The tropical paradise of your imagination exists, and it’s Maldives. That may seem like an overly bold claim, but it’s ultimately a hard one to counter: This island country of Indian Ocean coral atolls has more heavenly beaches than just about anywhere else on Earth. And with only about 200 of its nearly 1,200 islands inhabited, there are no shortage of opportunities to discover secluded corners of a real-life paradise: electric-blue waters, powdery beaches, sweet-scented sea breezes.
It’s worth noting though, that this is a nation inhabited by actual people, not solely a resort playground. Many a Maldives getaway involves little interaction with everyday native Maldivians—especially considering the scanty beach clothes and alcoholic cocktails that are the norm in plentiful resorts, but aren’t welcomed elsewhere in this Muslim country. So try to keep in mind that the Maldives is as much about sacred mosques and hardscrabble fishing as coconut-palm hammocks and snorkels.
Speaking of snorkels, Maldives is an unexcelled underwater destination. The coral gardens festooning the archipelago’s submerged mountain range are easily accessible and biologically action-packed. Offshore sites lure scuba divers with the chance to commune with gentle giants such as whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles; while snorkelers and novice divers have plenty of lagoon and nearshore reefs to prowl.
It’s hard not to be drawn to the submarine marvels of Maldives, but you could never once dip below the surface (very unlikely) and still enjoy a magical accord with the Indian Ocean. Maldivian beaches must be seen firsthand to be believed: On a calendar or in a magazine, the pictures look far too photoshopped. Immaculate seashores are a dime a dozen here, but that doesn’t make them any less transcendent.
The rise in sea level associated with global warming poses a grave risk to Maldives. So explore these ravishing islands while you have the opportunity—and spare some time during your tropical idyll to experience a little of authentic Maldivian culture outside the beachfront spas and cabanas.
12 things not to miss.
- Parasail
- Live-aboard dive trip across the atollsLive-aboard dive trip across the atolls
- Stay in an overwater bungalowStay in an overwater bungalow
- Snorkel a manta cleaning stationSnorkel a manta cleaning station
- Ari Atoll
- Maldives
- South Ari AtollThis atoll’s protected waters offer world-class snorkeling with whale sharks, while topside there’s the paradisiacal Nalaguraidhoo Beach.
- Fish Head (Mushi Mas Mingili Thila)This North Ari Atoll coral bank ranks among the Maldives’ best-known diving hotspots, especially for its many reef sharks.
- Baa AtollActually a cluster of atolls, this little archipelago offers blissful beach resorts and world-class diving amid manta rays and coral gardens.
- National Museum (Male)Though a 2012 attack destroyed most pre-Islamic collections, this museum’s still worth visiting, not least for a rare bottlenose-whale skeleton.
- Hukuru MiskiiyThis 17th-century Male mosque is exquisite, hewn from coral blocks engraved with Arabic script and lavish designs.
- Grand Friday MosqueThis snow-white mosque commands attention on the Male skyline with its huge gilt dome.
