One hotel per island
The islands are two metres above sea level and form atolls. 26 of them make up the Maldives. Every tourist island has a 3 to 5 star hotel with a huge number of activities on offer. The islands are surrounded by coral sand beaches. Off the shore, there is a shallow lagoon followed by an 18-20m high coral reef that acts as a breakwater and is called the "House Reef". You can snorkel here and see all forms of sea life, even sharks. The most common sharks are the White Fin and Black Fin which pose no danger and are very photogenic. Sadly, the El Nino raised water temperatures by 2-3 degrees and many corals died. The tourists probably do more harm.
The Maldives measure 820km by 120km. India and Sri Lanka are the closest countries. In 1995, the population was 244,644. Only 190 of the 1190 islands are inhabited. 88 are island hotels. The other islands are fishing villages. The people are Moslem and are Aryan or Dravidian. Dhiveli is an Indo-Iranian language. English is widely spoken. The Portuguese ran the island for 15 years in the 16th century. It was also a part of the British Empire. The Maldives became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1968.
The equator
With a tropical climate the air temperature averages about 30 degrees and the sea 27-29 degrees. May-October is the monsoon season. The Maldives have these least rain from November to the end of May and hence the most tourism. February and March are the best months. Tourists who come from the cold north take a day or two to acclimatise. Male is the capital with a population of 60,000. It is the only place with asphalt roads, cars, markets, businessmen and government buildings. The Fruit and Vegetable Market and the Fish Market are worth visiting. Tuna fish is by far the most popular fish. Only a few of the islands are in the southern hemisphere. The hospitality, the calmness of the islands, the perfect climate and the underwater beauty make this a veritable paradise on earth.
Maldives Guide
Climate
Tropical climate with temperatures varying between 25-32 degrees. Sea temperature averages 29 degrees.
Ideal season: From November-April, the northeast Monsoon winds bring dry and sunny weather. From the end of May to the end of October the southwest Monsoon winds bring heavy rains.
Visa
None required 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Currency
The currency is the Rufiyaa (Rf). US dollars and credit cards accepted.
Diving
All island-hotels have a centre.
How to get there
Emirates flies Istanbul-Dubai-The Maldives on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19.20. Lufthansa has a flight from Istanbul via Frankfurt on Wednesdays. You fly from Frankfurt on Condor Airlines to the Maldives. Transportation to the island-hotels from the airport is by speedboat or seaplane for the islands that are farther away.
Where to stay
Zohifushi Island Resort: 130 rooms in this traditionally designed hotel. Tel: +960 44 34 51 www.loshifushiislandresort.com Kanuhura Sun Resort&Spa: 102 luxurious villas and suites at this 6 star hotel. In addition, they offer hydrotherapy. Tel: +960 23 00 44 www.kanuhura.com Four Seasons Resort: 106 bungalows and villas including exotic bungalows that stand over the water. Tel: +960 44 48 88 www.fourseasons.com/maldives Banyan Tree: This 48 villa hotel on Vabbinfaru Island is like heaven on earth. Aromatherapy using floral scents is available. www.banyantree.com Veligandu Huraa Palm Tree Island: A hotel consisting of 16 resorts is connected by a wooden bridge to neighbouring Dhigufinolhu Island. Tel: +960 443 882.
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