Secrets of the Maldives

The islands of the Maldives have been associated with romantic getaways, soft sands and azure waters, but there is more to them than that. Whether you want a family friendly resort, the perfect spa holiday or the chance to dine beneath the waves, the Maldives can provide.

If you’re feeling a little bored of high-rise hotels then the Maldives is ideal. Almost all of the resorts have a range of bungalows, over-water villas and the Banyan Tree Madivaru has new tented pool villas with separate bathing tents and spa beds - heavenly!

The Maldives isn’t more renowned for being a romantic couple’s destination rather than a place for family holidays, but the Island Hideaway at Donakhuli is just that. There is a supervised kids club so you can have some time alone in the spa but there are also a number of fun experiences for your whole family, including speedboat trips and dolphin safaris. You can also hire a bicycle and tour the island, play a bit of beach volleyball or just chill out by the pool.

If you want a holiday that's good for you, the One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah will pamper you into utter relaxation. There are vitality pools, steam rooms, invigorating ice fountains and a huge range of sublime spa experiences. To make you feel just as good on the inside, there are resident nutritionists who will tailor-make your perfect menu.

If you’re watching your carbon footprint then the eco-friendly resort of Banyan Tree Maldives, Vabbinfaru is ideal. They only build on areas that have been previously used, avoid pesticides on their vegetable gardens, use desalinated sea water and teach guests about the ecological dangers the Maldives face. They also encourage them to take part in reef cleaning, coral transplantation or to visit the Green Turtle Conservation Programme which rears these beautiful animals in a natural lagoon habitat.

The Maldives is a diver’s paradise, especially off the coast of Baros. With warm waters all year round and wonderful visibility, the 25 wonderful dive sites and stunning house reefs are out of this world. With an experienced dive team and beautiful locations, Baros is ideal for novices and experts alike. Or, for a slightly different underwater experience, dine at the world only undersea restaurant at the Conrad Maldives. At eight metres below sea level, this glass restaurant allows you to enjoy your meal surrounded by the colourful inhabitants of the warm waters.

So next time someone says the Maldives are just sandy beaches and sunshine, you’ll know what you can really get up to on your Maldives holidays.