A holiday in the Maldives has always been an escape from civilization. Small island hotels, incredible azure waves, wide white sand beaches, villas over the water or among tropical greenery, facing directly to the ocean, fantastic sunsets. Silence, peace. Privacy. It is no coincidence that the Maldives is considered the best honeymoon destination in the world.
Now a lot is changing – hotels are being built from glass and concrete, futuristic, similar to flying saucers, each hotel strives to outdo others in unusualness and amount of entertainment — somewhere there is an ice skating rink and water slides, somewhere they amaze guests with pink walls. Animation is being added, and shopping and entertainment centers are being built right on the islands where silence reigned. In an effort to please many, Maldivian hotels create a real potpourri of entertainment and bright colors — and lose their individuality.
Between Russia and Male there are about 7,200 kilometers. Every year, many thousands of people make this trip – why? Why travelers fly to these islands over and over again? What can only be done in the Maldives — and it’s a must do (because you can visit a shopping center anywhere)?
Let's remember together what they are like — classic Maldives.
Maldives hotels have always been special. The style of the Maldives has been shaped by incorporating Indian, Arab and European influences. Natural materials, restrained pastel colors, shapes and decorative elements that return us to nature – in the Maldives, naturalness and discreet chic are held in high esteem.
But beach holidays and luxury hotels — not all that the classic Maldives delights guests with. The Maldives means snorkeling and spa treatments, traditional dhoni boats and seaplanes, bright southern stars and incredible fish.
See the Maldives from above.
The blue sea merges with the blue sky – and among all this blue are scattered green islands with white-edged beaches – of various shapes and sizes. Soar above the Maldives and see them as only birds can see them.
Cross the equator.
Bring back a really cool souvenir from your trip — certificate of crossing the equator. This tradition is several centuries old, and the rituals have not always been safe or pleasant. But without such a ritual, the sailor was not considered “real.” In the Maldives, to cross the equator, you can simply come to Gan Island.
Become an astrologer.
If you love looking at the stars, don't miss the opportunity to watch them at the open-air observatory. Here shine unfamiliar constellations of the southern hemisphere with such romantic names – Hydra, Orion, Eridanus, Southern Cross.
Eat a peck of salt.
In the Maldives, you can visit a special restaurant where salt tastings from all over the world are held. And not just try it, but with the help of a sommelier figure out which type of salt is ideal for a particular dish.
Dive into the depths.
Snorkeling and diving – the Maldives are simply made for these activities! Coral reefs around the atolls — a real paradise for divers. Multi-colored fish and other marine life amaze with their whimsical shapes and sizes. But the corals themselves are no less beautiful — white, red, pink, blue and black.
Catch a goldfish.
We don’t promise a gold one, but a Diamond fish is no worse prey. Caranx, due to its unusual scales, called Diamond — just one of the types of fish that a brave fisherman can catch in the waters of the Indian Ocean. And if you want to feel like a real Maldivian fisherman, go on traditional night fishing. You will be taught how to navigate the sea by the stars and will be told many local legends and fishing tales.
Ride a dhoni.
Traditional dhoni boats are the symbol of the Maldives. If your state consists of islands, the only transport that has been connecting them since ancient times will become not only a “service” but also a cultural phenomenon, reflecting the lifestyle and traditions of the people. Small wooden boats with a curved bow, under an oblique sail, still ply these waters not only for entertainment purposes – they are used for fishing and transporting passengers.
Come to the Maldives – take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy treatments in stunning spas on the island resorts, fish and dive to the corals, admire the southern stars, relax on the white sand of the beaches.
Classic — these are the best, exemplary, most outstanding, universally recognized masterpieces – and a classic holiday in the Maldives corresponds to this definition 100%.
