The Maldives has, in recent times, been referred to
as 'The Last Paradise on Earth', and even then,
these references come within the grim predictive
context of it disappearing within the next 50 years
because of global warming- the nation is the only
one in the world where land are makes up less than
1% of the geography, while the sea accounts for more
than 99%. However, anyone visiting any of the
approximately 1190 coral islets (further grouped
into 26 atolls) would probably not be able to say
anything at all about portentous signs lurking about
anywhere; the Maldive islands that have been opened
to tourists to date call to mind nothing but purely
beautiful, powdery expanses of white beaches and
crystal-clear, luminously blue water; a scuba
diver’s dream and likely any occidental tourist’s
epitome of island-living heaven. Under a high summer sun all-year-round, one can,
based in one of the many luxury resorts and
hotels on Maldives, dive
for large, gleaming conch shells in the sparkling
sea, or break open a coconut from the towering palms
on the islands (the Maldives’ national trees) to
drink cool, sweet milk. One might even have the
chance to dance to festive Bodu Beru drumbeats under
a moonlit, gorgeously starry sky. The lack of
infrastructural support for the skyscrapers and
mazes of roads seen in almost every other part of
the world today allows for views of the night sky
and of the horizon to remain unencumbered and
beautifully stark. Barrier reefs, which encircle a
great deal of the individual islands, serve as
protection from the waves and occasional storms of
the Indian Ocean, and are spectacular to behold in
their own right.
There is a wealth of traditional handicrafts
available in the Maldives, with particular islands
being famous for expertise in different things.
Intricately-crafted lacquerware, made from the
evergreen species of tree Alexandrian Laurel, is
produced fairly exclusively in Thulhaadhoo, Baa
Atoll, for example. Woven mats, made from the reed
haa on traditional looms, are on the other hand most
notably handmade by the women of Gadhdhoo, Gaafu
Dhaalu Atoll. These customary crafts are only the
smallest indication that the Maldives is one place
where old-fashioned ways and an accompanying
heartfelt hospitality are still very much alive.
Coupled with the surroundings of fathomless blue sea
and sky, it is no wonder that this tropical holiday
is an unbeatable escape and a breath of fresh air
for so many work-weary hearts and minds.
Urbane
Nomads offers luxury holidays to Maldives-
from resort/hotel based beach holidays to
luxury yacht charters or luxury honeymoons.
