Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Consisting over 40 islands, the Ang Thong National Marine Park near Koh Samui is an ideal place to visit not just for nature lovers, but for those seeking exciting outdoor adventure as well! This protected nature area is known for its pristine beaches, lush greenery and azure waters which have been undamaged by development. Sea safaris at Ang thong Marine National Park lets you explore several islands and take part in such activities as kayaking, snorkelling and swimming amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Those in search of a Samui hotel that offers excursions to Ang Thong National Marine Park can stay at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. This luxurious Samui resort also offers a number of other activities and tours that lets you truly explore this picturesque coastal area.

The Maldives is a popular destination for diving as well as for spotting sharks. Combining these two elements, shark diving in Maldives lets you get a first hand look at these majestic creatures who rule the deep. Most of the shark species are harmless and pose no real threat to humans. While there are over 20 shark types that swim the country’s waters, some of the more popular species are whale sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and zebra sharks. Those in search of Maldives luxury hotels when on holiday can stay at Anantara Dhigu Maldives. This luxurious Maldives resort also gives one the opportunity to enjoy such underwater adventures as diving.

Known for their extraordinary sense of imparting tranquility through large eyes, meeting Manta Rays under water is something that a snorkeler would treasure immensely. These incredible and harmless sea creatures with their exceptional hydrodynamic bodies and unique persona are found in abundance in the Maldives sea. Since a meeting with a Manta in the sea is claimed to be a magical experience by many a snorkeler, it is not surprising that thousands of tourists fly long miles away from their home towns with this experience explicitly in their minds as they land in Maldives.

 It is said that the best season to observe the Manta Rays is between June and October and while the tropics are generously favoured with their company, it doesn’t mean that they are exclusively limited to this region of sea. There are also places where the manta sitings are more likely found such as the Lankanfinolhu Faru in the North Male atoll. These enigmatic creatures have a body in the shape of a ray and can grow up to as much as 20 feet and are a deep blue colour with a white belly. Contrary to the stingray they do not possess a sting in the tail. Known as the fish with the largest brain, the Manta Ray are harmless to humans and there are beliefs that they enjoy human company. Often occupying the coral reefs in deep sea, the mantras gather around ‘cleaning stations’ where their fins get cleaned by smaller fish and it is such a common site in the Maldives Sea. On the contrary Stingrays can be visualized close to shallow waters where they pause for their prey. Feeding these creatures is also an activity that is offered in some of the packages by various hotels.  Many divers who have encountered a Mantra in Maldives are eloquent on the subject, with some claiming that the Manta look at them with a serene demeanour or what is called a ‘knowing calm’. These adorable creatures are hunted for their fins but Maldives scuba divers would give anything to get closer and make friends with this amazing sea creature with a tranquil grace all its own.

Probably the best way to enjoy a journey to Maldives is to stay over at a Villa in Maldives. These ravishing islands are studded with such exotic residential venues and one excellent choice amongst them is the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. From beach pool residencies to water pool residencies to three bedroom presidential beach residences, there is the luxury of choosing from amongst some superb options each as alluring as the other. With polished timber interiors, over water dinning pavilions, to glass bottom floors for sea viewing, this range of residencies are simply one step ahead of the rest of Maldives Resorts.

Sri Lanka the beautiful island nation is filled with beautiful treasures just waiting to be discovered. No matter your quest in this part of the world, you can be rest assured that you may find just what you are looking for. Looking for a cultural experience where you can explore your spirituality? The island is replete with a multitude of locations to sit back and relax. Looking for some ultimate pampering and indulgence, Sri Lanka offers many ways and means of doing so, the choice is yours to make. The beautiful beaches of the island are by far its biggest draw. Blessed with a bounty of nature and goodness, there are few groups actively working to protect the nation’s inheritance.

The Sea Turtle Project in Bentota is among the many initiatives small groups on the island and across the world are carrying out to secure the existence of sea turtles. This conservation project began in 1993, and today has grown to become a popular Bentota tourist attraction as well. Visitors are able to come and see baby turtles and depending on the season and time of day can watch them being released in to the ocean. This centre in Bentota has branches in Rewaka and Kalpitiya as well. There are five different species of Sea Turtle to be found along the coast of Sri Lanka – Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Green Turtle and Hawksbill.
Whilst in Bentota there are several activities that the tourist can partake in. Popular tourist activities would include water sports. Those who enjoy water sports will find that the area offers just about every kind imaginable. Such water sports as surfing, wind surfing, body boarding, jet skiing, water skiing, diving, swimming, banana boating, deep sea fishing and so many others can be experienced.

When looking for a Bentota hotel for your next holiday to the island, there are many to consider. Bentota hotels are well equipped to meet the needs of the tourists arriving in the country. Avani Bentota Resort is a new addition to the range of hotels on offer and provides a beautiful garden setting that overlooks the beach.

Maldives is known all over the world for its pristine white sand beaches and aqua marine waters as well as year round sunshine and idyllic tropical weather. As a result of all these factors, it is visited by people from all over the world be it for a family holiday or a romantic couples getaway. Amongst the most popular activities here are water sports.

The country has water sporting activities that are suitable not just for adults but also for children and the young at heart! The many hotels and resorts as well as businesses that cater to tourists who visit the country for a bit of adrenaline pumping activity, offer a host of water sports facilities ranging from sailing, banana boat riding, kite surfing, jet skiing, knee boarding, wind surfing, wake boarding, waterskiing, big game fishing, snorkeling, mono skiing as well as glass bottom boat rides, dolphin cruises and a wide variety of other activities.

Among these activities, this island nation is famous for waterskiing as the tranquil shallow waters and smooth surfaces are perfect for this type of sport. Most of the hotels and resorts have their own motor boats and also skis which can be hired on an hourly basis.  The wind in your ears and the sheer speed at which you are gliding over the turquoise sea around these tropical islets would indeed provide an exhilarating experience for anyone who opts for waterskiing. This exhilaration water sport is not just for those who have experience and even beginners can easily and quickly learn how to enjoy skiing along the sea!

Most Maldives Island Resorts provide assistance and coordinate water sporting activities for their guests and have the necessary equipment, trainers and guides or have contacts with companies that provide these facilities. Those in search of a Maldives hotel that will provide you both a luxurious and a comfortable holiday amidst palm trees and turquoise waters along with such water sport facilities as waterskiing can stay at Naladhu Maldives. It offers a perfect setting to unwind and relax in after an exciting day enjoying the many sports and recreational facilities that this island nation has to offer.