Islands, Atolls and Cities Not To Be Missed
Malé is the lively and commercial heart of the country and is a stark contrast to the tranquillity of most of the surrounding islands. Other places not to be missed are Dhigurah Island, Utheemu – an inhabited island rich in history - the deserted islands of Innafushi or Radhigga, and Meemu Atoll.
Maldives Must-Sees
Some of our must-see sights in Malé include the old Friday Mosque, which is the oldest in the country; the traditional Malé fish market; the superb National Museum; and the National Art Gallery. Elsewhere, there are some fantastic diving spots in the northern atolls such as Helengeli Thila, Shark Point, Blue Canyon, Rasfari, Colosseum, Aquarium, HP Reef, Manta Point, Lankan Caves and Banana Reef. In the southern atoll, some of our favourites are: Velassaru Caves, Vaadhoo Caves, Embudhoo Express, Kuda Giri, Vaagali Caves and Guraidhoo Kandu. You may even be lucky enough to spot whale sharks (the largest fish in the world) south of Ari Atoll. Other unmissable activities and sights include a ride in a seaplane; snorkelling in Addu Atoll and Gan Island; and a visit to the wooden palace where Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived, as well as the memorial dedicated to him in Utheemu.
What to eat in the Maldives
‘Short-eats’, or Hedhikaa, are a sort of Maldivian tapas, and some of our favourite dishes include Kavaabu (small fried dumplings stuffed with tuna, potatoes, pepper and lime); Fihunu Mas (pieces of fish topped with chili peppers); Gulha (ball-shaped dumplings stuffed with tuna, onion, coconut and chili); Keemia (fried fish rolls); Kuli Baoakiba (spicy fish cakes); and Mirhuhulee Boava (octopus tentacles braised in a sauce made with curry leaves, cloves, peppers, garlic and coconut oil).
The traditional breakfast in the Maldives is Mas Huni, which is a mixture of tuna, onion, coconut and peppers, served cold and usually eaten with a freshly baked flatbread. For dessert, enjoy Bondibai, a popular dish made with rice and sugar, or try doughnut-like rings of sweet, fried dough topped with local bananas.
And to drink, try Raa – a palm wine that’s tapped from palm trees - and, of course, enjoy plenty of fresh coconut water and fruit juices.
Family Activities in the Maldives
From Malé, head out on a trip in the Whale Submarine for a tour of the underwater world that the children will love, or swim with hammerhead sharks at Hammerhead Point in Rasdhoo Atoll. The Maldives is also a great place to first introduce your children to diving, which they can start from the age of eight. In between lazing around, sunbathing and picnicking on deserted islands, you could also watch a Boduberu performance, a traditional Maldivian show performed by drummers and accompanying singers.
Romance in the Maldives
It’s hard to think of a more romantic spot to propose than in the Maldives, with nothing but the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean as your view. Enjoy couples massages, sunset yoga classes, romantic cruises, champagne overlooking the ocean and romantic walks along deserted islands. It doesn’t get much better than that.
