The Maldives is one of my favourite places to write about, and it’s one of those places that I really want to visit, sooner rather than later.
So, I love it when somebody asks me to find some information about the islands.
Here are three of our top picks for holidays to the Maldives 2012.
Male
Male is the most populous city in the Maldives and is the capital of the country, located on Kaafu Atoll, and formerly known as Mahal… the Kings Island.
One of the top things to do include visiting the National Museum, located in the Sultan Park with its valuable collection of artefacts depicting the history and culture of the Maldives.
Or, you might take a look at the Hukuru Moskiiy or Old Friday Mosque and the whale submarine, a 50 seater which allows you to see the beauty of these waters without getting wet and costs about US$35.
The city is just a wonderful place, holding a third of the country’s total population, it is a mixture of skyscrapers and tree shaded residential areas.
Seenu Atoll
and Known as the second city of the Maldives, the Seenu Atoll was a former Royal Air Force Base located 478 km to the south of the capital.
The British pulled out in 1976 and the natives transformed the island in a tourist haven with daily flights coming in from the capital to the converted former military airport.
A couple of the local hotels include the Equator Village and the Herathera Island Resort.
Soneva Gili
For a taste of luxury and paradise you should try Soneva Gilli and resort run by Six Senses[i].
It is located on one of the Maldives largest lagoons, with 45 over water-villas with private sundeck and water garden.
This is the lap of luxury, where you can enjoy scuba-diving to see turtles, eagle rays, or mantras, relax and enjoy the wonderful food, or just wait for the evening boat to take you to the main island.
Each villa is huge and comes with its own butler service, glass floor so you can see the fish swimming underneath, minibar stocked with your favourite wine choices, the appearance of random gifts, and the perfect signature scent.
You are treated here as if you are a valued and very special guest on your own private island.
The staff who are very genuine and friendly, will remember your first name and are so attentive to the small details such as replacing the lost button on your shirt.
