The Republic of the Maldives - Beach Overview

The Beaches in the Maldives are spectacular. What you'll find here is a great place to play Robinson Crusoe - tiny islands with soft, sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise lagoons and a bungalow on the beach. Crusoe would have been blown away by the comfort of some of the upscale resorts here.

Largely unexplored by Americans due to the lack of direct flights to the Maldives, the islands have long been the playground of Europeans seeking the awesome beaches and tranquil lagoons. But that's probably why the Maldives and the Seychelles remain unspoiled for the most part.

Take a dip below the surface, and you'll be rewarded with an amazing variety of breathtaking colorful fish. And some of the world's best dive sites are here, too. But don't think the resorts just happened. The government planned and has a master tourism plan in place.

The Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) are now a part of a great master plan - after the overwhelming tourist boom of the 70's and 80's. The idea here was to emphasize quality over quantity. And they did just that. Granted, you can't go just anywhere in the some 1190 islands - and luxury doesn't come cheap - but... well worth it, we feel. Just find a traveler who came home from here unhappy.

Okay - so where is this place?

Officially known as the Republic of Maldives, a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean about 417 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit any of the beach resorts is November to Easter.

You land in Male and are transferred by air or boat to your resort. Depending on the sea, it may be better to transfer by air. We have heard reports of visitors getting sea sick on the transfer vessel, (this after a 12 hour flight - you get the picture.)

Where else can you find local women caring for the beaches by hand? That same care is displayed to every visitor to their country. In fact, the people are so friendly here, we guarantee you will make friends. The country prides itself on how warm the people are. And they love to tell of their beautiful islands - ask many questions and you'll soon consider moving here! Enough dreaming - So now we're off to our First Beach. One brilliant star in a sea of over 1000 islets - where the resort staff have crystal balls. NEXT >>

Maldives Beach - Sun Island - Nalaguraidhoo

One of Maldives best beaches (of the inhabitable ones, that is), happens to be in the South Ari Atoll. The island is named Nalaguraidhoo and it is simply stunning. Some 62 miles from the Maldive airport at Male, some call Sun Island the flower of the Indies! You'll get away from it all, here. Among the 1190 islands that make up this wonderful place, Sun Island carries many excellent recommendations. When you land, you'll know you're somewhere special.

Why did we choose this spectacle, set on a tiny dot in the Indian Ocean? Here's what we found: Sun Island was probably a coral/sand island with tropical vegetation and no refinements. Since the Maldives took a great interest in tourism during the past 20 years, over 65 resorts have sprung up. Companies visited the larger, more compatible islands and made decisions to build resorts. Many islands have only one resort.

Sun Island didn't need much work. You can tell that much of the beauty is not man-made at all. First, the shape of the island lends to a grand lagoon, perfect for water sports such as snorkeling or canoeing. The barrier reef starts close enough to swim to and nature responds with a myriad of colorful fish and coral, sea life and crystal clear water. So clear, as a matter of fact, many say they feel as if they are flying over the reef. But, if you're not the water lover - you're in luck.

It's absolutely crazy, but there are parts of the island where you can see the reef right from the beach - with no need to get in the water! Plus, if you choose an overwater bungalow, you can literally day dream for hours while watching the fish and other creatures do their thing from your lanai. Here's a few tips while snorkeling: Rentals are around $7/day. Get a mask that fits well - no leaks. Fins must be comfortable. Ask the resort where the best snorkel spots are - don't waste time. Ask about any potential problems. Wear a t-shirt and suntan lotion. Finally, don't stand on the coral - it's fragile!


Next, the other shore is a stunning pure white beach that you can walk, jog, relax, take pictures of - whatever you dream. Even in high tide the shore is full and inviting. Catch the sunset here, or be catered to by the staff in grand style. There's nothing like sipping on a drink, listening to the surf, feeling the gentle breeze and the soft touch of the sun on your skin as you unwind on holiday so far from home no one could find you if they had to. Isn't that what you're here for?

Sun Island is a "sun" spot - most days full sun with little cloud cover. You know the daytime routine - tanning, snorkeling, reading, diving, windsurfing. But at night, you're in for a treat. Most come here with little regard to night life - by the time the sun is setting, you are, too! However, make sure you plan to go on one of the nighttime fishing trips - just a few hours right after sundown, which end in a fantastic fish fry and bake right on the beach. Nothing could end the evening better than a Maldivian customary meal under the stars.

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - medium bright white powder
• Facilities - at the main house northside, and at the water sports area
• Shade - palm trees along the northeast end, umbrellas available elsewhere
• Sports - diving, snorkel, windsurf, jetski rentals
• Notes - no topless, Maldivians are strictly Sunni Muslim

The Best Beach in the Maldives sports a Gold Trophy 80 meters long... NEXT >>