An idyllic unspoiled paradise located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is every honeymooner’s dream destination. With expanses of pristine white sands, brilliant topaz waters and dreamy tropical weather, it is easy to fall in love with the country. The Maldives is a cluster of 26 atolls encompassing an area just shy of 300sq.m. Inhabited by fewer than half a million natives, the island paradise is a serene and peaceful getaway famous for its unspoiled beaches, wondrous coral reefs and exotic sea creatures.
Historically, Buddhism had a prominent influence on the development of the island nation. Ashoka, the Indian emperor in the third century BC, had a hand in the introduction of Buddhism to the Maldives, which became the main religion of the islands for well over 1,400 years. Today, the remains of Buddhist ruins and relics are found scattered across 59 islands.
Guests will love the detached villas and suites offered by Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives with dazzling views of the endless beach surrounded by lush vegetation. The resort boasts a variety of dining destinations that is sure to cater to all kinds of palates such as The Spice, which serves international cuisine, Teppanyaki Grill where visitors can enjoy an authentic Japanese teppanyaki experience, Just Veg which highlights vegetarian cuisine from the Mediterranean and Arabic regions as well as The Sunset and The Liquid bar for an after-meal cocktail. Couples looking for activities are urged to join the snorkelling excursions or a full day diving at the resort’s dive centre. For those looking for a light workout, the sports and recreation centre is fully equipped with world-class facilities.
Located on the idyllic Moofushi Island, it is easy to see why Constance Moofushi is such a favoured destination amongst honeymooners. Guests can choose between exquisite beach villas with the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean by their doorstep and charming water villas floating on stilts. The tranquil and secluded surroundings of the island make it the perfect place for guests to relax and find their inner peace. Guests can explore the uncharted marine forests of the South Ari Atoll, pamper themselves with a range of cutting-edge marine bio spa treatments or treat themselves to exquisite gastronomic creations at Manta restaurant.
There is plenty to do in the Maldives. Also known as the Old Friday Mosque, Hukuru Miskiiy is one of the oldest mosques found in the Maldives. The mosque was constructed by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, built over the original mosque commissioned by the first sultan of the Maldives. The architectural style of Hukuru Miskiiy is traditional Islamic, featuring interlocking coral stone blocks decorated by intricate carvings and Arabic script. The mosque houses two prayer halls surrounded by antechambers on three sides. The vaulted wooden ceilings are intricately fitted by traditional Maldivian master carpenters.
A protected marine area, Banana Reef is located at the North Male Atoll. One of the most beautiful diving spots on the island, Banana Reef is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. Its name is derived from its shape, which curves from north to south for well over 300m. The vibrant coral reef is home to various marine creatures of the Maldives, including moray eels, baraccuda, Napoleon wrasse and jackfish amongst others. The scintillating forest of coral beds and the wide variety of colourful marine creatures make the Banana Reef a must-visit site for visitors to the Maldives.
While there, try some local foods. For those familiar with a samosa, the bis keemiya is the Maldivian take on it. Deep fried to sinful perfection, the crisp flaky crust gives way to a delicious filling of onion, cabbage and eggs sautéed with chilli, cardamom and cumin.
A staple at Maldivian breakfast table, mashuni is probably the most famous dish on the island. Smoked tuna is diced into small pieces before being combined with scraped coconut, onions, capsicum, lemon juice and salt. The mashuni is most commonly served with roshi – Maldivian coconut flatbread, which is eaten with almost everything.
As an island nation, fish is the main diet of the people of the Maldives. A traditional comfort food is the garudhiya – fish soup. Fresh tuna cubes are simmered in water, accompanied by a spicy mix of chilli, onion, garlic and curry. The simple dish is finished off with a garnishing of fried onions and a squeeze of lime. Wondrously simple but exquisitely flavourful, garudhiya highlights the essence of Maldivian cooking.
