Paradise Unveiled: Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Maldives
If you love going on amazing vacations, it is impossible not to have the Maldives on your bucket list. The small Asian archipelago located a few hundred kilometers southwest of India is home to more than a thousand coral islands that are grouped into 2 dozen atolls. For a great and unforgettable time, why not try to discover some of the country’s hidden gems?
Maldives’ Must-visit Atolls
In case you don’t know, an atoll is a group of small islands that are closely connected by sandbars and shallow reefs. Just imagine the Maldives having more than 20 of those. There are just too many to discover in just a single lifetime. Fortunately, to save you the trouble, these 2 atolls below are your top priorities to discover.
1. Male Atoll
The Male Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Maldives. After all, it is the capital of the country. It is also home to various amazing water excursions. The place just boasts a lot of things that any visitor from any walk of life can enjoy.
You can dive towards the “Banana Reef” or just snorkel around the “Rainbow Reef”. If you like to stroll around, the capital is filled with many historical attractions and vibrant local bazaars.
2. Baa Atoll
Another atoll that you can’t miss is the Baa Atoll. It is hailed as a biosphere reserve, which means that the place is rich in biodiversity. The place has the seventh-largest coral reef in the world. You’ll get to see countless species of beautiful and unique sea creatures.
Maldives’ Must-try Islands
If you want to try to visit specific islands, each of the below offers a unique experience for your visit. Here are some of the Maldives’ islands that you must try to explore.
1. Mirihi Island
Mirihi Island is one of the best islands to just let go of your normal life and be with nature for the moment. The island is so relaxing that you may have even done a digital detox unknowingly.
2. Vaadhoo Island
Perhaps you have come across a video on social media featuring a glow-in-the-dark beach. It is neither a hoax nor a product of visual effects. You can see it for yourself right at the bioluminescent beaches of Vaadhoo Island. The glowing is due to the presence of phytoplanktons, which are not harmful to any humans.
3. Baros Island
Baros Island is home to Manta Point, a place where you can have a unique snorkeling experience among the huge and innocent manta rays. Are they safe? Of course, they are and above all, it feels therapeutic just from seeing them go by you.
4. Sun Island
Sun Island, or Nalaguraidhoo Island, has attracted many visitors due to the amount of greenery. Aside from the awesome beaches, it has numerous tropical flowers. If you are a bit of a nature lover, this island is a must-visit.
5. Utheemu Island
Located at the heart of the Maldives, Utheemu Island is a small island filled with large historical importance. The Utheemu Ganduvaru was once the home of Sultan Mohammad and became recently a heritage building.
6. Artificial Beach
The Artificial Beach of Male may be human-made but its beauty can be a rival to some of the country’s most beautiful islands. The place is the go-to destination for entertainment, from water sports to concerts and carnivals.
7. Fulhadhoo island
If you still feel introverted and want a great vacation, try to visit Fulhadhoo Island. It is one of the country’s least explored islands, which is perfect for a tranquil atmosphere.
8. Dhigurah Island
The Dhigurah Island is a unique island wherein the sands of its beaches undergo constantly a cycle of erosion and rebuilding by the ocean currents. A result is its narrow form; thus, it is dubbed the “Long Island”. The island is also home to the Indian flying foxes, which are among the world’s largest bat species.
9. Thilafushi Island
Another unique island to visit is Thilafushi Island. It is known as the “Rubbish Island” because it was once the largest dumping site in the country. However, it was rehabilitated in 2011 and now you get to witness its total transformation into a beautiful paradise.
Maldives’ Must-try Private Islands
Being one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, it is only normal that the Maldives has millions of visitors each year. With so many people coming to visit and having a relaxing vacation, some prefer to stay on private islands for that uninterrupted taste of serenity. Here are the top private islands that you can try to avail in the Maldives.
1. Ithaafushi
The Ithaafushi is the largest private island in the country. Just from that statement alone, you can expect top-notch service and countless amenities. The island can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests.
2. Kudadoo
The only island that is fully powered by solar energy, the Kudadoo private island offers an inclusive experience of unrestricted freedom. Aside from leisure activities, you get also to enjoy delightful dishes and view eco-conscious art designs.
3. Four Seasons
Located just a few meters from the Baa Atoll’s Biosphere Reserve, the private island Four Seasons is a 5-acre place of secured enjoyment. It can accommodate 21 guests and you get to ride on a 19-meter yacht.
4. Nautilus
Also located in Baa Atoll, the Nautilus Maldives is such a refuge from the harsh realities of life. This luxury resort has 26 private beach houses wherein each of them can let anything be possible, legally speaking.
5. Kandolhu
With around 30 villas perfectly situated to highlight the island’s very colorful coral reefs, the private island Kandolhu is such a comforting place to stay. It incorporates modern architecture with its existing greenery.
6. Naladhu
The private island of Naladhu has been hailed as the best island resort not only in the Maldives but in the entire Indian Ocean region for 4 straight years. That alone speaks volumes about how encouraging is this island to visit.
Conclusion
The aforementioned list might change soon, knowing how vibrant and booming the tourism economy of the Maldives is. So, if you have the time and the budget, better explore these hidden gems as soon as you can.
