Enjoy a picture postcard holiday in the Maldives

Guest Post

With autumn well underway and the summer (such as it was!) just a hazy, distant memory, you could be forgiven if you’re already planning next year’s summer holiday. After all, the prospect of a couple of weeks of guaranteed sunshine will help to ease the pain of those long, dark winter nights ahead.

If your idea of heaven on earth is sprawling lazily on a sun-kissed beach of purest white sand, with topaz skies overhead and turquoise waves lapping softly on the shore, the Maldives will be your own personal piece of paradise.

And if you think all this sounds like the stuff that dreams are made of – rather than reality – a quick glance at the photo on Virgin Holidays’ web page www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/worldwide/holidays/indian_ocean/maldives/ will readily confirm that holiday dreams can come true.

An archipelago of around 1,200 islands and atolls, scattered haphazardly on the sea off the south-west tip of India, the Maldives offer just about everything that any self-respecting, sun-seeking holidaymaker might expect: the climate is sublime, with near-perfect weather most of the year (average temperature around 30 degrees Celsius each month); the scenery is quite simply stunning; and the range of water sports is breathtaking (and we don’t just mean the snorkelling!).

Of course, with good weather virtually guaranteed, as it is in the Maldives, your first priority might not be to think of organising a roof over your head. Nonetheless, you’d be well advised to read up about the local accommodation options before you decide where to stay during your relaxing (or hyperactive, your choice…) vacation in the sun.

One thing’s for sure: with myriad luxurious resorts and hotels to choose from in this spectacular holiday destination, you can hardly go wrong. For example, if you’re a keen green bean, the lush vegetation on the island of Bandos will almost certainly appeal to the botanist in you, so The Bandos Island Resort and Spa might be just the ticket.

If colourful coral reefs and fine white beaches are more your thing, the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo may well be the hotel for you. And if you’re looking for a veritable tropical paradise with awe-inspiring views over the shoreline, check out (with a view to checking in!) the Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa.

The presence of a reliable sun, warm, crystal clear water and unspoilt sandy beaches close by certainly helps make for the perfect break. Yet, there’s so much more to this truly beautiful holiday spot than this. Arriving at Malé airport, you’ll quickly be struck by the warmth and hospitality of the native Maldivians, who go out of their way to help visitors.

Although the official language is Maldivian Dhivehi, you’ll find that English is widely spoken so communication won’t be a problem and you’ll be able to find out about the fascinating Maldivian culture in conversation with locals.

If you’re sitting there reading this and thinking, “But it all sounds so exotic – I could never afford a holiday like that,” it’s possibly time to think again. Virgin Holidays regularly run special offers for holidays in the Maldives at their website www.virginholidays.co.uk. In fact, when you see all the deals available online, you might have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming after all. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.