| Located in the warm Indian Ocean, Maldives is a | | | | explore the island in any way they choose. On land, |
| cluster of tiny islands, 26 to be exact, home to a | | | | mountain biking or hiking in the mountains is a |
| wonderful blend of exotic cultures and traditions. As a | | | | common pastime and the best way to get up close |
| testament to the culture, the word Maldives means | | | | to the local wildlife, including birds of paradise. Many |
| "Mountainous Islands" in the exotic local language of | | | | resorts and hotels in Maldives have their own aquatic |
| Tamil, still spoken by many local natives. Because of | | | | facilities; some have world-class dive centers. |
| the mountainous topography, only the small low lying | | | | In the ocean, many visitors try parasailing or boating. |
| inlets are inhabited. It is on these small quiet inlets | | | | Boating provides a unique opportunity to see |
| that breathtaking ocean views, white sand beaches | | | | different islands in the Maldives or possibly catch |
| and lush palm trees are available for all who come to | | | | some of the deep sea fish that lurk nearby. In the |
| enjoy luxurious Maldives holidays. | | | | ocean, SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the clear warm |
| Hotels in Maldives | | | | water surrounding each island is stunning. Each island |
| A typical journey to the Maldives is centered around | | | | is like a natural aquarium: surrounded by pristine coral |
| a beautiful resort hotel. In most cases, an island will | | | | reefs filled with thousands of colorful fish. |
| contain only one resort, adding to the privacy and | | | | For some, high adventure excursions, like hiking, biking |
| the experience. The inhabitants of the island are only | | | | and SCUBA, are too stressful. For these visitors, each |
| the support staff necessary to make the vacation as | | | | resort offers white sand beaches and swimming in |
| relaxing as possible, there are no natives. If a cultural | | | | the warm calm waters of the Indian Ocean. The |
| trip, filled with history and anthropology is desired, | | | | shallow reef surrounding each island serves as a |
| many resorts offer shuttles to other islands. There, it | | | | break wall for any waves or currents that might be |
| is possible to get a glimpse into the lives of Maldives | | | | present in the open ocean. Additionally, the resorts |
| natives. Many of the natives still fish using ocean | | | | offer amenities like souvenir shops, restaurants and |
| kayaks and rudimentary nets. For the people who | | | | bars. Often it is possible to play sports, like tennis and |
| inhabit these islands, their families have lived here for | | | | beach volleyball right on the island, all the while |
| generations, unchanged by time and untouched by | | | | enjoying the beautiful scenery and warm weather. |
| western civilization. Maldives vacations can be eye | | | | Maldives holidays are truly a once in a lifetime |
| opening windows into the past. | | | | experience: no other place on earth offers a feeling |
| If experiencing nature is the goal, there are many | | | | of serenity so intense. Nearly anything is possible on |
| opportunities located directly on the resort island. | | | | each private resort island. The goal of the Maldives |
| Using the resort as a base of operations, holiday | | | | Islands is to mix the beauty of nature with the fun |
| visitors to the Maldives will have the freedom to | | | | and relaxation of a true resort vacation. |