Having visited 6 of the Maladives most premium resorts in 2009, we thought it was time that Terry returned to the Indian ocean to refresh his memory.
The Maldives consist of a myriad of tiny islands about two hundred of which are inhabited and which are made up into twenty-six natural atolls. More islands are currently being developed by the major chain hotels and are due to open shortly.
Each island resort has a shallow yet brilliant azur blue lagoon surrounded by a coral reef. The Islands are blessed with deserted beaches of the softest powder-white sands. Below, the ocean is a world apart from the luxury above, a kaleidoscope of over nine hundred species of exotic fish inhabiting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean including turtles, sharks, dolphins, whales, string rays, morel eels and manta rays as well as many more beautifully coloured tropical fish – a true paradise for divers.
For those wanting more than some of the world’s top spas and diving there are more energetic sports available such as surfing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing (only on certain islands) and even tennis.
This was Terry’s second visit to the Maldives which means he has now stayed on sixteen of these magical islands. They are all so different from each other in one way or another. From six star luxury resorts such as Huvafen Fushi, which with just 43 suites is one of the smallest and boasts the world’s first underwater spa, Constance Halaveli near three of the best dive sites in the Maldives and the rustic charms and phenomenal service offered at Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi, to more affordable resorts such as Banyan Tree, Angasana and Medhufshi make this holiday destination available to everyone.
Terry’s knowledge of the Maldives is supported by Howard who spent several years in the area.