you. Once again, the facilities differ from one resort to the other.

Excursions

The resorts can also arrange excursions like visiting uninhabited islands, fishing trips, night fishing, visiting inhabited islands to see the lifestyle of the local people and even a visit to the capital island Malé.

However, daily temperature ranges from around 31 degrees Celsius in daytime to 23 degrees Celsius in nighttime. The mean daily maximum temperature for Central parts (Hulhule) of the Maldives is 30.5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature is 25.7 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, mean daily maximum and minimum temperature for South (Gan) is 30.9 and 24.5 degree Celsius, respectively. Furthermore, mean daily maximum and minimum temperature for North (Hanimaadhoo) is 30.7 and 25.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Maldives Culture

The culture of the Maldives is influenced by different visitors who arrived in Maldives throughout the times. We can see Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabian, Persian, Indonesian, Malaysian, and African cultural traits. The Maldives is located at an important crossroad in the Indian Ocean and the visitors have left their marks. However, acting as a melting point the Maldives assimilated these influences and has created a unique cultural identity.

Ethnic groups : South Indians, Sinhalese, Arab South Indians, Arabs.

Location : Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator and 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India and consists of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited.

Geography : 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.

Continent : Asia

Capital city : Male

Population : 350,000

Languages : Dhivehi and English.

Religion : Sunni Muslim

Area : 298 sq km (115 sq miles).

Famous for : Beaches, top dive locations in the world where professional dive training is given to the beginners, beautiful reefs.

Major cities : Kulhudhuffushi, Malé, Naifaru, Thinadhoo

Clothing : Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In addition swimming gear and a light pullover. Sun glasses and a wide brimmed beach hat as well as enough sun cream with a high protection factor should not be included

Major events : Most holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary from year to year. Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas) the Islamic month of fasting. Kuda Id the Prophet's Birthday.

Fixed holiday dates include : National Day, the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar); Victory Day( 3 November) and Republic Day (which commemorates the current republic, founded on 11 November 1968).

Things to Buy : Stamps, colorful island fabrics, local crafts made using lacquerwork and weaving. The woven mats known as kuna, with elegant geometric designs, black-coral jewelry, items made from turtle shell.

Things to do : Scuba diving, Diving, Snorkeling and Windsurfing.

Cuisine : Fish, garudhya (tuna soup), spicy curry and rice are the stable food of most of the population. Other dishes : pasta normally modified with a flavour of tuna, other meats and chicken