Resort in Maldives

Since the first resort island opened on the Male' Atoll in 1972, tourism has been developed to become the most important industry in this country, there are now 87 resort islands in the Maldives, each of which is on its own island, with its own unique natural beauty, style and concept. All resorts are beautiful, with white sand, blue sea and swaying palm trees, though they look pretty similar on the brochures. The differences are considered in their comfort, cuisine, style, character, clientele, and their suitable for various excursions and activities.

While some resorts offer a holiday of total relaxation and peace, others offer many activities and entertainment for tourists to enjoy. Some are designed using indigenous Maldivian styles while others have incorporated the most modern concepts. Facilities provided also vary from resort to resort, ranging from modern-style resorts with loads of facilities, and those, bungalow style with thatched roofs, with fully tranquil, natural-island feel instead. Their quality of accommodation and food is very much related to the prices, plain rooms and ordinary food are often found for inexpensive rates. Some exclusive resorts also offer equipment and facilities for conventional sports such as lawn tennis, football, volleyball, and indoor games such as billiards, table tennis or chess, however, pools are less common in most resorts. Normal rates quoted for an accommodation include full board meal, exotic buffets or barbeques, but local and continental cuisine is also available.

Resorts also differ in term of their characters and clientele. Some resorts accommodate more or less exclusively to certain nationality: Italians, Germans, French and Japanese for example. Such resorts provide their own national unique character, such as cuisine and language, and always ensure that everyone involves in their activities. Also, some resorts more appeal to passionate divers who dive all day, talk diving at dinner, and collapse early into bed, non-divers may be alienated to such places.

Visitors may choose a resort according to its location suitable for their activities or excursions. Although all resorts facilitate divers to diving sites but the divers would prefer to stay in those that have better access. Accordingly, the North Male' Atoll has more resort concentration than others because there are many diving sites, well-known in diving community, located at the atoll's proximity. Besides, it is the government policy that visitors can only stay on island resorts or boat within 'tourism zone', so if visitors wish to visit Maldivian village on an inhabited island outside the tourism zone, they will need a permit. Equator Village at Gan in the Seenu Atoll is the best place to visit and island resorts nearby will be convenient for short day trips. Also, some may choose resorts close to Male's, the capital city, to witness local lifestyle, whereas others may choose resorts close to Hulule where Maldives International Airport is located, in case they need to board on an international flight.

Sightseeing in Maldives

In addition to variety of tropical resorts, indeed, Maldives' unique culture, life-style and architecture are very much impressive. Male', the small capital island with population of 75,000 at the time of writing, includes most of all vital sites visitors have to see.

The first must-see place is the National Museum which is housing former sultan's valuable belongings and several historical worthy items. It is accommodated in the only remain building of the former sultan's palace which is a three-story, colonial-style building situated in the present Sultan's Park. Moreover, there are over 20 mosques scattered around Male' and the oldest is Hukuru Miski built in 17th century, which is the best traditional workmanship and best display of coral curving anywhere in the world. The area surrounding the mosque is a cemetery with a legion of intricately curved coral headstones that are famed for visitors. In front of Hukuru Miski is the Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. It was home of the sultan until he and his son were banished in May 1936, it was declared as government property and later used as a venue for official functions and an accommodation for visiting Heads of States and other foreign dignitaries.

The most famous architectural landmark of Male' is the three-story Islamic Center, opened in November 1984. The Center's Grand Friday Mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am, is the biggest in the Maldives, accommodating more than 5,000 worshippers, an Islamic library, and a conference hall. The shining golden dome of the mosque is outstanding as are also the interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy.

Located on the northern waterfront of Male' to the west of Republic Square is the main commercial area called Male' Fish Market which is the liveliest place that will bring you to the real Maldivian life. Each day, towards evening, local boats known as dhonis start coming into the inner harbor of Male', right in front of the fish market, to unload their catch from the sea, or products or materials from other atolls which are brought and taken away by people from all walks of life as soon it is placed. It is the biggest bustling daily scene in this small village. The Local Market, located just a block away from the fish market, on the other hand, is divided into several small stalls selling various kinds of local products mainly from atolls. Here the pace is slower and the atmosphere is more peaceful. The atmosphere is enhanced by the pale green light that filters through the fine green mesh that adorns all its windows and doors.

Another best place to visit for the touch of traditional Maldivian island community is at Gan on the Seenu or Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll which combines a group of small peaceful and relaxing islands together. Gan has its long and unique history as it was the base camp for British Navy and Air Force during the WWII. For that reason, the area is quite well equipped and developed. Roads and bridges built by the British are connecting islands together making excursion across the atoll is easier, therefore, hiking and biking is possible.