Maldives, a state of islands in the Indian Ocean about 700 kilometers west of the coast of Sri Lanka. The island state consists of 26 atolls including 1192 islands with only 192 of them being inhabited. What exactly is an atoll? It is actually a name given to a certain type of island or group of islands – found in a tropical ocean. The atoll is actually a coral reef surrounding a shallow lagoon and the ring structure can be open or closed. The source of the lagoon is at sunset a volcano whose remains sometimes protrude above the water. The Indian Ocean has concentrations of atolls such as in the Maldives off the coast of Sri Lanka, Kashdwip off the coast of India and the Seychelles Islands northeast of Madagascar.
The population of the Maldives is approximately 400,000, all Muslim. The Maldives is considered to be heaven on earth and one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. However, experts have warned in recent years that the next few years may be the last years of the place and so it is advisable to go ahead and visit Maldives for Honeymoon, important Birthday, Anniversary or just a luxurious vacation.
The capital of the Maldives and the main port of entry is Mala. Unlike the dream that we are used to imagining when the name Maldives is said, the city of Male is dense and polluted and more reminiscent of a large Indian city. The city is “flaunting” air pollution, filthy markets, street sewers and more. In a sharp transition from the island whose main “role” is to be an airport and administrations of the other overpopulated islands, the other islands are an extreme contrast. Each island is leased to foreign tourism companies that set up and run a hotel employing local residents as service providers. In every single island there is one hotel only – yes, yes, a single island with a single hotel. Each of the islands have a shiny white sand beaches. The water color is reminiscent of a combination of Lago Argentino in the South American Andes ridge and Greek coastal dives. Every island has scattered “crooked” palm trees, straw huts near a private beach, and in the background colorful sailboats and around you, local service providers who do not stop smiling and pampering. Dream or reality? And to all this add the feeling of voluntary isolation detached from the news, stock market, illnesses, the Corona epidemic, and without a bare chest – a sweeping prohibition by virtue of being an Islamic state – each of you will decide whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage ….
The Maldives represent a dream of a lonely island holiday with beautiful sandy beaches, sunbathing, moon nights, clear and warm water combined with a cool, colorful cocktail and fish on fire at dinner. Those who come to relax in the Maldives usually come to one island and stay there during their vacation. The tourist village can offer all the tourist needs: good food, luxurious accommodation and activities around the clock in front of a magical sea. The idea is reminiscent of other hotels such as Club Med, for example, but here, in the Maldives, the idea is maximized.
Getting to each island is a unique experience in itself. After landing at Mala Airport, the welcoming hall leaves and next to it we find the means of transport to the dream island we have booked. We can use a private race boat or shared water taxi service, a ferry, a small plane and of course a seaplane. Depending on the distance of the island you are reaching from Male, it is advisable to choose the preferred mode of transport. If it’s a really short distance a shared boat, ferry, or private race boat will suffice. However, quite a few of the islands are further afield and it is therefore advisable to take a water plane as well to save unnecessary hours of cruising and also to avoid nausea and seasickness for the sensitive people between us. Beyond that, it is a special experience to fly and enjoy the view of many atolls and islands scattered in the ocean below. It is very important when booking a holiday in the Maldives to include all the local taxes and transfers in advance. And of course take into account the economy at the islands and book a full board meal.
The lack of regular government transport and the distance between the islands mean that a tourist arriving on vacation stays on one island all the time. So how do you create a magical atmosphere of freedom and prevent the tourist from feeling claustrophobic.? The way is to create maximum privacy on site. All rooms face the water and are scattered on the island with the vegetation separating them. Even if there are rooms adjacent to each other the two openings are facing in different directions thus maintaining the disconnection. The highlight in Maldives are the rooms on the water where there is a direct drop to a private and intimate beach. Because the tourist are surrounded by sea and reef in one room, a close glimpse of marine life and its changes is provided. Some rooms have a glass floor that allows a rare glimpse into the water world from inside the room.
The disconnection and non-visitation of tourists from nearby islands and locals reinforces the feeling of disconnection and freedom. The resort islands are set on deserted islands and the locals do not live there but only work there. They move like shadow figures that are almost unnoticeable yet specialize in providing excellent service to tourists. In the islands it is not allowed to sleep on the beach in tents and do not light a fire. Protecting the environment is a candle to the local authorities and thus avoids backpacking. What you can do at the beach for free is tanning and swimming. Fishing is prohibited at the beach and for those who are interested there is an additional possibility of fishing in the depths of the ocean. Beyond the fish, One of the symbols of the Maldives is the coconut palm. The palm trees on the Maldives coast symbolize nirvana life in the place as well as in other tropical and exotic places. However, for the local residents the coconut tree is a source of livelihood, shelter from inclement weather and the scorching sun. The coconut nut has many uses such as fiber to rope, preparation of drinking tools, and use of the nut shell for heating.
As the authorities in the Maldives have pointed out, the environment is very sensitive. The facilities are located in the center of the island, embedded in nature, with advanced technologies and always have electricity and fresh water. The design and construction of rooms in the islands take into account the environment. Emphasis is placed on the use of natural materials that fit into the environment. You can also notice quite a few tourists who are looking after the environment and at the end of their vacation bring trash bags from their holiday to take back home.
Each of the Maldives, scattered in the Indian Ocean, seems to be the fulfillment of the lonely island dream, with its slanting palm, fresh sand and chilled drinks. A little more in depth you can learn a lot here about the formation of atolls, the lifestyle of the islanders, the preservation of nature as a way of survival and especially a good opportunity to disconnect from the daily routine of Western life that is familiar to all of us and drown like Robinson Crusoe on a single island with much more conditions Enhanced.
