Choosing a trip is not taken lightly. Among the multitude of options available, the selected destination must have a unique charm that distinguishes it from others. The Maldives is that corner of the world associated with exclusivity that also houses a rich history and fascinating terrain that captivates those lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore it. From its ancestral roots linked to India, through the peculiar origin of the white color of its sands, to the unique aspects of its marine life, the Maldives hide a treasure trove of authentic stories waiting to be discovered. So pack your bags, check your flight ticket status, and get ready to embark on a journey to explore the Maldives that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.
1. It has more than 1,190 coral islets
The Maldives make up an earthly paradise and have an explanation: their origin. The Maldives are the smallest and least populated country in Asia. Officially called the Republic of Maldives, it is made up of 26 atolls, which extend over an area of 298 m2, and 1,190 coral islands, so named because they were formed by the accumulation of primitive coral skeletons that grew from shallow underwater platforms to the surface.
Of all of them, only 202 are inhabited, and 87 are islands dedicated to vacation tourism; some of them have been converted into authentic oases for luxury and relaxation, such as Naladhu Private Island. Made up of 20 private villas, this island offers its guests a global experience based on exclusivity and privacy unique to the Maldives.
These characteristics are only found in tropical and subtropical seas, and this gives their coasts a unique wealth in the world: coral reefs. The Maldives is surrounded by coral reefs, and resorts like Naladhu Private Island offer the possibility of participating in their conservation through its Coral Adoption Program with the help of the resort’s marine biologist.
2. Luminescent tides
Did you know that the tides can light up? It only takes place in Indian countries from September to November and is a natural phenomenon that occurs as a result of bioluminescent phytoplankton, which are microscopic organisms.
Due to the proximity of villas like those at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort in the Maldives, we find many corners where you can experience this phenomenon in a unique way. They put all their experience in the field at the disposal of their guests so that they can observe it either through their dinner service on the beach or from inside the villas.
3. It is the lowest country in the world
One of the characteristics of coral islands is that they develop only on the sea surface without actually acquiring the characteristics and relief typical of volcanic islands. As a consequence, the Maldives are the lowest country in the world, reaching their highest point only 2.5 meters above sea level.
As a consequence of this orography, in the Maldives area we find the characteristic “houses on the water”, a real tourist attraction that we can find at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, made up of 110 villas and suites on the water. This resort offers a unique and authentic way of experiencing the island and taking advantage of its characteristics to have unrepeatable experiences in other parts of the world.
4. Its sand is on 5% of the beaches in the world
The beaches of the Maldives are characterized by a crystalline color and their peculiar fine white sand, also a consequence of their coral origin. These types of beaches are very rare in the world, and since they represent less than 5% of all the beaches in the world, I feel the rest of the beaches are generally quartz. Another crucial agent that determines the color of beaches is the parrotfish. This peculiar species produces much of the sand on the islands and discharges up to 100kg of sand throughout its life.
We can experience all this well in the houses on the beach at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, in which the coast merges with the interior of the stay, as well as through the activities offered by the resort.
From open-air movie days to dinners for couples on the beach, the anatomy of the sand, added to the crystalline color of its waters, makes this type of location the corner chosen by many couples to celebrate their weddings.
5. One of the few places to see whale sharks all year round
The marine fauna of the Maldives Islands is one of its greatest assets. Due to its location and the peculiarity of its water, it is home to unique tropical marine species. Between spotting manta rays and nurse sharks, this location stands out for being one of the few places where you can see whale sharks all year round.
Much of the tourist attraction of the islands is found inside their waters. For this reason, chains like Anantara have developed programs aimed at showing their visitors the quality and richness of the atoll’s marine life. From boat trips to see marine species such as dolphins to immersive diving experiences, all activities allow guests to immerse themselves in one of the peculiarities of the island.