We spent the last five days of our honeymoon in The Maldives and they are absolutely glorious. The clear and warm water of the Indian Ocean, amazing snorkelling among the coral reef and ocean wildlife, and some of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen were just some of the reasons The Maldives is a must see.
We stayed at Centara Ras Fushi - a 5 star, all-inclusive, adults only resort that did not disappoint. Check out my review of the resort for specific recommendations.
Without further adieu, let's jump into our list - 5 Reasons Maldives Needs to be on Your Bucket List.
1. Awe-inspiring sunsets on the Indian Ocean
A sunset may be a routine occurrence every 24 hours around the world, but a Maldivian sunset is anything but ordinary. Daytime in this tropical paradise brings out half of the colour wheel with the greens of palm trees and blues of the ocean. But when the lights go down on the islands, the other half of the spectrum comes alive with vibrant oranges, yellows and fiery reds.
Many visitors indulge by taking a dolphin-watching sunset cruise or lounging on a beach chair to take in the golden hour, but I chose to take a more active approach.
As the sun was setting on our final day in the Maldives, the most spectacular sunset I’d ever seen materialised before my eyes. The fading light made for stunning photos, but once the yellow hues began to mix into the soft blue sky, the race against time started. I knew straight away that this was going to be a sunset for the books.
Top Tip: When booking your resort, opt for a sunset view room for the added experience of enjoying the sunset from the privacy your balcony or deck.
2. Top Class Snorkelling and Sea Wildlife
We booked a snorkelling trip from our resort with the Centara Ras Fushi diving team. We boarded the boat with a few others and were shuttled to a near by coral reef where we were given the appropriate gear and encouraged to jump in and swim off on our own for in search of amazing sea life.
Under the sea with the diving team at Centara Ras Fushi, I witnessed dazzling coral walls, schools of tropical fish and a huge Sea Turtle. The clear waters allow for amazing visibility, but the best part is that the water is so warm you can leave the pesky wetsuit behind.
In the Maldives, you’re guaranteed to spot incredible sea life. Luckily, the staff double as photographers during the dive, flipping around with a GoPro to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Top Tip: Whale sharks are year-round residents of the Maldives, but head to the Ari and Baa atolls for the best chances to view these beautiful creatures. This is screen-saver scenery you’ll want to take home with you, so bring a waterproof camera.
3. Luxurious Over-Water Bungalows
If you’re looking for a bit of secluded luxury and a lot of romance, an over water bungalow in the Maldives is the hideaway of your dreams. Having already travelled into the middle of the ocean, we went a step further and booked a private bungalow on the water. Perched on stilts above turquoise lagoons, these over water bungalows offer a very private slice of paradise.
What’s more romantic than starting the day surrounded by crystal-clear waters where colourful reefs await at the bottom of your ladder? And nothing is better for igniting a spark than a hot tub and over water hammock, perfect for two and set to the gentle sound of surrounding waves.
We were able to experience a completely secluded private island where romance could never run dry. There are over 5,000 water villas in the world, and around two-thirds of those are located in the islands of the Maldives, so no matter your budget, you can't go wrong.
Top Tip: Depending on where you stay, some villas can be quite far from the island itself, so if you're not up for a long walk to and from your room, request a villa closer to the island.
4. Picture Perfect White Sand Beaches
You know the picture perfect coastline that comes to mind when you dream of escaping a crazy work week? Those images of deserted white-sand shores framing turquoise waters come to life in the Maldives.
The Maldives can be quite warm. Luckily, attentive Centara Ras Fushi staff came around every hour with a refreshing treat such as fresh fruit juice or soothing cool towels. We spend one of the days just lounging on the beach where we enjoyed the view of white sand stretch for miles before ending with the ocean. In this paradise, there’s plenty of beach to lounge on while living the island life.
Top Tip: The best located beach lounge chairs go quick each day, so get up early and claim your spot before you head to breakfast.
5. Maldives is a Paradise Racing Against Time
The islands were formed from underwater volcanic eruptions. The year-round warm weather, endless white beaches and inviting water make the Maldives one of the most exotic and scenic paradise destinations on earth.
However, Maldives is the world’s lowest lying nation, at just 1.3 meters above sea level. With the horrifying effects of Climate Change come rising sea levels, which means the island nation would become uninhabitable once the ocean rises by only one meter.
Top Tip: Start saving, start planning and visit Maldives before it’s gone forever.
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