Maldives

A population of 340,000 inhabit 200 islands, and about 100 more from the rest have been developed into exotic hideouts for tourists seeking their own hideaway, veiled from the hectic hustle and bustle of city life.

Main picture: Ocean view dining

Clockwise from top: Resort setting

The Maldives is a wedding hotspot Marine life is bountiful

Local girls are pretty but shy Infinity pool at Traders Hotel Minaret of Male’s Grand Friday mosque

The underwater scenery around the resorts is so rare and enchanting that most guests take up snorkelling and diving, even if they haven’t ventured into it earlier. The resorts provide adequate training, necessary gear and expert guides to take one through an unforgettable undersea journey. You see a great variety of colourful fish, corals and other unknown but inviting marine life. As the lagoon water is shallow, other kinds of water sports such as wind surfing and jet skiing are also possible. If water sports are not for you, other recreational facilities keep you engaged like the lagoon-sized large swimming pools, tennis courts, ping-pong tables, spa treatment and even a library to supply you with books if reading is your tool for relaxation.

“I am bored!” is never heard from anyone in these exotic nests. If none of these so-called leisure activities are inspiring, you will suddenly realise the sublime pleasure in doing nothing but simply lazing around and enjoying the scenic vistas around. The unadulterated serenity of the place will soothe your body, mind and soul. Many high-flyers from round the globe land in Maldives just for this.

Ultimately what makes a Maldivian resort stay unforgettable is the extraordinary level of pampering and indulgence offered by the friendly staff. Their caring presence and attention to detail works its magic, guests feel relaxed and at home all the time. It’s said in any Maldavian resort, you arrive as guests and go back home, leaving family behind. It’s surely true for Kurumba!

Great sailing around the islands

TravEl noTEbook

Maldives

GETTING T h ERE

Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), has daily flights to Male from Singapore with excellent connections from Australia offering 107 flights per week in total from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Adelaide and Perth. The A380 operates on two of four flights from Sydney and one from three flights from Melbourne. accomodaTI o N

Characterized by a contemporary style, the 14 storey high, 117 room, Traders Hotel (www.tradershotels. com) is most visitors’ choice.

RES o RTS

Spaced on 48 acres of landscaped garden, Kurumba (www.kurumba.com) offers excellent packages to suit individual styles and budgets. Some of the region’s best diving sites are around Kurumba.

TRI p adv IS o R c URREN c Y Maldivian Rufiyya MVR, 1AUD = 16 MVR LKR

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Male, you can’t step on its land carrying alcohol, even duty free stock. However in the resorts, alcohol is served. Australian passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival.