Explore ancient caves, overhangs and greet its multicolored residents. Dive deep into the blues with dolphins, whalesharks, manta rays and turtles. A team of experts is always at your helm and no prior experience is required. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, some of the most diverse and pristine diving sites welcome you here, ready to take your breath away.

Take a day off to revitalize, rejuvenate and pamper yourself. Soothe your body, mind and soul with ancient ayurvedic treatments, Balinese massages and therapies. The world’s first underwater spa beckons you here, offering new wellness packages where schools of colorful fish swim right by as you enjoy an exfoliating massage while the tranquility of the ocean surrounds you.

Adrenaline junkies rejoice, as plenty of options remain for you to quench your thirst. Have your pick between paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking, fun tube, banana boat and waterskiing in world-class watersports centres. If you don’t want to get wet, glass-bottomed boats, dolphin cruises and whale watching are ways to explore Maldivian waters.

Surfers of all kinds flock to the Maldives to catch the perfect wave. Boasting world-renowned surfing spots, most of them are located near the capital, often a quick speedboat ride away from the international airport. The reef chains have waves all year round, with the biggest waves occurring from June till October. While some breaks such as Pasta Point, Honky’s and Lohis are great for left footers, others such as Cokes, Jailbreaks and Sultans are ideal for right footers.

Hop aboard a cruising safari and go on a journey across the Maldives. The traditional fishing vessel, the dhoni as your home for the week, travel from one remote island to the other, taking the path less trodden. Explore pristine snorkeling spots, stop by at uninhabited islands for a swim, go on the hunt for some coconuts and have a beach barbecue set up with the catch of the day as your meal.

From chocolate tasting rooms to homemade gelato, experimental gastronomical delights and fine wine pairings, the Maldives offers some exquisite culinary adventures. From authentic Maldivian dinner spreads with local families to grand buffets with food from across the globe, options here are endless. Be it dinner under the stars at a secluded sandbank, barbecue under the mid-afternoon sun, poolside drinks, or even a three course gourmet meal at the world’s first underwater restaurant, the venues are breathtaking.

Sunny all year round, the Maldives offers the discerning traveller an array of options from luxury to adventure and everything in between. Together with top-notch service and second to none luxury, the glistening turquoise waters, palm fringed beaches and the tropical sun makes the Maldives the ideal summer holiday destination.

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With air travel as it is today, the Maldives has become very accessible. The Male International Airport is also called Velana International Airport. If you read about Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, that was once its name. It is a busy airport receiving flights from all over the world and depending on the time of the day, up to about 13 flights can come in per hour. Popular routes are via the Middle East, Singapore and India. Velana International Airport has its own island and once you have disembarked, transfer to your resort is usually either via boat or seaplane, depending on the distance. Many of the luxury resorts arrange transfer and however you get to your hotel will be a unique part of the Maldivian adventure.

Resorts are spread across the island chain. The Maldives is made up of about 1190 islands and of those about 106 are island resorts, so you are spoiled for choice. Choosing a luxury resort  depends on what you would like to do on your vacation. If it is a family vacation, you will need a resort that caters for the whole family and there are many of those. Choose a resort that has tailor made packages and facilities that will meet the needs of your children’s age group. Most of the resorts have babysitting facilities, kid’s clubs and entertainment for tweens and teenagers. With the younger members of the family both protected and entertained, it leaves the adults to have a relaxing, stress free holiday.

If you are on honeymoon, there are many resorts that offer secluded and private accommodation ideal for newly weds. Not only that, look out for special offers relating to honeymooners. There are many luxury resorts that go out of their way to accommodate couples who are taking this first and very special post -wedding vacation, so if you fall into that category, be sure to look up some of the top honeymoon resorts such as the Lux, Lily Beach and Taj Exotica to name a few.

 When researching your first trip to the Maldives, look out for out of season specials. There are many of these which can include extra free days or special half board offers. If your time of the year is flexible, this would be an ideal time to choose to visit the island. The weather is warm all year round, so whenever you go you should get the tropical island experience.

There are many options as to what to do during your vacation including water sports and activities such as diving and snorkelling. The underwater life is spectacular and fishing excursions can be arranged. Most holiday makers go for a relaxing sea front experience where you can lounge on the beach, read a book, swim and soak up the majestic surroundings. All the luxury resorts have spa treatments to increase your opportunity to relax.

The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. It would be a good idea to bring some local currency on your holiday, although US$ are widely accepted. Be sure to bring in small denominations of US$ as they are a very welcome when it comes to tipping.

You do not need a pre arrival visa to enter the Maldives. When you arrive you will be issued with a free 30-day tourist visa conditional to you having a legitimate passport. Do be aware that the Islam is the state religion in the Maldives and for this reason you need to be sensitive to the religious and cultural norms of the country. It is illegal for tourists to bring alcohol into the country.

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Sheraton

The Sheraton, Maldives is only 20 minutes from Velana International Airport making your commute quick and easy. This Eid, the Sheraton are offering complimentary shared speedboat rides from the airport but that is just the start of what you can expect from this luxurious resort. You qualify for half board meals at the Feast and Sand Coast and children who are under 12 get to stay and dine for free. The Sheraton has also included a 20% discount this Eid on Shine Spa non-promotional packages. Plus there’s free wifi for those who need to stay in touch. For those who are keen to spend their time outside, there is complimentary rental for all the gear related to snorkeling, kayaking  and paddle-boarding. This will be fun for the whole family!

Lux, South Ari Atoll

The Lux South Ari Atoll has a special blend of options that will suit all personality types. It’s for the romantic couples who want a getaway as well as for the adventurous who would like to spend Eid celebrating all the resort has to offer. If you book now for the Beach Pavilion, you could get up to 48% discount. If you book for the Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa or Water Villa ask for a 55% discount. If the Romantic Pool Water Villa, the Temptation Pool Water Villa or the LUX* Villa fit your accommodation needs, you may qualify for a 66% discount on your booking. Plan and book your vacation at the Lux this Eid and take full advantage of these great discounts.

W Retreat

The W Retreat Maldives is situated on Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll and has an expansive Eid Al Fitr escape package available for you this year. Pay for 5 nights and stay for 7 or pay for 3 and stay for 4. Enjoy return seaplane trips for two and a welcome treat in your room when you arrive. Over and above that,  the daily breakfast will be a fitting start to each day while the daily sunset hops pipe for two will be a lovely way to welcome in the evening. There is also complimentary laundry throughout the stay, complimentary non-motorised sports and free wi-fi. The W Retreat, Maldives have gone out of their way to provide for all tastes, also offering a complimentary press reader subscription with access to more than 6000 publications. There is a complimentary cooking class for two and special discounts for motorised water-sports, spa treatments and for a private dinner. It certainly will be an Eid to remember.

Anantara Dhigu

The spectacular Anantara Dhigu resort in the Maldives has a fabulous family special that will suit your family of four this Eid. This special offer includes return transfer from Male airport by speedboat for a family of two adults and two children. The luxury accommodation is in a Sunrise Beach Villa or Sunset Family Villa. The four of you will be energised each day by the complimentary buffet breakfast. The children will be well entertained with a Kid’s cooking class for two and they will enjoy unlimited daily ice cream! The resort has arranged for a baby sitter for one evening during your stay, so you the parents can enjoy a night out. There is also one family Dining by Design experience and one dolphin cruise for your family of four. What a way to enjoy a rich family life this Eid.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives has an All Inclusive special offer this year and you may want to take advantage of it over Eid. The offer includes daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner for two at the Javvu Restaurant. They also offer unlimited non-motorized sports such as kayaking and snorkelling. There is a 20% discount of motorized sports and a whopping 50% discount on spa treatments. Your fruit basket will be replenished each day and of course you will have unlimited free wi-fi.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to where to stay or what to do in the Maldives this Eid. It will be a wonderful opportunity to take the family and spend the celebration exploring this majestic tropical island.

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One & Only Reethi Rah

The Reethi Rah, Maldives is situated on one of the biggest islands of the North Malé Atoll. This massive resort has events, amenities and activities that will suit the whole family. Apart from all the island activities, the resort also has a tennis academy, water sport centre, fitness centre, photography studio, restaurants and boutiques. You are sure to find entertainment for young and old.

The family special they are currently offering is for you to book your family getaway for two adults and two children. When you do, two children from 0-11, stay, transfer and dine for free. This resort is perfect for this age group as they have the KidsOnly (ages 4-9) and One Tribe (9-11) children’s clubs, both of which provide age appropriate fun, games and food to keep them occupied and entertained for the duration of the vacation.

Shangril La

Shangri La Resort situated on the majestic Vilingili Island has a personalized holiday plan for young families with a special night rate.

While not participating in family activities, children are entertained with a variety of supervised fun in the Cool Zone kids club. It includes a soft play area with slides and a ball pit for hours of fun. Parents will have the opportunity for peace and quiet enabling them to recharge after a busy year.

The arrival and departure are experiences on their own – on a 50 seat air-plane to and from Male. During the course of your vacation, you will have a private family barbecue, four of the resorts special massages and for parents to rekindle their romance, a candlelit dinner while the children are safely babysat enjoying room service. No one goes hungry or thirsty with unlimited soft drinks for children, a replenished daily fruit basket and daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children enjoyed overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

Hideaway Beach Resort

Hideaway Beach Resort is on Dhonakulhi Island, Haa Alifu Atoll and has come with great reviews for a family vacation. The family villas are ideal for parents and children. Spacious, they offer privacy for adults and plenty of activity areas for the children. The setting is idyllic including your own private stretch of beach and your own pool.

Hideaway Beach Resort has a couple of family specials including a Mother’s Day special on offer and a 7 night family package. Spa treatments, a photo shoot and special Mother’s Day Dinner will make your Mom feel like the superstar she is. Or take advantage of their 7 night Easter package available until 17th April 2017.

Niyama Resort

Niyama Hotel in the Maldives has a great offer for which you and the whole family will benefit. They have a 40% discount on accommodation when you spend 7 nights or more.

Situated in the Dhaalu Atoll, 88km from the airport, this is an opportunity to completely relax and enjoy a break from all the stress of everyday life. There are so many activities, the family will be spoiled for choice each and every day. No boredom here. From billiards, to hot tubs, from a private beach to the kids club, from fishing to diving, swimming and water sports, a week at Niyama will ensure great fun and endless memories for all.

Whatever your summer plans, make sure they include the Maldives!

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Here are 4 resorts with the attractive opportunities & activities for you to enjoy Eid in this wonderful archipelago.

1.One & Only Reethi Rah 

A 75 minute boat ride will bring you to the luxury One & Only Reethi Rah where this Eid you can enjoy the holidays at a 30% discount on the room rate and it includes half board. The history and culture of the Maldivian people will come alive over Eid at the One & Only with special entertainment and a feast of note to celebrate the occasion. This award winning resort is sure to live up to your vacation expectations.

2.Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa

Situated on the Addu Atoll, this family friendly luxury resort and spa is the ideal vacation destination where there is something for the whole family. Choose from golf to water sports, tennis or badminton. Relax at the spa, while the children play in their specially designated area. And take advantage of the added bonus of the Shangri-La Villingili’s Eid discount of 45% on the room rates.

3.Six Senses

Six Senses is the only resort on the Laamu Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. This Eid they are offering for you to stay for three nights but pay for two. Along with this you will get complimentary half board. This palm fringed paradise is sure to raise your Eid celebration to new and memorable heights with options of sumptuous banquets coming out of several restaurants.

4.Jumeirah Vittaveli

Jumeirah Vittaveli a luxury family friendly resort only 20 minutes by motorised catamaran from Male, the capital of the Maldives. All 89 villas have their own swimming pool and access to the water ensuring premium privacy and family time. This Eid you can enjoy 30% Discount with Free Half Board Meal plan at Jumeirah Vittaveli. Such a great deal!

Hurry up and book!

If you visit the Maldives during Eid, you are sure to experience an abundance of Maldivian culture – making memories that will stay with you for many years to come.

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