Welcome to the Maldives

This small island nation welcomes you with the bluest of skies, stunning scenery, famed overwater bungalows and beaches to just lay back and unwind.

The Indian Ocean's Maldivian 1,192 coral islands form 26 stunning atolls and the smallest South Asian country. Less than 300 of the islands within this picture-perfect paradise are inhabited. The sands are white as white, the water warm, a translucent blue and home to an array of colourful coral and tropical fish. Picture stary Milky Way night skies and romance beckons in paradise.

It has become a lover's retreat, a surfing and diving mega destination, and then there's the beach clubs, moonlight parties and smooth sounds to keep you in full swing. The soft fine sands and crystal-clear waters continue to draw many to this idyllic location. There are countless island resorts to choose from, with most featured around their beautiful beaches, tropical nature and quintessential relaxing environments. All budgets are catered for from super-yachts to backpacker retreats. Nature doesn't discriminate in the Maldives.

It has exceptional diving opportunities with a long list of locations. There's Addu Atoll, the most southern atoll in the Maldives, Baa Atoll with its marine diversity awarded UNESCO Reserve status in 2011 and Ari Atoll a favourite site for repeat visitors. There are many more for those that like to venture underwater, and with excellent visibility most of the year, it is considered one of the best sites for snorkelling and diving in the world. Whale sharks are present all year round. Sea turtles including Green, Leatherbacks and Hawksbills are plentiful. Consider visiting the turtle rescue centre while the best time to see them in the wild is from June through November when they lay eggs and hatchlings from January scramble their way to the ocean.

Above the water keep an eye out for the multi-coloured geckos and lizards, attractive birds and beautiful butterflies, the Maldives is much more than romance and love affairs: its nature in and out of the water is almost matchless. And then there are the exotic cocktails to taste, fresh seafood and sunsets at the end of another glorious day in paradise.

Best time to visit the Maldives

The Maldives is hot and sunny most of the year, making it an all-year-round destination. With the climate averaging between 23'C, it experiences two seasons: The Wet and Dry. November to April is the Dry season and peak tourist time. May to October is considered the Wet season which can often mean strong winds, storms and the occasional cyclone. It's the season for surfers to ride the waves.