Among the thousand sand spits and uninhabited islets of the Maldives, about two hundred lush but tiny islands are home to human life.

Many of these are the private reserve of single hotel . Each Maldivian gem sits in its own shallow lagoon, formed by encircling coral reefs that hold back the Indian Ocean ...a necessary blessing, for none among them rises more than seven feet above sea level.

Visitors beguiled by the breathtaking colours of hundred shades of blue, will crisscross the ocean on catamarans to capture, on camera and memory, the simplicity of it all.

Scuba divers, snorkellers and watersports enthusiasts are in their element here –as re sun worshippers and those who just want to relax in paradise surroundings. Several resorts offer fitness centres or spas too, and most some form of evening entertainment.

But the rushing pace of the real world still passes the islands by, far beyond the protecting reefs, out of sight and out of mind.

Location:
In south east of the Ari atoll, about one mile long and 330 yards wide. All holidays include free return seaplane transfer (35 minutes). The Ari atoll is quieter than the two main Male atolls, has fewer visitors and boasts excellent beaches and diving. The resort has deliberately retained the ‘no news, no shoes’ flavour which is beginning to disappear from some islands today and allows the stressed visitor to indulge their Robinson Crusoe fantasies to the full in this delightful natural setting!

Opinion:
Good diving,excellent beaches and the largelagoon is ideal for watersports. Accommodation is simple in a deliberately unspoilt setting. The island is a lovely medium class resort very popular with many repeat visitors. Highly recommended for a relaxing break!

Opinion:
An attractive superior medium class island with a choice of dining and accommodation types. A choice of watersports including a small dive school and sailing. Good value.

Location:
In the unspoilt Baa atoll about 35 minutes north of Male by seaplane, 654 yards long and 220 yards wide.

Opinion:
A casual yet elegant simple first class resort with good facilities and accommodation, friendly service and a natural relaxed atmosphere.

Location:

Just 870 yards long and 200 yards wide Full Moon is located in the North Male atoll about 25 minutes by boat from the airport . Full Moon ’s local style architecture and modern facilities are tastefully designed.

Opinion:
This super first class island is part of the professional Universal group. It is more modern than some islands, has a short transfer from the airport and rooms and facilities are very impressive. Clients booking HB/FB eat in the main restaurant.Highly recommended.

Location:

Just 600 yards long and 180 yards wide, this pretty semi-circular island is located in the North Male atoll about 30 minutes by speedboat (Dhoni transfers in bad weather) from Male airport. One side of the island has coral house reef and is abundant with marine life within just a few feet of the beach, absolutely perfect for
snorkelling and diving for beginners;the other side of the island boasts a shallow lagoon ideal for windsurfing.

Opinion:
A beautiful compact island with a very friendly atmosphere, well run by Universal Resorts.It is excellent for diving and snorkelling and extremely popular with repeat guests.This pretty first class resort combines super beaches,good Maldivian style thatched accommodation and simple elegance.

On the isle of Vabbinfaru, the Banyan Tree basks by glittering beaches, its thatch-roofed villas catching the breezes and the spirit of stress-free living

At just 200 yards across, this tiny island has within its white sand boundaries, soothing spa facilities for massages and meditation, the Gallery giftshop offering local crafts, and beach volleyball and table tennis for land based activity. Watersports range from the PADI Dive Centre to big game fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing and glass-bottom boat hire.

Transfer time from the airport:25 minutes by speedboat.

One of the largest islands in the Maldives, and part of the remote Baa atoll, Soneva Fushi’s acres encompass criss-cross nature trails through tropical greenery for jogging, cycling and strolling. Contemporary creature comforts come concealed in natural woods, baskets and rattan –with attention to detail such as faxes delivered in bamboo canister

Facilities and services include a PADI certified diving school, a Fitness and Health Spa, deep sea fishing trips by dhoni and complimentary boules, badminton and beach volleyball,windsurfing and hobiecat sailing, board games, videos and a CD library.

Transfer time from the airport: 25 minutes by seaplane (daylight flights only).

This all water villa resort opened for its first season in Winter 2001. While dress is informal there’s nothing casual in the carefully thought out plans for this luxurious island. A swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball, badminton and table tennis will provide for landlubbers.

Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy snorkelling, windsurfing, hobiecat sailing and canoeing, along with speedboat trips, deep-sea fishing by Dhoni, and a PADI scuba school which takes you to dazzling dive sites.

Transfer time from airport:approx.15 minutes by speedboat.