Some 2,000 small coral-reefed islands, around 250 inhabited, straddling the equator in the azure-blue of the Indian Ocean. A romantic honeymoon hideaway - perfect for diving and snorkelling. Islands, each with their own unique charm with soft, white sand beaches, translucent lagoons encircled by house reefs - a real-life aquarium. Breathtakingly exquisite.

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A TASTE OF THE MALDIVES

WHAT TO EXPECT - These idyllic tropical islands are for people who just want to get away from it all. Total informality is the order of the day. Accommodation offers good value, but is usually simple, and you should bear in mind the nature of the environment in which you are staying. Sun worshippers, water sports enthusiasts and divers will feel totally at home but there is little else to do.
* Some beaches may be eroded by tidal movements and/or weather conditions.
* Diving and water sports may be restricted in the summer months, particularly May and June, as a result of the adverse sea conditions caused by the rainy season.
* Transfers: If the transfer to your island resort is by dhoni or speedboat you may get the opportunity to sunbathe and it may therefore be an idea to change into appropriate clothing at the airport where a changing room is provided for this purpose. Furthermore check with the islands representative at the airport as to whether your transfer boat has toilet facilities on board. If not, you may wish to avail yourself of the airport's facilities before departure.
* Due to demand and/or adverse weather conditions transfers to and from Male may be 'consolidated' owing to availability of equipment and it may be necessary to wait longer than usual for your transfer.
* If your transfer is by seaplane there might be a slight delay between landing in the Maldives and actually boarding your transfer flight. (Such transfers may also involve a short boat ride to the resort island). Please note that there are strict baggage allowances on these flights and excess baggage may be refused carriage. Therefore try to keep within the allowance specified for your international flight.
* Delayed arrivals may necessitate an overnight stay at the Hulhule Island Hotel on the airport island or in Male en-route to your chosen island resort as night transfers are not always possible.
* At certain times of the year, return transfers to Male may take place early in the morning.

FOOD & DRINK - The immigrants of the Maldives, mainly the settlers of Indian and Arab origins have of course brought with them their own tastes and preferences for food which they have adapted to the various local products that are available.
* The local cuisine therefore is traditionally spicy and fish is the speciality. The majority of food has to be brought on to the island which limits the use of fresh produce and the variety of food which can be served. Food is therefore generally simple, but the islands are increasingly making every effort to provide a more international selection of dishes.
* The islands stock a good range of the usual spirits, beers and soft drinks but these can be relatively expensive because of the transportation costs and the high duty taxes that are imposed. However, it is not possible to obtain alcohol on Male or at the airport.

RELIGION - The vast majority of the population is Muslim.

LANGUAGE - Dhivehi is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.

CLIMATE - The climate of the Maldives is warm year round with temperatures in the high eighties. The islands are subject to mild monsoons. The south-west monsoon between May and October tends to bring more rain and wind than is usual. The north-west monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season with very little wind.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Being a Muslim country all the usual Islamic holidays are observed. Fridays are considered a holy day which means that all shops in Male will shut on Friday. Generally life on the resort islands is unaffected on these religious days.

1st January - New Years Day * January - National Day * 26 July - Independence Day * July/August - Prophet Mohammed's Birthday * 3rd November - Victory Day * October - Ramadan * 11 November - Republic Day * * 10 December - Fisherman's Day * November - Eid al-Fitr Day
*The Holy month of Ramadan is the main Muslim festival where muslims fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days. In 2008 this festival will start on approximately 30 August. Its end is marked by the feast of Eid al-Fitr is a day of feasting to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The dates are variable and usualy fall 11 days earlier each year.

* Other Muslim festivals are based on sightings of the moon and so dates given are approximate.



WHILST IN THE MALDIVES
SHOPPING - The best place for shopping in the Maldives is Male where a wide variety of local and imported handicrafts are available. The best buys in terms of souvenirs are casual wear, basketwork, pottery and jewellery.
* If you get the opportunity to visit one of the "village islands" you may be able to pick up the local handicrafts slightly cheaper than you would do in Male.

CAR HIRE - Car hire is not possible in the Maldives.

CURRENCY - The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) which is divided into 100 Laari. There are no restrictions on the import or export of currency.
* Most islands require payment in US Dollars and we therefore recommend that money is carried in the form of US Dollar travellers cheques (small denominations) and as US Dollars are readily accepted throughout the Maldives we suggest that you have some to hand before you leave the UK so that you can pay for small items on the way to your resort and also for tipping when in resort.
* Change is given in MVR which is accepted in most small shops but is not easily re-converted into Dollars or Sterling. Generally you will not need a great deal of cash during your stay other than for excursions and for tipping.
* You should keep all exchange receipts as these may be required on departure.

CREDIT CARDS - Major credit cards such as AMEX, Diners, MasterCard, Euro card and Visa are accepted in most large shops, restaurants and hotels.
* At present all our resorts prefer the use of credit cards to cash and these days it is normal practice to run up a bill during your stay and then pay the bill in its entirety on your departure.

BANKS - There are no banks on the islands but the hotels will be able to change travellers cheques. The bank at Male airport will be available on your arrival and on your return.

TIPPING - Tipping is an accepted practice in the Maldives and as a general rule porters should be given US$ 1- 2. Room boys & restaurant/bar staff US$10 per week. That said the giving of gratuities is always at the discretion of the individual.

ELECTRICITY - 220 / 240 volts. An adaptor will be needed for any electrical items you bring with you.

TIME - The Maldives are 5 hours ahead of GMT. However some islands are an hour ahead of Maldivian time. The resort representatives will be able to inform you which time applies to your island resort.

RECREATION - Spear fishing is prohibited and line fishing is only permitted on specially organised excursions.

PROHIBITED EXPORTS - It is prohibited to export whole black coral, turtle or tortoise shell.

USEFUL ADDRESSES
Maldivian High Commission Tel : 0207 224 2135
22 Nottingham Place Fax : 0207 224 2157
London W1U 5NJ e-mail: Maldives.high.commission@virgin.net