Maldives

The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the face of the planet. These beaches can be found on practically all of the country’s almost 1200 islands, and they are so reliably picture-perfect that it’s difficult not to get jaded by their splendor. Even while certain beaches may have sand that is softer than others, the reality of the matter is that you will not find sand that is consistently whiter than white powder and water that is consistently bright cyan blue anywhere else on the planet like this. This fact alone is sufficient to lure well over a million people every year to this teeny-tiny, off-the-beaten-path paradise in the Indian Ocean.

Almost any destination in Maldives has its own private island, and with over 100 to pick from the only challenge is deciding where you want to stay. The most upscale hotel chains in the world are always trying to outdo one another by providing guests with ever-more extravagant amenities like butler service, private pools, in-room spa services, and even pillow menus. It’s no secret that the nation has long been at the top of the wish lists of honeymooners and anyone looking for a luxurious tropical escape. Beyond the luxury hotels, however, there are many more options. Since the government of Maldives allowed residents to construct their own guesthouses ten years ago and began opening up inhabited islands to tourists, the country has seen a dramatic transformation. For decades, the expectation that visitors would have to stay in hotels and avoid mingling with the locals discouraged independent travelers from visiting. The accessibility of island hopping by public ferry, speedboat, and domestic flights has made this amazing nation accessible to travelers of nearly any financial means. Many islands in the Male and Ari atolls have become significant hubs for a flourishing guesthouse sector, each with hundreds of possibilities.

The crystal-clear seas of the Maldives attract divers and snorkelers in search of some of the world’s greatest underwater experiences. When you finally make it down to the reef, you’ll be greeted by a stunning display of coral walls, beautiful caverns, and schools of brilliantly colored tropical fish. Manta rays, turtles, sharks, and even the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, may all be found deeper in the ocean. That’s not even the greatest part! Many individuals choose not to use a wetsuit since the water is so comfortable.