MALDIVES

The hallmark of luxury tourism, Maldives and its array of private resort islands continues to attract growing numbers of visitors looking for the perfect retreat

A luxury outpost in the Indian Ocean

Maldives, commonly referred to as Maldive Islands and formally known as Republic of Maldives, is a fascinating stretch of landmasses in the northern Indian Ocean.

The independent nation is made up of around 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks, of which 200 are inhabited, stretching more than 820 kilometres from north to south and 130

kilometres from east to west.

This unique geography has resulted in a reputation for tourist luxury, with resorts often being housed on their own island and offering the perfect, allinclusive private getaway.

Permanent inhabitants are almost all Maldivian, an ethnic group formed as a result of various groups of settlers arriving throughout the country’s history, the first being Tamil and Sinhalese peoples from Sri Lanka and Southern India.

An important source of employment for locals derives from tourism, with visitors to the islands spoiled by the pristine beaches and opportunities to explore sea life and partake in water sports.

The past decade has seen the industry open up, not least because inhabitants have been granted the power to build guesthouses on their islands, providing competition to resorts which have traditionally dominated the accommodation scene here.