Maldives have a reputation of being an exclusive vacation destination for adults, but these enchanting islands are also wonderful for families. There is so much to do that any family can pick and choose their favorite activities and still not have time to fit everything in! Keep reading for a list of some of the top family vacation activities on Maldives.

Snorkeling

Kids and parents all love to snorkel and the Maldives is geographically located in one of the world’s top snorkeling locations. Try heading to the islands towards the end of the dry monsoon when snorkeling is at its best and be sure to pack the sunscreen. Oh, and don’t forget your underwater camera because you will definitely want photos to help you remember this family vacation!

Deep Sea Fishing

Maldives is known for great deep sea fishing and families can really enjoy spending time together while fishing for some of the ocean’s larger fish. This is a great time to bond and have a lot of fun. Some kids, and parents, may be prone to sea sickness so be sure to prepare for this possibility in advance.

Windsurfing

Maldives offers great wind surfing opportunities and families can have a great time together. There are quite a few different places that can set up windsurfing sessions so ask your hotel’s concierge for a recommendation. That way you will be sure you are getting a great deal with a reputable windsurfing company.

There are lots of other fun things to do, too, as a family. Like exploring local villages, shopping for souvenirs, and just having a great time relaxing and enjoying each other’s company!

Find more about the Maldives family resorts

“Given that Maldives is a 100 percent Muslim country the fact that no Islamic resort exists in the country is surprising,” said Hani Lashin, General Manager of Dubai’s Jauhara Group.

The first Islamic hotel was established in Dubai by Jauhara Group 32 years ago. Lootah Hotel Management manages the three hotels run under the brand in Dubai. The shareholders of Lootah Hotel Management were the first to set up an Islamic Bank in Dubai in 1975.

Hani arrived in the Maldives to take a look for himself at the island of Kalhaidhoo in Shaviyani atoll where the resort is going to be developed on.

“I have seen the island and it’s very beautiful. The island is thickly vegetated and I’m sure if an Islamic Resort is developed on the island it would be very successful,” he said.

The group expressed interest to develop an Islamic resort in the Maldives after talks held following an offer made by a Maldivian company, Kalhaidhu Investment Limited.

“We met them on the internet, and since then on we’ve held discussions and reached an agreement,” Hani told Haveeru.

Hani confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Kalhaidhu Investment to develop and run a resort under the Jauhara brand for 20 years in the Maldives.

The resort, which would comprise of 50-75 luxury villas with private swimming pools as well as a private beach, restaurant, recreation centre, spa, marina and yachts, is estimated to cost between US$70-100 million and is expected to be complete by late 2013 or early 2014.

Hani said that the resort specifically targeted for Muslims would be unlike any other resorts in the Maldives, as it would offer privacy for both sexes in compliance with Islamic Shari’a.

“The resort won’t offer alcohol or pork, and is quite beneficial when considered health wise. Smoking will also be allowed in a specified area. Sports and other entertainment facilities will be available too but I don’t want to reveal the details yet,” he said.

He revealed that a swimming pool is planned to be built in every suite and separate swimming hours will be fixed for men and women at the beach, though families will be allowed to swim together and enjoy with their children.

“A lot of Muslim countries sell swimsuits designed for Muslims which completely covers the body but allow for smooth movement in the water,” he said.

Hani stressed that the group wanted to commence with work at a steady pace and so this year will only concentrate designing the resort and making necessary preparations before construction begins.

“The resort will be very different and special, and the resort will be designed by one of our companies and will take around two years to be developed and opened up. So the resort will be open for business by late 2013 or early 2014,” he revealed.

Hani highlighted the importance of establishing an Islamic resort in the Maldives and said the Tourism Ministry had also welcomed the idea of an Islamic resort in the Maldives.

“From the statistics we received it was evident that Arabs didn’t come to holiday in the Maldives. The number of Arab tourists in a year amount to just 1.1 percent of the total. The Arab market is huge and the Maldives should consider the potential value attainable from it,” he said.

Hani expressed confidence that the number of Muslim tourists will increase with the opening of the resort.

“Some people hesitate when it comes to something new. We are experienced in this field. Following the opening of the first Islamic Hotel in Dubai other hotels followed suit. While there are around 90 resorts in the Maldives, I feel that 10 Islamic resorts among them are necessary,” he added.

Source : Haveeru News

Seven areas of Baa atoll have been declared protected and the area of two previously protected areas have been extended.

A declaration was signed today between the Environment Ministry and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on the occasion of the World Environment Day, declaring the seven areas protected.

Many environmental projects have been conducted in Baa Atoll before and the atoll is noted for its biodiversity compared to all other atolls that make up the nation.

The areas protected under the declaration include an uninhabited island called Mendhu, the island’s reef and several other uninhabited islands surrounding the island covering a total of 200 metres.

Baa atoll Goidhoo swamp area, Maahuruvalhi Faru and the surrounding area isolated on the western side of the atoll, and the islands and reefs of Bathalaahura, Gaaganduhura and Vinanehfaruhura encompassing an area of 32 square kilometres are included in the list.

Under the declaration, an area known as Dhorukandu including an island called Mathifaruhura has gained protected status as well.

A kilometre of area surrounding a ship called ‘Kobin’ that was grounded on the northern side of the island of Baa atoll Fulhadhoo in 1602 has also been protected.

The span of Dhigalihaa area, which was protected in 1998, and the area around Baa atoll Hanifaru Island, which has been protected since 2009, has been extended today as well.

Dhigaligiri has been added to the Dhigalihaa protected area and Hanifaru has been included in the protected area around the island.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Housing Ministry today, Environment Minister Mohamed Aslam said Baa Atoll being one of the most biologically diverse atolls in the country has gained global attention.

The minister said United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has been suggested to recognise Baa Atoll as the Maldives very first biosphere reserve by July.

Biosphere reserves are globally recognised protected areas to promote sustainable protection of land and marine biodiversity.

Source: Haveeru News

Sounds of Maldives is a friendly, nation based traditional music label set in the heart of Maldivian Traditional Music inclusive of modern music trend by Harubee with the aim of promoting the beautiful island world of Maldives through the medium of music around the globe. Over the last two years, Bodu Beru has established a unique atmosphere that has drawn musicians and singers from throughout the country and the tourists to be attracted with the talent and the style performed by Harubee presenting the traditional entertainment of music on various occasions. With this new medium, Sounds of Maldives will be a brand which promotes the destination using the culture and the talent of Maldivian entertainers.

We have a fantastic line up this year as the year of branding and introduction, including the famous artist Unoosha scheduled to introduce her first destination promotion single in English namely, “Maldives”, The Five to perform along with E.Sa, Shamoon, Umar and Mira on this list as guest artist which performs with the full fledged twenty one performers of Harubee as the Sounds of Maldives.

Whilst, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation onboard as an official partner of this unique event “SOUNDS OF MALDIVES”, the organizer ensures that this is going to be the most festive event to display the culture, heritage and our tradition in relevant with music to the visitors. The event is supported by VTV and Kuda Bandos being the Official Host of the Launching, and supporting partners Liveaboard Association of Maldives, MATATO, Capital Travel, Blue Horizon, Maldives Visiting Guide, VTV and Cruise Maldives.

The event will take place at Kuda Bandos, North Male’ atoll on 19th May 2011 and the tickets of the event will be available for MRF 150 per person at Highrise, Highway, Baywatch, Music World. The ticket price includes return transfers to Kuda Bandos.

More info :

High Rise
Phone : 330 6606 , 330 7898
Fax : 330 6676
Email : events@highriseint.com

Getting away from it all can prove a great tonic to a relationship as well as providing couples with precious memories, which they can enjoy for years to come. One great destination for a holiday ‘a deux’ is the Maldives.

Sitting in the stunning Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives provide a great getaway for lovers looking for a little one on one time away from the rat race. With stunning white sand beaches washed by crystal clear waters and a superb selection of indulgent accommodation the Maldives provides the perfect backdrop to any romantic break – with options available to suit all tastes and budgets.

Things to do in the Maldives

With the majority of resorts in the Maldives being based on the beach there is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in soaking up the sun, while there are some exciting water based alternative activities on offer for those looking to try out something a little more strenuous.

Choose from a range of options including: Snorkelling, Water skiing, Sailing, Kite boarding, Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Parasailing, Catamaran sailing, Wake boarding, Ringo riding, Banana Riding, Submarine diving, Jet Skiing, Big game fishing and many more.

Anyone interested in these activities will be able to find instructors and guides on hand in most resort locations to guide them through their early efforts.

Alternatively, more competitive couples may wish to indulge in a spot of sport like tennis or beach volleyball.

Spoil Yourself at Maldives Spas

For those who prefer their romantic breaks to be more focused on relaxation than more energetic recreation, the island resorts offer a stunning selection of spa facilities perfect for a bit of personal pampering for both partners.

Choose from a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments including massages, mud wraps and more – all set in these stunning tropical surroundings, perfect for refreshing the mind and recharging tired bodies.

Enjoy Eating Out in the Maldives

With so many top notch accommodations on offer in the Maldives it is no surprise that they offer some superb eateries serving the local fish based dishes as well as others inspired by international cuisines.

Couples can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner while taking in the stunning scenery, from panoramic island vistas to an amazing undersea tableau at one of the world’s few underwater restaurants.

Why choose the Maldives?

The islands of the Maldives have so much to offer couples. While some couples choose to take advantage of low cost flights to Goa for similar getaways, many report that the mainland destination does not offer the same level of disconnection from daily life as the tropical retreats of the Maldives. Nowhere else can you find the same level of disconnection from daily life as the tropical retreats of the Maldives, where you can simply enjoy the company of your partner.