Crystal clear water lapping over water villas, palm trees swaying in the breeze, not a cloud in the sky. The Maldives are the epitome of island paradise and the dream destination of pretty much everyone. There is no doubt that these pristine, beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean live up to their hype. The Maldives really is as picturesque as all those photos make it out to be. The island is suitable for all kinds of vacation, be it honeymoon or family tour or an adventure holiday or a business trip. There’s always something exciting to do in the Maldives, like snorkeling, surfing, sea kayaking, windsurfing etc.
Surfing In The Maldives:
In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives enjoy full exposure to southern swells and excellent surfing conditions on outer reefs of atolls. The entire archipelago can be divided into three different surf areas: Male Atolls, Central Atolls, and South Atolls.There are some great surfing spots in the country, but just a few are easily accessible from resorts. Some famous surf locations in the atoll include Cokes at Thulusdhoo, Lhohis, at Lhohifushi island, Jailbreaks, Honky’s, Male’ Island Point, Sultans and Ninjas, all along the eastern rim of the atoll.
The best way to reach them is, no doubt, by boat. The best thing about the boat trip in the Maldives is the feeling of discovery, surfing perfect waves with no crowd in the water. Just you and your friends.
Snorkeling In Maldives:
Maldives has many beautiful islands for visitors to explore and enjoy. Each offers a wide range of fun and exciting things to see and do, each with its own charm. The best Maldives snorkeling experience cannot be pinned down to just one island, as there are so many to choose from. There are a number of small private islands that have enchanting luxury resorts that offer more than just comfortable accommodations.
Among the best resorts for snorkeling in the Maldives are Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru (North Male Atoll), Constance Moofushi (South Ari Atoll), W Maldives (North Ari Atoll), and Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort (Gaafu Alifu Atoll). There are a few places for snorkeling in Maldives for beginners too where they can experience the joy of being underwater.
Sea Kayaking in Maldives:
One of the best ways to explore the Maldives is via a canoe or kayak because it gives you the freedom to explore at your own whim. You’ll find many places to rent canoes and kayaks—some with transparent bottoms—throughout the archipelago. Head to calmer beaches like Haa Alif and North Ari Atoll where the water is clear enough to reveal the fascinating sea life below, or to the serene waters of South Kaafu Atoll, which is also prime paddling territory.
Windsurfing in Maldives:
Maldives is one of the most popular tourist destinations for water sports in the world. There are many water sports and excursions providing you with the excitement in your otherwise calm and relaxed Maldives vacation. One of the most popular water sports among the tourists is Windsurfing. One of the most exciting of all, the sport offers you with thrill as well as a refreshing experience. Some of the best surf breaks are in North and South Male’ Atoll.
Cultural Heritage of Maldives:
Maldives has its own unique culture and traditions. Although heavily influenced by cultures around the Indian Ocean, Maldivian culture, crafts, and traditions have been shaped by the island environment and seas around us.The Boduberu, a traditional Maldivian dance, illustrates this perfectly. The language accompanying this dance, followed by the rhythm of the drums, will take you to East Africa. From your Maldives trip you can bring back braided mats and various jewelry. You will also find beautiful lacquered vases and small wooden boats evoking your beautiful walks in the sea, an inexhaustible memory of your holidays in the Indian Ocean.
Dhivehi is the language of the Maldivian people. Maldivians are master boat builders. As for religion, if the Maldivians were originally Buddhist, today Islam is the only religion allowed. You will have the opportunity to contemplate a high number of mosques especially in the capital, Male. The Islamic centre, Old Friday Mosque and Rasrani park are among the must-see attractions and will delight lovers of beautiful architecture.
Traditional Maldivian Cuisine:
Traditional Maldivian cuisine, also known as Dhivehi cuisine, provides a wonderful variety of tastes and flavors, ranging from crunchy snacks and street foods accompanied by wood-fired chapati bread to complex and deliciously spicy curries. With strong influences from neighboring countries, including India and Sri Lanka, the Maldivian cuisine is a rich assemblage of traditional flavors. Fish, coconuts, breadfruit, millet and tubers were staple ingredients of Maldivian cuisine in the past, but over time, thanks to foreign influences, Maldivian cuisine developed a distinctive blend with its own unique flavors, symbolizing its culinary identity.
Maldivian Specialties:
Mas huni is a famous tuna salad with coconut that is traditionally eaten for breakfast with chapati bread. Chapati bread is served with the fresh, spicy dish made with tuna, coconut, chili, and onion.
Maldivian Vegetable Curry, also known as the Tharukaaree Riha, is a great option for vegans/vegetarians. Because of the heavy Indian and Sri Lankan influence on the Maldives, this curry is packed with vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beans, carrots, etc., and is flavored with pandan leaf and curry leaves.
Garudhiya (Maldivian fish soup) is a favorite dish eaten by Maldivians almost every day. A hot bowl of soup made with fresh raw tuna, chopped chilies, lime and plenty of chilies is served with rice, lime and plenty of chilies.
Fish cakes, or Kulhi Boakiba, have been eaten by the Maldivians for thousands of years, especially during festivals and feasts. Prepared with smoked tuna, grated coconut, chopped chili peppers, ginger and rice, the fish cake is also eaten as a short-eat during evening tea.
Handulu Bondibai (sweetened sticky rice) is a unique dessert made for extra special occasions like the birth of a child. Eaten with ‘kulhimas’ or ‘bondibai’ (breadfruit, sago or rice parcels), this sweetened sticky rice dish is distributed to all households in the islands.
Biyadhoo Special, named after the Biyadhoo Island in Maldives, the Biyadhoo special is a refreshing combination of alcohol and fresh juice. The drink is served in a stemmed cocktail glass with vodka, pineapple juice, and melon liqueur, as well as pineapple slices. Tropical flavours with hints of vodka are the perfect way to end your day.
The Best Islands in the Maldives:
Planning a trip to the Maldives can be a little overwhelming at first. There are more than 200 resorts to choose from, and they all cater to a different traveler, with a different budget. Each resort has different things to offer (some are better for divers, some are better for surfers, some have better food, some have better overwater bungalows, etc, etc) and since very few of us have actually been to the Maldives, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to planning. Here are the best recommendations and info you need to plan your trip to this heavenly country.
Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives : A haven of pool villas, Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury, your own sanctuary within a sanctuary.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort: The exquisite Raffles Maldives can be found on glimmering Gaafu Alifu, one of the most remote and unspoiled of all Maldivian atolls.
Conrad Maldives: Conrad Maldives offers a choice of luxurious accommodation. On Rangali Finolhu the deluxe beach villas, which all face the ocean, offer rustic interiors and furnishings which provide a wonderful blend of luxury and natural harmony.
Kuredu Island Resort: It is situated on the northern reef of the Lhaviyani Atoll, a region well-known for its abundant sea life.
Olhuveli: This enchanting resort is a wonderful place to witness the sublime natural beauty of the Maldives and boasts one of the best house reefs we’ve seen.
About 7 Seas Holidays:
We are an independent travel agency based in London, United Kingdom. We make it easy for you to search your next travel destination. Be it a family holiday, luxury holiday, cruise deal, escorted tour holidays, cheap weekend breaks, city break packages, honeymoon packages, beach private villas with pool, honeymoon resorts or all inclusive holidays or any other type of cheap holiday packages — Yes! We offer all of them. 7 Seas Holidays is a member of ABTA so all our packages are ATOL protected. We believe in providing a personalised service experience.
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