Handpicked Maldives

We don’t want to overegg things too much, but this might be the best place we’ve dived and snorkelled. Ever. On any list of the world’s best dive sites, the Maldives is always right up there – it’s not hard to see why. With glass-clear waters, coral reefs scattered everywhere around the archipelago and an almost laughable abundance of marine life, it doesn’t get much better than this.

There are stomach-churning drop-offs, thrilling drift dives and a host of calm warm water spots for divers and snorkelers alike. If you prefer to simply strap on a mask and paddle about, shallow reefs pepper the Maldives, with fish of every colour imaginable, turtles – we even saw manta rays. And, for those who prefer to dive a little deeper, the islands’ coral walls, night dives and whale shark viewing opportunities are unparalleled.

Of course, you’ll need your PADI for this, which is something you can get on the Maldives at a number of dives centres. We couldn’t recommend it more highly if we tried.

Yes, underwater restaurants. The Maldives have been at the cutting edge of contemporary dining experiences for years now and these under the surface restaurants are the latest – and most astonishing – iteration of their creative thinking. We’ve drawn up a list of our favourites below but, rest assured, whichever you choose, you won’t forget it in a hurry.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant. What that means for diners is that they sit surrounded by panoramic views of coral gardens and marine life on all sides, 5 metres below the surface. If there’s time to eat between taking everything in, they’ll be enjoying international fusion flavours from around the world. Next up is SEA at Anantara Kihavah, which is less restaurant, more underwater wine cellar. The seafood delicacies that guests indulge in there are paired with a stunning selection of fine wines and the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls afford uninterrupted views of life beneath the waves.

Another of our favourites is Subsix. Why? Because it’s the best party south of sea level that we’ve ever been to. Subsix is an underwater club and restaurant with a stylish, lively atmosphere, gourmet cuisine and cocktails, and live music and dance – all of this, 6 metres underwater. And finally, we’re huge fans of 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, where a premium tasting menu is the order of the day and courses are enjoyed underneath the vast expanse of the restaurant’s glass dome.

As you can tell, these restaurants are unlike anything we’ve experienced, anywhere else in the world. For a bucket-list experience, complete with fine food, delicious drinks, and barely believable views, an underwater restaurant may just be the place for you.

Preservation of the natural environment is part of the Maldives’ raison d’être. The island nation has been dedicated to conservation since long before it became a vogueish thing to do and the resultant protected areas are a haven of delicately balanced ecosystems.

There are a host of gorgeous bird species, including herons, terns, and white-breasted waterhens, as well as nesting sea turtles close to shore. When we visited, we were lucky enough to see these gentle beauties nesting and hatching, the tiny turtles running the gauntlet as they headed out to the open ocean – spectacular doesn’t do it justice.

Of course, it’s the underwater life that makes the Maldives such an attraction for many. It’s one of the only places on Earth where you can see whale sharks – the biggest fish in the sea – all year round, as well as manta rays, coral fish and reef sharks. Hotels regularly offer tours to see any number of these magnificent creatures, as well as turtles, eels and octopuses.

There’s nothing quite like seeing a unique species in the wild, undisturbed and free to do its own thing. That’s what the Maldives in abundance and, for any wildlife-enthusiast, we’re pretty sure it’ll make the trip worth it on its own.

As with so many of the Indian Ocean’s island nations, the culture of the Maldives is a unique blend of influences, drawing from the mix of peoples who arrived on its shores throughout history. Those were predominantly from South Asia, East Africa and the Arab world; and what you see in the country today perfectly mirrors that diaspora.

Nowhere is this more notable than in the islands’ cuisine, a delicious blend of Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic flavours. We ate like kings when we visited and were unsurprised to taste a lot of seafood: the fish broth, Garudhiya and the grated smoked fish with coconut, Mas Huni, were two of the nicest dishes we’ve ever tried on our travels.

The official language of the country is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan with its own unique script. If your Dhivehi is a little rusty, though, fear not – English is also widely spoken. Islam is the official religion, with mosques dotted throughout the islands and Islamic traditions, festivals and celebrations playing an integral part in daily life. You don’t have to cover up on the islands that have resorts, though.

We love the traditional music and dance on offer throughout the Maldives, especially the Bondu Beru, where drummers and dancers perform rhythmic beats and dance moves. Our founder, Ludo, gave it a go: not an image we’ll forget in a hurry. There’s a rich tradition of handicrafts, too, with wonderfully intricate woodcarvings and lacquer work often on display around the islands.

If there’s one thing we love more than exploring ourselves, it’s giving our clients the chance to do the same – it’s in the name. There are so many recommendations that we have for the Maldives and we’re dying to share them. Just mention them in any follow up call and we’d be thrilled to run you through the whole range.