Maldives

Palm trees swaying on one of the 1,192 islands of the Indian Ocean, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, warm water surrounded by coral reefs - this tropical paradise is Maldives

Republic of Maldives is located in Indian Ocean, very close to Sri Lanka. It consists of 1,192 islands, so the main means of transfer is by a boat. As islands are quite small (some are only around 200m long), only one resort is built per island. This means that accommodation in Maldives is very secluded, private and romantic. There are hundreds of resorts to choose from, all of which will have the world famous Overwater Bungalows! All the resorts have beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by house coral reefs. Each resort will offer its own charm, character and ambience.

Cuisine in Maldives is a combination of Indian, Sri Lankan, African, Asian and European flavours. Fresh produce is delivered to each resort on daily basis. This combined with centuries old traditional recipes, equals to a delicious, mouth-watering dishes. As Maldives is an island destination, it will come as no surprise that fresh seafood features heavily on menus daily.

Maldives is not the best shopping destination. Main reason for this is that you can only shop on the main island called Male (this is where the airport is located). As getting in and out of Male can be quite complicated and expensive from the resort, not a lot of people do experience shops in Maldives. However, if you manage to get to Male from your resort, make sure you visit the main road Majeedhee Magu, where you can buy anything from souvenirs to clothing, cosmetics and electronics.

Since average year round air temperature is 25-30 degrees Celsius, Maldives really is a perfect tropical destination! Maldives, being a tropical destination, is quite humid throughout the year. November - April are generally sunny every day (summer season), and months from May - October get a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers (winter season). Please see below a table that serves as a guide to average temperature and also average rainfall in Maldives in one year.

Honeymoon Planners choice: One of the best resorts on Maldives is Cocoa Island. It is located just south of Male (capital city) and the speed boat transfer from the airport will only take 15-20 minutes. Cocoa Island Resort is located on a small, private island where most Overwater Bungalows are shaped like dhonis (boats). Each bungalow is beautifully decorated where the designers have throught of every single corner of the room. Even though there are 33 bungalows, you can feel as secluded as you like. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery expanse. The bathrooms, a bath and shower, share the horizon views. Interiors are quietly contemporary with a nod to local rusticity in Maldivian kajan roofing. Cocoa Island is a very peaceful and romantic location with amazing views from each and every bungalow. Absolutely perfect honeymoon destination.

Divinig is among best in the world with two private house reefs.

There is one restaurant on the island called Ufaa (meaning happy Maldivian). This restaurant serves dishes for breafats, lunch and dinner. Considering the chef is Australian, the food is finger licking good! It is, inour opinion,the best tasting food in Maldives! 

Let's not forget the world famous COMO Shambhala Retreat dedicating to renewing body and soul. The location is perfectly peaceful, with its own open space yoga pavilion. Each treatment room has their own outside shower gardens and Jacuzzi. Make sure you get pampered at least once during your stay - we strongly recommend the signature treatment called 'Cocoa Island Bath' which takes approximatley 120 minutes!

Magical island paradise of Maldives is a perfect destination to start your everlasting memories!

*All images used kindly provided by Cocoa Island Resort, Maldives