The world
waits with bated breath for the ancient Mayan prophecy of the extinction of the
world to pass (or not), in December 2012. However, there are some beautiful
destinations that are threatened in no uncertain terms, for which the sands of
time are definitely running out. For
those who wish to see them before they disappear, the time is NOW.
The
Environment
The Maldives
is the smallest Asian country in population and area, and the lowest on earth.
Perched atop a double chain of 26 coral-reef atolls, the archipelago is
seriously in danger of being swept away under the seas, a la Atlantis. Constant
erosion, rising waters, bleaching coral reefs, environmental destruction, and
natural disasters have wreaked incalculable havoc.
The 2004
tsunami submerged the beaches on nearly 40 percent of the land-mass. The threat
is dire enough to propel the government into purchasing high-altitude land in surrounding
countries. Since 1995 government regulations provide protection for the vulnerable
1,190 islands. Important marine areas are designated as protected regions.
The
Culture
The name
Maldives is diversely believed to have derived from Sanskrit, Tamil and ancient
Sinhalese texts –translating to mean the “garland of islands.”
The blend
of cultures reflects waves of settlers brought in by trade routes, and impacted
by religion and language: South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians
and Colonial until its independence from Britain in 1965. The language,
Dhivehi, dissipates into various dialects in different regions. Maldivian
beliefs exist around religion and superstition, folklore and traditions dating
back to the era before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD.
The heritage
mix is evident in arts and crafts, architecture and music. Open to outside
influences, adaptable and welcoming, the culture has always continued to evolve
with the times.
Tourism
Tourism is
the base of the economy. The airport is located on the island of Hulhumale, neighboring the capital of Male-a tiny
island, densely crowded with colorful, tall, skinny buildings, chaotic traffic,
crowds, and hawkers. The political, social and economic capital, it is mostly
disregarded by tourists, anxious to start their vacation at one of the exotic
island resorts.
Male is
interesting as a microcosm of Maldivian life. Leaving beaches and resorts to the
outlying islands, the town is quaint and pleasing. Its (non-alcoholic) bars and
restaurants exist cheek-by-jowl with an incredible variety of shops and bustling
markets, amidst a typical eastern hubbub.
Male is a
prelude to the “real holiday”, where the “one-island-one-resort” concept of
Maldivian tourism ensures that only bona fide visitors and workers travel to
each island, ensuring, privacy, calm, and security.
A Dhoni Cruise
A soul-satisfying
alternative to resorts is cruising aboard a “dhoni”, the traditional Maldivian
sea-craft used by locals and fishermen.
A typical
itinerary starts with a transfer from the airport to the boat. Sail across
unreal turquoise waters, to an uninhabited island or resort, for swimming,
snorkeling and lunch prepared by your own chef.
Over the next week, your daily agenda will take you cruising to fishing
villages, meeting local inhabitants, observing their lifestyle, shopping for
local handicrafts, and experiencing ethnic entertainment. Spend evenings at the
lagoon, eating and drinking, before choosing to sleep on deck, under a blanket
of stars. The days are spent in relaxing pursuit of water-sports, beach
barbecues, and general lotus-eating.
Water
Activities
The clear,
perennially warm seas, the marvelous coruscations of 3000+ coral reefs, and free
flowing monsoon tides have created one of the world’s richest diving areas.
1000+ species of fish and marine life are native to these waters: from tiny
shrimp and schools of rainbow-hued fish, to the majestic mantas and sharks.
All
resorts provide basic to advanced training through PADI certified instructors,
and equipment, guiding divers to different sites for day and night dives.
Other watersports
are always on offer, such as surfing, water-polo, snorkeling, parasailing,
kayaking, kite-surfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing.
Excursions
The island
villages give glimpses into the everyday life of a Maldivian. See brightly
painted houses and harbors, tree-shaded swings and thatched-roofed holhuashi
(an island gazebo). Stroll on pristine beaches, see the fishing-boats come in.
Mingle with the islanders as they unwind after the day’s work, exchanging news,
recounting tales, playing cards, and listening to local radio.
Fishing
Those not
employed in off-island tourism or trade, are involved with fishing in all its
forms. Fishing is the Maldivian’s life-blood, sparking off celebrations when it
is plentiful, and despair when it is poor. Maldivian fishermen use the artful
pole and line method.
Traditionally,
fishing is over by late afternoon, whereupon the local folk refresh themselves,
and stroll around the island, visiting friends and relatives, or relax at the seaside,
watching the sunset while the children gambol at water’s edge.
Tourists
can partake in day or night fishing trips. Find a good spot near a reef. Learn
how to use the lines, hooks, and sinkers. Head to a deserted island to grill
your catch, eat and celebrate. Bask in the pure light of the sun or stars, by
the glinting phosphorescence studded seas.
The
Maldives Honeymoon
The celebration
of a new union can find no better venue than the Maldives -remote, different, and
conducive to focusing on each other. Warm balmy days, soft, silent nights,
clear buoyant waters, and talcum-powder beaches offer options for relaxation, activities
and adventure like few others. Dinner under the stars, a day’s sabbatical on an
uninhabited island, or total seclusion in your private bungalow lapped by cerulean
waters, while indulging in a private spa treatment.
Nature
conspires with its glorious elements of sun, sea, and sand to ensure a memorable celebration of your love
forever.
Spa and Wellness
If a spa
treatment means the immersion of body, mind and senses in natural surroundings,
being pampered, soothed and healed by natural elements, each island is a spa in
its own right.
The peaceful
seclusion, reiterated by the endless rhythm of the surf, the sea-salted air, and
exfoliating soft white sand, is mother’s
nature spa treatment for you.
Every
resort has the modern, luxurious, man-made version as well, nestled deep within
thick vegetation, or placed in solitude on a wooden jetty over the lagoon, and
some even underwater.
Traditional
healing methods, family secrets inherited
by generations of “hakeembe” (healing experts), have been incorporated into spa
programs.
Coconut-oil
extracted by ancient techniques, is known for its hydrating and health-giving
properties. The “gandhakolhi” leaf, is blended to treat minor aches and pains.
The traditional Maldivian sand massage alleviates muscle and joint pains.
The
Maldives is a premier tropical beach destination. Each island-resort bears its
unique aura, though flawless coral beaches, verdant tropical vegetation,
pellucid, waters, world-class hotel facilities and outstanding service are a
common thread. The range of accommodation suits all budgets.
Calm and
tranquility are the unique characteristics of the Maldives, allowing vital relaxation
and rejuvenation of body, mind and soul. The isolated equatorial location in
the Indian Ocean is juxtaposed against custom-designed and built modern resort
facilities to guarantee a guest experience that is unsurpassed.
No comments:
Post a Comment