MALDIVES

Feel the romance in the air, beneath the waves, between your toes. With amazing palm-fringed beaches, blue lagoons, clear warm waters, coral reefs and laid back atmosphere, there's nowhere more magical than the Maldives.

The Maldives is a stunning archipelago of 1,190 coral islands, of which just 200 are inhabited and 87 have been transformed into unique holiday resorts, each with its own personality and atmosphere, yet each dedicated to giving its visitors a true taste of tropical island magic. Here you'll find simple accommodation, often in the form of traditional thatched huts, open-air restaurants, and bars with natural sandy floors. Step out of your room onto a wonderful, almost deserted, white sand beach; take a swim in the clearest turquoise seas, or dive down to Asia's finest underwater sites. So, whether you come for the water sports or for that romantic honeymoon, the Maldives is certainly a dream come true. What's more, although facilities for children can be limited, if yours love the beach, they really will be in their element here.

Fast Facts

Practicalities

Language: Dhivehi and English widely spoken

Currency: Maldivian Rufiya (tourist use American dollars).

Flight Time: Approx 11 hours from via Bahrain to Male.

Fly From: Gatwick (year round) and Manchester (November - April)

Transfers: Transfers are by boat either a dhani (local craft), fast boat, speed boat or by seaplane. Transfers by sea may be rough - particularly May to October. Timings in resort descriptions are approximate and may vary depending on sea conditions, weather conditions and the type of boat used. Customers are advised to wear flat shoes for transfers as they will, of course, have to climb on and off the boat and seaplane. Certain resorts are reached by seaplane and in such cases, a 20kg baggage allowance will apply. There may a wait of up to 3 hours for the seaplane transfer and for flights arriving after 4pm or departing early morning (not usual but may apply due to flight delays or weather conditions), it may be necessary to overnight in Male or a nearby island.

Health: Vaccinations are recommended for protection against hepatitis A, polio typhoid and, tetanus. Malaria tablets and a mosquito repellent should also be taken. Please check with your doctor.

Water: Tap water is not drinkable. Bottled water is available at all hotels. During periods of low rainfall, water supplies may be restricted, although 'island water' is adequate for washing.

Visa: can be obtained upon arrival to the Maldives free of charge.

Departure tax: $12 departure tax is applicable for all passengers to the Maldives - this is usually included in the price of your holiday. Please note: departure tax is set by the relevant local authority. Although correct at time of print, it is subject to change.

Holiday bed tax: of $6 per night is charged for children under 2 and should be paid direct to the hotel on arrival. (Subject to change)

Eating Out: Typical three course meal without wine £25

Drinks: Bottle of wine from £20 - £30

Glass of beer: £2.50

Climate: May to October is the rainy monsoon season with rough seas and high winds. November to April is the dry season.

It is illegal to take anything out of the sea, either living coral or souvenirs from wrecks; to remove shells from the islands or to purchase items made from turtles. Alcohol is available, however no alcohol may be taken into the Maldives. Any duty free liquor will be confiscated on arrival (collectible on departure). Topless and nudist sunbathing is against the law.

Your Resorts

Baa Atoll Royal Island

Royal Island is a fantastic location to explore some of the best dive sites in the Maldives. This stylish property offers a peace and relaxation along with modern facilities and excellent sporting activities.

30 minutes from the airport by seaplane (supplement payable) or 180 minutes by speedboat.

North Ari Atoll Kuramathi Blue Lagoon/Kuramathi Coconut Village

Larger than many of the islands and comprising three separate resorts, here you can take a one hour stroll around the island. Facilities include a pizzeria, Thai and Indian restaurants.

90 minutes from the airport by fast boat.

Veligandu Island

Popular with couples, especially honeymooners, this charming, peaceful island offers the perfect get away from it all and is renowned for the friendliness and excellent service of its staff. The beaches are superb, there is a dive school and great snorkelling facilities.

20 minutes from the airport by seaplane.

Fesdu Island

Water sports facilities abound on this small, friendly and intimate island. There's windsurfing from the beach, a lagoon featuring house reef snorkelling and scuba diving, and fishing and boat hire are available.

50 minutes from the airport by seaplane.

South Ari Atoll Lily Beach Resort

Surrounded by a white sand and shingle beach, this lush, tropical paradise is perfect for relaxation. With occasional entertainment, plus activities ranging from tennis and volleyball to surf bikes and house reef snorkelling, its ideal for those looking for a little more too.

25 minutes from the airport by seaplane and then a further 5 minutes by boat.

Vakarufalhi Island

Night fishing, island hopping boat trips and snorkelling excursions are among the offshore treats of this sand encircled island. Windsurfing, scuba diving and catamaran sailing are enjoyed by learners and experts alike, but the attraction of Vakarufalhi is the slow lane pace of a peaceful island - pure relaxation.

25 minutes from the airport by seaplane.

Sun Island

An impressive array of amenities and luxurious accommodation is on offer at the large Sun Island resort. Choose from diving, sporting activities, sea excursions, or simply just relax with a cool drink on the beautiful white sands.

30 minutes from the airport by seaplane (supplement payable) or 180 minutes by speedboat.

White Sands

Located in one of the quieter atolls, White Sands offers a delightful natural setting for a relaxing, laid back holiday. There are great watersports facilities due to the large lagoon surrounding this unspoilt island, and a dive school offering various packages and excursions.

25 minutes from the airport by seaplane (supplement payable) or 2 hours by speedboat.

Lhaviyani Atoll Kuredu Island Resort

A must for divers, this is the location of one of Asia's best dive sites and home tot eh regions biggest dive school. The lovely beach is uncrowded and there is daytime and evening entertainment.

Approximately 5 hours from the airport by boat or 45 minutes by seaplane (supplement payable) which is recommended due to choppy seas.

Please note: For those travelling by seaplane to Kuredu Island, please be advised that your luggage will be travelling by boat to the island. A small piece of hand luggage per person is permitted on the seaplane. It is advisable that you pack necessary items in your hand luggage, as your main luggage will arrive several hours behind you.

North Male Atoll Meeru Island Resort

One of the largest resorts at 1.5km long, Meeru features many areas of unspoilt vegetation and a large lagoon ideal for swimming and windsurfing. The atmosphere is friendly and easy-going.

60 minutes from the airport by fastboat.

Paradise Island

A beautiful Island, just 1km in length and 250 m wide, Paradise is a haven of peace, relaxation and seclusion. It is surrounded by marvellous beaches of sand and coral, ideal for trying out watersports.

25 minutes from the airport by speedboat.

Bandos Island

With seafood specialties in an a la carte restaurant, a 24 hour coffee shop and an open air bar, and a larger range of sport and leisure facilities than most Maldivian islands offer - Bandos is among the livelier resorts in the region and one of the few with family facilities. Frequent boats make the short run to its uninhibited sister island.

20 minutes from the airport by boat.

Kurumba Village

This truly laid back island offers well maintained accommodation and good standards of comfort and service. It is within easy travelling distance of the capital.

20 minutes from the airport.

South Male Atoll Villivaru Island Resort

Small and rustic, this island has a limited range of amenities, yet with its beautiful beaches is thoroughly relaxing.

60 minutes from the airport by boat.

Biyadoo Resort

A well established island resort, Biyadoo is unusual in that it sits just 10 minutes by boat from a sister island Vilivaru - giving guests a change of scene and a range of additional facilities. The focus for sporty or lazy days is, naturally, the beach, and a good variety of water sports includes scuba lessons. A laid back and leisurely place.

60 minutes from the airport by boat.

South Nilandhe Atoll Velavaru Island resort

Stunning unspoilt scenery characterises the lovely 'Turtle Island'. It is ideally located for exploring the nearby uninhibited islands.

45 minutes from the airport by seaplane and then a further 5 minutes to the island by boat.