The Maldives: where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun engulf you in their arms.
Brought to you by Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation, this newsletter will keep up to date on the latest resorts, experiences and events to hit the islands.
In this issue, learn about the unique experiences to be had in the Maldives beyond the overwater bungalows, top five surf breaks, when and where to spot manta rays and whale sharks, exciting local markets and the stunning mosques of Malé.
Happy reading!
Beyond the overwater bungalows
There’s no doubting the breathtaking beauty of the magical Maldives with its turquoise waters, pristine beaches and luxurious over-water bungalows, but for those with an appetite for discovery, there’s plenty more to experience amidst the atolls. From experiencing the local cuisine at the fresh produce markets and going night fishing on a traditional Maldivian boat, to enjoying a floating spa or finding the perfect surf break – the Maldives has something for everyone.
Sample the local cuisine
If you ask a local what Maldivian cuisine is like, they will answer with the following three words: tuna, coconut and chilli. Traditional Maldivian cuisine offers a wonderful variety of tastes and flavours, ranging from crunchy snacks and street foods combined with wood-fired chapati bread, to complex and deliciously spicy curries. Be sure to sample dishes such as the breakfast favourite Mas Huni, made from chopped tuna, onion, chilli and coconut served with baked rosti bread – you’ll never want cereal again!
Spoil yourself at Scubaspa
It’s easily as indulgent as staying in an over-water bungalow, but as a floating luxury resort, Scubaspa is one of a kind. The unique concept provides exceptional spa experiences with unforgettable scuba diving. Designed for divers who travel with non-diving partners and guests with a keen interest in spas, Scubaspa’s purpose-built yachts explore the picture-perfect islands and reefs in the crystal-clear waters.
Take a walking tour of Malé
The bustling capital of Malé has a rich, diverse culture and offers plenty to explore on foot. From the local fish markets and the National Art Gallery in leafy Sultan Park, to the nation’s largest modern mosque, Grand Friday Mosque and the Old Friday Mosque – built in 1656 from local coral. Local tour group provider, Secret Maldives provides unique day trips around Malé and other residential islands that fully immerse their clients into the Maldivian way of life in the most ethical ways.
Island hopping in the atolls
While the one-resort per island stays are spectacular, it’s easy to island hop to discover everything the Maldives has to offer. The best way to do this is by boat. For an exclusive experience, Yacht Maldives provides private charters that can take you to all the islands, diving spots and surf breaks you want to explore. There are also public ferry routes available in the Maldives to help get you from one island to another.
Surf’s up! Five of the best breaks in the Maldives
Aside from the white sandy beaches and brightly coloured reefs, the spectacular Maldivian islands and atolls provide some of the best surf breaks on the planet. From the crowd-packed, but perfect breaks of the Northern and Malé Atolls to the off-the-beaten-track, fast-forming, clean barrels of the Southern Atolls, here are some of the best surfing spots in the Maldives.
Located right opposite the public jail on the island of Himafushi, Jailbreaks, also known as Prison Point, features a reasonably fast, perfect right-hand wave that begins slowly and builds in size and speed as it goes.
Yin Yang
Yin Yang is the most consistent wave in Laamu, working best under strong SE swell when thick barrels and a powerful inside section can be punishing. For luxury travellers who also like to ride waves, this surf spot breaks off of the stunning Six Senses Laamu.
Five Islands/Gani Point
Another right-hander, protected from the south-south west winds. A hollow wave that that breaks hard on a shallow inside reef and better surfed at mid-high tide. This is the wave that handles the biggest swells at all tides.
The LUX* Break
LUX* North Malé Atoll’s best-kept secret is its very own seasonal summer wave: The LUX* Break. Located a mere five-minute jet ski ride away from the resort, it offers the ideal conditions for beginners – it has gentle swells and ranges between 1 and 2 meters.
Malé’s magnificent markets
Malé Local Market
The local market is one of the best attractions in Malé. Located on the Northern waterfront, it is a vibrant experience filled with unique smells, colours and textures.
The market is divided into small stalls, with each selling local produce and merchandise from the atolls. You will find various kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of homemade sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging from the ceiling. Next door to the fresh produce is where you will find smoked and dried tuna – the Maldives’ national fish. You can easily find everything you need to prepare an unforgettable meal!
Fish Market
Although it may make those sensitive to strong smells a bit squeamish, the Fish Market is not to be missed! It is the commercial epicentre of one of the country’s most important industries: fishing. Located just a block from the local market, the vibrant fish market is always full of locals getting the best catch of the day.
The main attraction is obviously the incredible variety of seafood on offer. From massive skipjack and yellowfin tuna, gropers, sea bass, red snappers, barracudas and even parrotfish – it’s a wonderful array of colours and patterns.
Where and when to spot manta rays and whale sharks
Being an ocean-locked nation, the Maldives has an incredible diversity of sea life; from numerous corals to over 2,000 species of fish. It is also the best destination to spot manta rays and whale sharks, however, you need to know when and where to find them.
In general, from November until April, a higher number of manta rays can be found on the western side of the Maldives atolls. From May to October, they are best found on the eastern side due to the high concentration of plankton. As for whale sharks, the eastern atolls are great all year round to spot them.
See the best atolls to experience these magical creatures below.
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