Luxury Escapes in Tropical Paradise, Maldives

1. Luxury Escapes in Tropical Paradise: Top 10 Must-Try Island Experiences Spotlight: Maldives

2. Scuba Diving & Swimming with Manta Rays, Turtles & Sharks Scuba Diving around the Maldives has recently become hugely popular among the diving community. The hundreds of isolated and deserted Islands offer an enormous playground for divers to explore. To top that, divers and swimmers-alike have the privilege to explore the infinite waters of the Indian Ocean in the lovely company of manta rays, turtles and whale sharks, just to name a few. TOP PICK: White Tip and Gray Reef sharks, Hawksbill turtles, Dog Tooth Tuna, Napoleon fish, schools of Blue Stripe snappers, Bat fish and Fusilier fish, Barracuda and Eagle and Manta rays have all been spotted at Dive Sites just 15 minutes off COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU island resort.

3. Snorkeling & Exploring the Reefs Exploring the exuberant local reef flora and fauna is undoubtedly among the most sought-after and awe- inspiring experiences when in Maldives. Most resorts feature a so-called ‘house reef’ close to their shores, where the shallow lagoon precipitously drops off into the deeper ocean waters. TOP PICK: VILAMENDHOO ISLAND RESORT & SPA is home to one of the best, most beautiful and accessible house reefs in Maldives.

4. Overwater Spa While enjoying your dream escape in Maldives, do not miss the chance to opt in for an unparalleled over-the-water spa treatment. TOP PICK: The Over Water Spa at CONRAD SPA MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND features glass floor treatment rooms set on stilts above a coral reef in the resort's lagoon with panoramic views of the ocean and the splendid marine life below.

5. Romantic Beach Dinners Romantic al fresco dining under the starlit sky and to the swift sound of the Indian Ocean should be among the top experiences in your bucket list when in Maldives. Needless to say the majority of the Maldivian island resorts are offering this exclusive feature and one among many is MEERU ISLAND RESORT & SPA, which is our TOP PICK for a not-to-be-missed Romantic Beach Dining suggestion.

6. Sunset Cruises Ride off to the sunset, literally. An ideal choice for an early evening well-spent with your significant other. The sunset panorama over the ocean is remarkable and what is more- if you are lucky, you might spot playful dolphins playing to this iconic backdrop. TOP PICK: You have the chance to experience this must-try activity at most resorts, among which ANANTARA DHIGU MALDIVES RESORT, offering the option to indulge the Champagne and savouring delectable canapés. sunset while sipping

7. ‘Eat Like a Local’ Throughout your vacation in stunning Maldives, do not miss the opportunity to taste local flavors that showcase authentic Dhivehi three main items and their derivatives: coconuts, fish and starches, along with the whole range of fresh tropical fruit, produced locally. cuisine, based on TOP PICK: THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI MALDIVES is a note-worthy example of a property offering local Maldivian specialties on their menu.

8. Cultural Events & Entertainment The culture of Maldives is an amalgamation of various other cultures. Their music has East African, Indian and Arab influences. Bodu Beru is among the signature cultural performances - is a type of dance music with East African origins to the sound of Bodu Beru drums, popular in the northern atolls. TOP PICK: Every Tuesday night at KURUMBA MALDIVES RESORT is dedicated to Bodu Beru Dance & Drums entertainment programme.