Experiencing the real Hokkaido – More than Sapporo & Hakodate
White sandy beaches, pristine clear waters, and an unparalleled underwater world, it is no wonder that the Maldives is often referred to as paradise. Made up of over 1200 islands, the Maldives lies in the Indian Ocean and is loved because of its natural beauty and tranquility. Regardless of whether you’re a couple on honeymoon, a family wanting to relax, or an adventurer searching for unique experiences, there’s something for everyone.
The Maldives has been on my bucket list for awhile, and I used to be awestruck whenever I saw photos of the place. But experiencing it first hand blew me away. The beauty is unparalleled, and I yearned for all my loved ones to experience what I did. People weren’t joking when they said you’re literally visiting paradise.
Here are 7 reasons to visit Maldives at least once in your life.
1) You can dive with whale sharks
Maldives offers plenty of water activities though one water activity that in particular will be worth trying out is diving with whale sharks. There is no bigger marine life in the world than the whale shark, and Maldives is a wonderful place to dive and snorkel with this fantastic looking creature. The best place to dive with whale sharks in the Maldives is around the Sun Island.
If meeting these gentle giants aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other amazing dive sites around Gaafu Alif Atoll and South Ari Atoll as well.
2) There are so many islands that you can rent an entire island for yourself
Maldives is not just one island but is a collection of over one thousand islands that form twenty-six atolls. To make the most of your stay, why not hang out on your own private island? The islands are usually accessible by boat, and most accommodations and local tour agencies will gladly arrange a day trip with a picnic to a nearby uninhabited island. Snorkel, chill, and leave the world behind for awhile.
I mean where else can you find once-in-a-lifetime experience like this. It’s really nice not having to share a beach with others for once!
3) The local food is amazing
The local cuisine of Maldives is second to none. Whether you want to eat at one of the many world-class resorts, or even if you want to check out local venues, Maldives is a great place for trying all kinds of cuisine. The local cuisine is based around the best seafood and is very spicy. The dishes that are worth checking out include the riha curry that is made with fish and coconut milk. If you want to try something spicier, then be sure to check out a dish called kulhi borkibaa which is a fish cake that happens to be very spicy.
If you’re on a local inhabited island, visit the many teahouses that serves hearty meals and tasty snacks all day long.
4) You can stay in an over-water villa for a luxurious experience
Imagine waking up in the morning and diving straight into crystal clear waters.
When it comes to living in an over-water villa in Maldives, the choices are amazing. For those who can afford it, there are more than five thousand water villas to choose from over 80 different private-island resorts that fall in the three to five-star category. Even the cheapest over water villa has a glass floor and some even come with a Jacuzzi.
5) The snorkelling sites are amongst the best in the world
Maldives is a great place for snorkelling with amazing marine life. If you want to enjoy your snorkelling, then make sure you stay at a resort with a good house reef. Alternatively, there are also hop on a snorkelling tour that takes you to some of the more impressive snorkelling sites away from shore. There is no better place on the planet to snorkel than the Maldives because of the fantastic array of marine life and reefs. With such clear waters, the visibility is perfect for snorkelling!
(See also: Tips for snorkelling safely in the Maldives)
6) Maldivians are super friendly and hospitable
Most visitors to Maldives only hang around in their resorts, but explore a local island like Malé or Maafushi, and you’ll easily see how the friendliness of the locals extend beyond their work in the tourism industry. Despite having the face the throngs of tourists everyday, I was pleasantly surprised the locals are still very welcoming to foreigners outside the resorts. I still remember this group of locals welcoming me to play a game of football with them!
7) The beaches are out of this world
Here are some of the best beaches you can find on the planet. Best of all, you won’t even need to fight for your place on the beach. There are also many secluded islands with white sandy beaches, fine sand, and pristine waters. Check out this list of under the radar beaches you shouldn’t miss too!
Pro-tip: Visit from November to April for the best weather during the dry season.
This post was brought to you by Accor Hotels.
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