The Maldives
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The Maldives, The W Retreat & Spa
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The Maldives, Conrad Rangali Island
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The Maldives, The Angsana Ihuru
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The Maldives, Cocoa Island Private Dining
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The Maldives, Relaxing at Angsana Velavaru
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The Maldives, Diving at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
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The Maldives, Cruising from the One & Only Reethi Rah
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The Maldives, Yoga at the One & Only Reethi Rah
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The Maldives, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa
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The Maldives, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa
MALDIVES | Barefoot Sophistication
The Maldives consists of a thousand pristine islets, painted on an infinite canvas of blue and turquoise. Their white sandy beaches, fringed with flourishing palm trees, serve as the perfect backdrop from which to relish in this intimate world of serenity.
The Maldives are a geographical marvel. Two rows of idyllic atolls dot the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. Amidst these atolls lies a string of islands, each with a vibrant coral reef encircling its lagoon. This distinctive formation renders navigation almost impossible, making way for the secluded uniqueness of the islands. It also protects them from the open ocean, producing clear lagoons that are rich with marine life. Home to some exceptional diving and snorkeling, these warm, crystal waters provide the perfect conditions to discover the beauty of the islands' thriving underwater world.
The Maldives are equipped with world-class hotels that offer the highest standards of sophistication. Unique to the destination is their 'one resort per island' policy, meaning that wherever you stay, you'll feel as though you have been hidden away on your own private piece of paradise. These resorts provide their guests with the perfect setting to relax on their pristine beaches and watch a vivid sunset with cocktail in hand.
The Maldives is a place full of splendor. It is a world where warm rays of sunlight await to engulf you in their outstretched arms. We invite you to experience the beauty, serenity, romance and exclusivity of this exotic destination.
LEGEND | First King of the Maldives
A Sinhalese man of royal birth named Koimala, from Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka), is believed to have married the King of Ceylon's daughter, making him a prince. Following their nuptials, the royal couple left Ceylon together on a sea voyage. When they reached the Maldives, they decided to rest a while at the King’s Island of Rasgetheemu in the Northern Maalhosmadulhu Atoll. The Maldivian Islanders, learning that the two visitors were of royal descent from the Buddhist kingdom of Ceylon, invited them to remain and ultimately proclaimed Koimala the King of Rasgetheemu. The new king and his wife moved to Maa-le (Malé), built a palace and settled there with the consent of the local Giraavaru people. From that day on, Malé was known as the King’s Island and became the seat of the ancient Maldivian Royal dynasty.