Maldives Holidays

Quite simply a dream destination

It's not only love-struck newlyweds flying into this oceanic haven either. Diving aficionados are lured by the bath water-warm lagoons and far-flung atolls with abundant marine life (from the bright flickerings of angelfish and butterfly fish to sharks and rays further off shore). While considered part of Asia, the Maldives is expensive by regional comparison but considering what you're getting, it's worth the splurge.

Aerial view of the Archipelago

No matter how far across the azure waters your holiday in the Maldives takes you, you're never more than 90 minutes' flight from the capital, Male. This engine room of the atolls bustles: there are lively markets and an upbeat jostle in alcohol-free bars. This is where you'll see a snippet of real Maldivian life (which beyond the resort islands, is Muslim). Long haul flights land on the neighbouring island of Hulhumale so you're unlikely to end up here by accident.

Tropical Powder Blue Tang (aka Powderblue Surgeonfish)