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Home > Features > Maldives
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Fred Mawer's report on the Maldives
Posted On
02.07.07 |
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Scattered in necklaces of atolls across the Indian Ocean, this 1,200-island archipelago offers a Robinson Crusoe experience without any of the hardships.
The hotels occupy their own mini tropical islands, with a green interior of palms and sea grapes, a ring of sandy beaches and a milky blue lagoon. With no cars or even roads, the outside world hardly intrudes. At many hotels, you can stay in bungalows that perch on stilts above the island's lagoon, and splash around in open-air bathrooms. The five star pads include some of the most imaginative beach hotels on the planet - offering the likes of under-sand bars, over-water spas, and, in the case of the Hilton, even an underwater restaurant.
But it is the ocean that is arguably the Maldives' most important attraction. The marine life across the archipelago is as colourful, and as easily accessible as anywhere in the world. Put on a mask and snorkel and within seconds you'll see hundreds of reef fish. On many islands, you can easily swim out to the house reef, and every hotel has a diving centre.
Nonetheless, the Maldives won't suit every holidaymaker. With the most memorable sights under the water, if you're not a decent swimmer you won't be able to get the best out of a holiday here. Also, you'll be stuck on a titchy island for a week or two with nothing much to distract you except the ocean and other guests' dress sense. All your meals will be at the hotel, as will evening entertainment. On most islands, that means dinner, a nightcap and bed. Lastly, though some new hotels are being built on islands inhabited by locals, at present virtually all the 90 or so hotels are on islands with no proper communities. This means opportunities for seeing how the Maldivians live are limited to organised excursions.
Hotel recommendations
Unadulterated luxury: One&Only Reethi Rah will sell you OTT service and facilities on a largely man-made island.
Barefoot luxury: Soneva Fushi offers a magical casual-chic, back-to-tropical nature experience.
On a budget: Meerufenfushi has a mile of stunning beaches and there's an appealing natural look to the hotel.
For being in the thick of things: Kurumba This is a good four-star option if you want a short transfer from the airport (under 10 minutes) and to be near to Malé. It’s ringed by good beaches (albeit visually marred by offshore breakwaters), has a big range of smart accommodation, good dining options (there are nine restaurants) and live entertainment most nights. |
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Fred Mawer, Travel Writer
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