Making memories in the Maldives

Strung across the equator, like a string of lustrous pearls in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the 1,192 islands of the Maldives extend more than 820 km from north to south, and 130 km from east to west. With an entire land area of 298km², sitting in 90,000km² of ocean, this is Asia’s smallest country, both in population and in land mass, and with an average elevation of only 2m above sea level, the Maldives can also claim the world’s lowest average elevation. With few islands bigger than 120 hectares, this tiny island nation is 99% water – so if you are planning on holidaying here, you’d better love the water!

Known for some of the best year-round scuba diving and snorkeling in the world, the Maldives is every ocean-lover’s dream. The surrounding waters are home to an astounding variety of marine life, with nearly 200 species of hard corals, over 1,100 species of fish, 400 species of molluscs, 350 species of marine crustaceans, and more!

The stunning islands, with powdery white sand beaches and high-end resorts, with gorgeous overwater bungalows, have a well-deserved reputation for luxury and are known as the destination to head to for some serious rest and relaxation. Think swaying palm trees, lazing in hammocks, indulging in massages and spa treatments, and sipping cocktails at sunset. Let’s not forget romantic candlelight dinners, champagne sunsets, and some truly memorable and unique dining experiences.

You’ll arrive in the Maldives at Male International Airport which, perhaps slightly oddly, isn’t actually on the capital island of Male itself, but instead on the adjacent, small reclaimed island of Hulhumalé. Upon landing you’ll transfer to the nearby docks where, walking down the overwater ramps to your waiting seaplane, is the first of many unique and exciting things about your holiday. A seaplane travels three times faster than a boat, so is the ideal way to travel in this archipelago nation. From the minute you take off, the seaplane journey to your resort will be a 30 minute to one hour flight of jaw-dropping aerial views. Whilst seaplanes are not a cheap way to travel, life is about the journey, and as this will likely be one of the most scenic of your life; you can’t really put a price on that.

I visited three beautiful islands on my recent Maldives holiday, and our first port of call was JOALI Maldives, on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, 160km from the capital…