The 1,190 coral islands of the Maldives enjoy an abundance of natural gifts, while the luxury resorts built on some of them offer truly extravagant experiences. The archipelago has something to bedazzle everyone—adventure junkies, foodies, and beach bums.
Adventure
ONE WITH THE OCEAN
With 99 per cent of the Maldives covered in water, the sea is your playground. And there is a watersport for everyone. By Rashima Nagpal
MEET THE WHALE SHARK
Blessed with over a thousand coral islands, the Maldives offers as many wonders under water as on the surface. Discover some of the world’s best dive sites—Maaya Thila, Fishhead, Malhoss Thila, Himendhoo Thila—situated only a plunge away from W Maldives. Get a flexible expedition designed for yourself, or choose from one of their Down Under signature packages, which includes the Whale Shark Quest—an overnight trip on a luxury yacht to the south of Ari Atoll, home to the world’s largest fish. Up the luxury quotient of your adventures with the (W)UNDER dive limousine, fully outfitted with après-diving facilities including a sundeck, a dry relaxation area, and a valet service. To archive your aquatic adventure, opt for the W Underwater Video service and take away more than just intangible memories. wmaldives.com
GLIDE ON A SEA SCOOTER
Another interesting way of exploring the aquamarine ocean is by gliding through it, on a Seabob: a high-end electric underwater scooter designed to move over the surface of water as well as under it. Based on your preference of depth and speed, its advanced technology, along with an agile design, enables a smooth gliding experience, almost like a fish. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives promises a fun ride. The next time you are here, get your hands on a Seabob, and set out on a mesmerising tour of the ocean in all its glory—from the grey-reef-shark hotspot of Rasdhoo Madivaru, to the whitetip-shark and octopus refuge of Maaya Thila, the whale shark haven of Maamigili Beyru, and the cargo hull of Machafushi Wreck. soneva.co
TAKE FLIGHT
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
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This story is from the September 2018 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
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