The Maldives is marvellous

The Maldives feels like paradise with its clear waters, starlit skies, white beaches and sunny days.

The paradise island holiday destination is probably the most tired cliché in travel ads, and certainly the most far-fetched in many instances. It seems like any stretch of beach with palm trees in a sunny climate qualifies as paradise.

But the Maldives literally robs one of such cynicism, for it really fits its paradise tag. So, maybe I am not the most seasoned of travellers, or the hardest to impress. But I have never seen water so clear, nor sea in such brilliant turquoise shades. It’s quite surreal to be in the midst of such postcard perfect beauty.

With 26 atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives can afford to share its paradise with outsiders. The Maldivian government leases out its islands to be developed into high-end holiday resorts. With 26 atolls and 1,200 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives can afford to share its paradise with outsiders. The Maldivian government leases out its islands to be developed into high-end holiday resorts. Holidaymakers literally get an island all to themselves.