Tag: maldives

Gems in Maldives

Blessed with soft sandy beaches, secluded palm fringed islands, azure waters and thrilling water sports, the Maldives offers hours of fun in the sun for young and old alike. The islands that make up the Maldives are ideal for a romantic getaway, thrilling family holiday or even a journey of self discovery, set amidst stunning natural beauty. Those who can tear themselves away from the beach will also find that the county affords plenty of shopping opportunities especially if you are interested in purchasing gems and precious stones.

When you go shopping for gemstones in Maldives you will come across two varieties; natural gems and those that have been created synthetically. While synthetic gems have the same physical properties of natural ones, they often do not possess the unique colours of their natural counterparts. Always ask and make sure which kind you are purchasing. Another factor worth considering is whether the gemstones have been treated or not. Treatments change such elements as colour and clarity and these gems require special and expert care. You will also find imitation gems made from such materials as glass or plastic.

The country is also a great place to buy diamonds. When shopping for them, make sure to consider such factors as clarity, colour, cut and carat. Those looking to add to their fashion accessories can also purchase pearls when on holiday here. Naturally grown pearls or cultured pearls as they are known, are taken from molluscs or oysters, while it is possible to buy imitation products that have been made using plastic or glass. The country also has a rich tradition in jewellery making; traditional jewellery was typically made by blacksmiths and includes such items as golden bracelets and necklaces.

Once having done your share of gem shopping head back to luxurious accommodation offered by such resorts as Anantara Veli Maldives. It offers charming over water Maldives bungalows set amidst idyllic coastal landscapes and provides an ideal rest in which to get away from it all. This Maldives resort also has a spa where you can benefit from a range of treatments and therapies that offer true healing for mind, body and soul amidst true peace and tranquillity.

Diving In The Maldives

There is no doubt that Maldives contains some of the finest diving spots in the world and scuba diving is a highly popular activity on the island. The warm waters off the island’s coast are home to an amazing variety of aquatic life and provide a rich and rewarding experience. While one is guaranteed to come across numerous colourful creatures while diving, different diving spots host different marine fauna. So when choosing one’s diving spot it is always best to keep in mind the types of fish one wishes to see.

Although small colourful fish are fascinating in their own way most people wish to see the large fish such as the whale shark. The Ari Atoll is a terrific place to not only spot whale sharks but also other shark species such as the hammerhead shark, the grey reef shark and the white tip shark. It is also home to a sizeable manta ray population. It is also possible to see sharks at the Vaavu Atoll but they are not as common a sight as they are in the Ari Atoll. However, Fotteyo Kandu, considered by many to be the country’s best diving spot, is a part of this atoll. It contains quick currents, a variety of fish such as barracuda and tuna, and a series of exciting underwater caves that can be explored.

Some of the first diving scuba diving spots were discovered in the North Male Atoll and they remain popular to this day. Known for their awe inspiring underwater topography, the most popular spots are Kuda Haa and Banana Reef. While there is no particular diving season, the active period runs from November to May. The period between April and June maybe the warmest in the calendar, but they are also best time to observe whale sharks and manta rays.

To enjoy a variety of facilities with a minimum of hassle, tourists can try a Maldives resort such as the Cocoa Island Maldives which contains the infrastructure for a number of water related activities such as scuba diving and surfing. The Maldives luxury hotel is situated on a private island and is ideal for tourists who want to escape the crowds.

Enjoying the scenery

Being a string of islands sailing and fishing has been an important part of the lives of the Maldivian people for a very long time. Sailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and fishing is still an important economic activity in the Maldives.

Maldivians still use the traditional dhonis for fishing, quite a few of which are motorized now. The boat carries a crew of about eight. At the start of day the fishermen will first catch their live bait of small scad, silverside and sardine. The bait is put in the bait hold and kept alive until a school of tuna is sighted. The bait is then thrown overboard getting the shoal to move closer after which the fishermen will throw in their lines. Once the bait runs out or the fish stop biting, they will move on to the next shoal.

Night fishing expeditions are popular with visitors. Boats takes off before nightfall and anchor on a reef. Lines tethered with hooks and sinkers are dropped overboard and everyone waits for the fish to bite. If anything is caught it can be barbequed over an open flame and if not, everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of a starry night.

Big game fishing takes place in the mornings. It involves trolling outside the atoll along the reef. Yellow fin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sail fish and Dorado are some of the fish caught this way. Specially equipped boat charters are available for fishing enthusiasts who are after a fishing adventure. Secluded rarely fished areas can be reached by chartered boats where the whole family can enjoy the experience.

Cruising on traditional boats or luxuriously outfitted modern boats is the best way to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Island hopping to see traditional Maldivian fishing villages, sailing past desert islands, snorkeling on reefs teeming with fish and sunsets picnics on a deserted beach are all popular and sometimes romantic ways to experience the Maldives.

Cocoa Island Maldives, with just 33 over water bungalows offers privacy and complete relaxation. Slip into the water from your own extraordinary dhoni suite or villa at this extraordinary Maldives resort and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the clear water or the teeming reef or take it easy on the powder white beach. Thereafter enjoy a delicious South Indian, Asian or Mediterranean inspired meal made with fresh ingredients and herbs and experience the specially formulated spa treatments. Stay at this award winning, much appreciated Maldives luxury hotel to have a beautiful holiday experience.