Located in the warm Indian Ocean, Maldives is a cluster of tiny islands, 26 to be exact, home to a wonderful blend of exotic cultures and traditions. As a testament to the culture, the word Maldives means "Mountainous Islands" in the exotic local language of Tamil, still spoken by many local natives. Because of the mountainous topography, only the small low lying inlets are inhabited. It is on these small quiet inlets that breathtaking ocean views, white sand beaches and lush palm trees are available for all who come to enjoy luxurious Maldives holidays.

Hotels in Maldives

A typical journey to the Maldives is centered around a beautiful resort hotel. In most cases, an island will contain only one resort, adding to the privacy and the experience. The inhabitants of the island are only the support staff necessary to make the vacation as relaxing as possible, there are no natives. If a cultural trip, filled with history and anthropology is desired, many resorts offer shuttles to other islands. There, it is possible to get a glimpse into the lives of Maldives natives. Many of the natives still fish using ocean kayaks and rudimentary nets. For the people who inhabit these islands, their families have lived here for generations, unchanged by time and untouched by western civilization. Maldives vacations can be eye opening windows into the past.

If experiencing nature is the goal, there are many opportunities located directly on the resort island. Using the resort as a base of operations, holiday visitors to the Maldives will have the freedom to explore the island in any way they choose. On land, mountain biking or hiking in the mountains is a common pastime and the best way to get up close to the local wildlife, including birds of paradise. Many resorts and hotels in Maldives have their own aquatic facilities; some have world-class dive centers.

In the ocean, many visitors try parasailing or boating. Boating provides a unique opportunity to see different islands in the Maldives or possibly catch some of the deep sea fish that lurk nearby. In the ocean, SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the clear warm water surrounding each island is stunning. Each island is like a natural aquarium: surrounded by pristine coral reefs filled with thousands of colorful fish.

For some, high adventure excursions, like hiking, biking and SCUBA, are too stressful. For these visitors, each resort offers white sand beaches and swimming in the warm calm waters of the Indian Ocean. The shallow reef surrounding each island serves as a break wall for any waves or currents that might be present in the open ocean. Additionally, the resorts offer amenities like souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. Often it is possible to play sports, like tennis and beach volleyball right on the island, all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm weather.

Maldives holidays are truly a once in a lifetime experience: no other place on earth offers a feeling of serenity so intense. Nearly anything is possible on each private resort island. The goal of the Maldives Islands is to mix the beauty of nature with the fun and relaxation of a true resort vacation.