The Republic of Maldives, home to the idyllic cluster of islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Bali, one of the iconic holiday islands of Indonesia and Hawaii, one of the fifty states of the United States of America are all exotic holiday locations that epitomize the idea of relaxing and rejuvenating beach vacations for those in need of some time away from the rat race of life. While islands such as Bali and Hawaii, both highly sought after destinations in the Pacific and in Asia, these holiday locations tend to be busy and overrun with tourists. Therefore, for a truly secluded vacation, away from the throngs of people, the best hotels in Maldives beckon the ardent tourists fleeing the frost bitten winters of the world.
Unlike Bali or Hawaii, Maldives is home to over one thousand islands out of which over one hundred of them host private resorts such as Cocoa Island by COMO. These resorts provide holidaymakers with the seclusion and privacy they crave as they unwind and relax in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
While shopping may seem to be a secondary activity when in Maldives, it is an interesting avenue through which the local culture can be glimpsed and Male, the capital of Maldives, is an excellent place to purchase some souvenirs of your vacation in the sun. Whether one visits the Fruit and Vegetable Market or the Fish Market next door, there are always fresh produce and excellent local dishes that delight the senses. For some well deserved shopping, head to the main shopping area of Male, the Majeedhee Magu where almost anything can be purchased while Chaandanee Magu is the best place to purchase souvenirs. Both Chaandanee and Majeedhee close for around 15 minutes around five times each day to facilitate prayer.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
