A holiday in the Maldives is a holiday in a tropical paradise. A perennial favourite with honeymooners and sun seekers, Maldives is the perfect island escape destination for the young, or young at heart.
In the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, on the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives is celebrated for its postcard scenic islands and remarkable turquoise water. Here you’ll find captivating island resorts offering luxurious accommodation, as well as world-class dining, spa and water sports facilities to make your holiday a once in a lifetime experience.
A veritable tropical paradise, Maldives is an archipelago of 1200 islands of which only 200 are populated. The islands are made of live corals and sand bars, sheltered by palm and breadfruit trees shading the soft white sands from the tropical sun and wild flowers adorn the enchanting landscape. About 90 islands on scenic Maldives are exclusive tropical resorts and many are the height of 5 star luxury.
Think the ultimate in opulent escapes; your suite an escape from the tropical sun, your private pool beckons with a cool sparkle and your butler serves that cocktail as you lounge on the room-sized day bed. Resorts might include a dive school or library, and you can bet they’ll all have a sumptuous spa. You’ll dine under the stars with soft sand running between your toes, and you’ll feast on sumptuous banquets from cuisines of the world.
Male is the focal island that serves as the capital and the main commercial centre and is the busiest of all the inhabited islands. With an area of 2 square km, Male is dotted with tourist attractions and is very easy to get around and, curiously, is one of very few Maldives locations that doesn’t have a beach.
Rejuvenate on the Maldives beaches and soak up breathtaking natural vistas. Stay at any of the 90 island resorts and enjoy virgin beauty of palm-fringed beaches and sun bathe, swim and dive to your heart’s content.
Maldives fun facts
It is illegal to import alcohol into the Maldives
Maldives is the smallest Muslim nation in the world
The highest point in the Maldives is on the island of Wilingili in the Addu Atoll (2.4 m)
Singapore Short Break
Wednesday 2nd June 2010
Travel Counsellor: Joey Russo
Some people see Singapore as a transit point to their final destination across the globe. But have you ever considered Singapore as a single destination to escape the bustling busy lifestyle you lead from Monday to Friday week in and out?
A 7 hour flight from Sydney had me touching down in Singapore without the stress of jetlag. I had left late afternoon and arrived late evening into Singapore.
From the moment I stepped off the aircraft, the Singaporean hospitality was felt. A warm welcome from the airport staff followed by a smooth seamless transfer through Customs and Immigration had me collecting my baggage and walking out into the arrivals hall.
Stepping outside the terminal it felt like I had travelled up to tropical north Queensland, the hot air and touch of humidity had me in holiday mode. In Singapore modern Asian society has a fusion of Western cultural characteristics, English is widely spoken and the main language used.
A short SGD 25.00 taxi ride had me arriving... view full story
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