Underwater Life Of Maldives

Saturday, November 20, 2010 Maldives Live


Maldives is known to have settings and features that are truly splendid. Maldives’ main feature of attraction is its distinguishing marine setting and the astonishing elements that are an indispensable part of its underwater life. The major reason for the flourish of such a huge variety of beautiful species under the Maldivian water-surface is the existence of the perfect conditions for development of coral reefs. These numerous species of corals provides an arrantly perfect habitat for a huge number of underwater creatures. This is one of the main reasons for the abundance of underwater creatures found in the water-bodies of Maldives. The excuisite underwater life, as a result, witnesses huge tourists’ influx to Maldives to get the elegant marine experience.

To start off with, corals would be the best thing to initiate the discussion on any topic related to the marine life of Maldives. Both low and high growing corals are found in the water bodies of the Indian Ocean, surrounding Maldives. These together make the scenery beneath the surface of the ocean water purely exotic and splendid. The most common and popular types of corals found here are: mushroom, the brain, the staghorn, the star corals, etc. They have been named on the basis of their growth shapes. These beautiful corals apparently form a consummate place for the sea creatures to live in.

If you desire to see the ambit of beauty, of which even sharks are an integral part, then Maldivian waters take you to the horizons. You can find numerous species of sharks and, apart from being astonishingly beautiful, the species found here are truly rare.

Some species of sharks found here are: grey reef shark, silvertip shark, nurse shark, white-tip shark, black-tip shark, etc.

Moreover, in Maldives, you don’t have to worry about the risk of being in the same water with the sharks or being surrounded by them. The ones in the Maldivian waters don’t attack the humans as they, generally, may in other places! We, however, do not advice you to mess with them, unnecessarily! Avoid creating a fuss; sharks always have the inherent tendency to devour.

The other forms of sea creatures in Maldives are also some of the rarest and belong to unique species. The turtles found here are among the most attractive species; the most common being the hawksbill turtle. In addition to them, there are numerous varieties of eels and rays as well. The manta ray and the eagle ray are the most commonly found rays in Maldives. Other types of underwater creatures in Maldives involve the likes of squids, crabs, prawns, octopus, etc. belonging to various species.

The immeasurable species of fishes found here add to the bliss of Maldivian waters. The water currents in the Indian Ocean are highly responsible for their accumulation in the Maldivian location. More than 700 species of fish can be seen in the crystal clear waters of Maldives. The main species found here are tuna, dogtooth tuna, jacks, butterfly fish, angelfish, clown fish, long nose hawkfish, triggerfish, etc. The list would just go on without a break; such vast and rare is the marine life of Maldives.

No matter who you are- a professional diver or a normal tourist- one of the main reasons of going to Maldives shall be to experience the glorious world of sea creatures and underwater life in the water, and you are sure to get stormed by the variety. Get your head under the water and peep into the magnificient underwater life.

Posted in , , , , ,
Posted by Maldives Live

Water Bungalows of the Maldives

Monday, November 08, 2010 Maldives Live

"I wonder if the water could be my abode, if I could swim... live among the elegantly coloured sea creatures and watch them play in the motley-coloured sea-world. "
The exclusive Water Bungalows in the Maldivian resorts add an extra dimension to your varied fantasies.

At any time of the year, the ever glorious Maldives serves a unique proposition in terms of excellent travelling experience. The Water Bungalows of Maldives boast of unparalleled offerings. These special crowd pullers fall under the wide range of accommodation choices available on the glorious islands. Based on the features and surroundings, these water bungalows serve the flavor of signature Maldivian Island resort lifestyle. Standing on a sundeck, surrounded by crystal blue waters, with the scintillating breeze laving your face – every fancy just comes true here. Most of the resorts feature these luxurious water bungalows which are textured to pure elegance. To suit the atmosphere, these water bungalows are built with tropical theme. These look like a topping of luxurious huts dropped strategically over the vast blue blanket of Maldivian water.

The best ones of these water bungalows featured by select bungalows are presented here:

Kurumathi Maldives
The lovely water bungalows of Kuramathi offer a supreme value choice. The bungalows are finely decorated with hues of browns and creams. Built on stilts of the blue lagoon, these bungalows feature rainfall showers, a wooden deck and stairs leading directly towards the water. Kuramathi Island is especially known for its Water Bungalows with outdoor Jacuzzi. They are situated near to the house reefs and feature airy bedrooms, bathrooms with twin vanity and rainfall shower. and the large deck houses the Jacuzzi. You can go for dining on board or dining at a’ la carte restaurant -all inclusive. Among all the water bungalows the Kuramathi Bungalows are considered the best.

Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa
The Water Bungalows at Full Moon Maldives offer another exquisite option. Amidst glorious ocean water, the villas furnished with romantic 4 poster beds lend a delighting view. The private terrace in each villa includes steps of similar style that lead to water. The Water Villas of Full Moon are comparatively smaller than those of Kuramathi, but have a nice serene surrounding. Besides, the Beach Villas of Full Moon Maldives are also quite irresistible. Hence, tourists often choose a mixed accommodation program of staying both at the Beach Cottages for some days and at the Water Bungalows for the rest.

Meeru Island Resort
The all inclusive option may turn out to be the best in case of Water Bungalows at Meeru. The island is a little larger in area and offers plenty of amenities. Like Kuramathi, this island also accommodates two types of Water Bungalows. The standard Water Bungalows are a little over the water and thus are commonly termed as beach-cum-water villas. They have been built with fantastic interiors and are of superior value stretching the eminence of Maldivian Water Bungalows. For a greater sense of class and grandeur you are free to opt for the Jacuzzi Water Villas with grand features including a Jacuzzi for two.

Baros Maldives
Finally! The 5-star Water Bungalows of Baros are truly stunning with spectacular view of the vast ocean. These villas are built of wood, and feature coconut thatched roofs. Each Bungalow has a spacious deck which serves as an attractive private lounge. You can definitely expect a 4 poster bed and an open air bathtub.

It becomes imperative to mention that these water bungalows are extremely popular and thus, you need to book a little early to find one for yourself. For an offering so close to the cherished water life, swiftness, blended with excitement, becomes a prerequisite. Watch the world of the placid ocean from the comfort of your room, day or night. The Water Bungalows let you derive inspiration for romance and cuddle up with your partner.

If it’s excitement of water world, it’s the Water Bunglows of Maldives!

Posted in , , , , ,
Posted by Maldives Live

Fishing in Maldives: An Unforgettable Experience

Thursday, October 28, 2010 Maldives Live


It is not only an occupation, not just an amusement; it is the ‘lifeblood’ of Maldives and it is fishing that we are talking about. The deep connection of fishing to the beginning of the Maldivian connection, indeed, vivifies Maldives’ charm. The history of Maldives indicates that this Marine Life Paradise was first discovered by fishermen, who were looking for an abundant source of underwater marine life. Now it is the second main industry of the nation and is supported by the Government, actively. Several initiatives of liberalization and deregulation have been undertaken to increase export and invite more foreign investments. Both on commercial and recreational basis, fishing is considered to be an integral part of Maldives’ social mainstream.

Some Facts:
  • Fishing industry contributes 20% share to the GDP, and 10% of the population is employed in this occupation.
  • Presently, the entire fishing fleet of the nation comprises of over 1500 small fishing boats called ‘dhoni’. Most of them have been mechanized for increasing efficiency.
  • The Exclusive Economic Zone of Maldives covers around 9,00,000 square kilometers, where special fishing rights are granted.

The most common catches are Tuna, Groupers, Dolphin Fishes, Barracuda, Rainbow runner etc. The different types of fisheries include:
  • Reef Fisheries: Fishery for reef fish and other organisms which are sheltered by coral reefs
  • Pelagic Fisheries: For fishes found in the open ocean, like small schooling forage fish and larger predators like Tuna and Ocean Sharks
  • Mariculture: Inland culture of marine organisms in sea water like pearls, giant clams and spiny lobsters

    • But fishing in Maldives is not only a commercial activity among the locals; the frenzy escalates with fishing as a recreational activity for tourists. The turquoise water, the sun-soaked bright white beaches and the tropical weather makes Maldives an incredible fishing park. Most of the resorts organize fishing trips that generally end with a wonderful barbecue dinner under the tranquil dark sky. All you need to do is get into your comfy casuals, grab your fishing rod and get on your special ride (here, boat) to experience some delirious moments with the tuna, groupers, dolphin fishes, barracuda, rainbow runner, emperors, trevally and many blue water superstars around. To add more excitement, showcase your sleight at the two most popular fishing tours-

  • Big Game Fishing and
  • Night fishing

    • Prognosticate the weather, discern and choose a location and you can advance towards catching big fishes like sailfish, yellow tuna, marlin, barracuda, wahoo and many other big fishes. The Big Game Fishing is generally excursed out of the atolls and the mornings suit the sport better. You can hire the boat and/ or all the latest fishing equipments from your resort or dive school in Maldives, but before going for the fun, make sure you gather information about the fishing norms, protected fishing areas and the best fishing territories. It is a real treat when it comes to night fishing in Maldives. Amidst nature’s nocturnal splendor, the excursion becomes a fascinating experience with the soothing music of waves and the dreamy night view. But, this time as well, you have to be obedient with the norms in Maldives. The Government strictly prohibits using harpoon gun and hunting whales and dolphins. However, you can definitely enjoy catching snappers, emperors, barracuda, squirrel fish and jacks.
    So, what are you imagining? Already draped in your fishing kits?

    Posted in , , , , , ,
    Posted by Maldives Live

    Cruising in Maldives: A Fantasy Come True

    Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Maldives Live




    Exploring the seas never gave you more incentive than the excuse of cruising in the Maldives does. The tropical climate that prevails on Maldivian atmosphere, throughout the year, is perhaps a cherry on the cake. The best time to be abound the seas is from August to February. Let us now take a look at what a typical cruise around the Maldivian atolls entails. The Hulumale lagoon, an extension of the airport reef, is a must as an anchor-point for the boat. There are some familiarizing dives to the depths of the ocean floor that contains enough wealth to blind one’s eyes with out-of-the-world spectacles. These are then followed by other dives in regions like the Banana Reef or the Airport outside. Mantas reign uninhibited in these regions, especially in summer. Reef fish, reef sharks, moray eels, turtles, sea snakes and a terrific variety of rays are other denizens of the part of the Indian Ocean surrounding Maldives.

    Continuing on the cruise, you would move on to the North and South Male atolls, the Ari atoll, and other surrounding atolls, keeping confined to mostly the central areas of Maldives. These atolls also fall under the most beautiful, most viewable part of the Maldivian islands.

    On your cruise yatch, there are at least twenty different kinds of activities you can indulge in. These are equipped with sundecks where you can lie in lazy comfort to sunbathe with the water lapping around, pools and game rooms where you can indulge in chess or cards, facilities of television, phone and mini bars, air conditioning, lounges: the boats score very high on the convenience scale. The charming little boats will also be free of any bouts of motion- or sea-sickness; so, worry not. Neatly topped with friendly crews, excellent food in various popular and delectable cuisines, and impeccable service and hospitability, the yatches are almost just as fun as your cruise!

    What you fill the cruise is actually up to you. Are you the kind that has been brought to your glorious hideaway in search of pure peace and intimate privacy? You could lie on the decks under the sun or the stars. You could dine in full view of the playful Maldivian aquatic life. You could contemplate the depths of the mighty, beautiful ocean you sail upon. Or are you the kind that seeks to fill days with as much adventure as you could garner, away from the dull routine of your city life? Go fishing; enjoy water sports like snorkeling or scuba diving; set sail in the lap of the ocean; be one with the wind with paragliding or windsurfing. The choice, we take pleasure to announce, is very exclusively yours!

    Posted in , , , , , , , ,
    Posted by Maldives Live

    Ithaa, Hilton Maldives – the First Underwater Restaurant

    Saturday, October 23, 2010 Maldives Live


    A pearl- untouched, pristine, unique and enfolded in the ocean’s womb- is certainly the right analog to Ithaa, the world’s first underwater restaurant brought forth by the Hilton Maldives Resort. Putting all the false “underwater” claims of other restaurants surrounded by aquarium views to shame, Ithaa stands ,majestically, submerged in the deep blue belly of the Indian Ocean, five meters below sea level. Hilton Worldwide Resorts, with their wide global network of resorts in exotic locales like the Americas, the Arabian Gulf, the Asia-pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Egypt and the Indian Ocean, have invested a whopping sum of five million US Dollars to create the most sensational experience of dining amidst the dazzling wealth of the Maldivian sea life.

    Mr. Ahmed Saleem, one of the owners of the Hilton, conceived the idea in Bali after a stay in a room that was built in the side of a hill, overlooking a river. Coming to fruition three years later with the completion of its installing process in November 2004, and with its grand opening on April 15th 2005, the underwater Ithaa restaurant is an experience beyond the wildest dreams of an avid diver. Designers, MJ Murphy, New Zealand take great pride in calling it their own creation, and so does the construction firm in Singapore.

    Offering 270 degrees of panoramic sea view, the curved transparent acrylic walls sit upon a bed of timber, supported on four concrete-filled steel piles driven into the seabed. A top-notch air conditioning system operating at 60% humidity and varying temperatures throughout the day was next in order, and followed up with installation by a team of divers and 50 natives for approximately thirteen hours, the job was done. Now, the restaurant is truly a pearl perched amidst the resort’s renowned house reef and the electric blue lagoon.

    The restaurant is reached by a wooden walkway from the nearby overwater Sunset Grill Restaurant. After a session of drinks over the water, the guests may descend to Ithaa via a spiral staircase and ogle at the five-by-nine-meters-large intimate little setting, seating only fourteen people at once. Exclusivity and romance are key points against the backdrop of the really aquatic beyond-the-glass jaw dropper!

    As expected, the cuisine served in the dazzlingly unique restaurant is just as delectable as the novelty of the experience of dining with the ocean’s denizens milling around. Playing up the theme of Contemporary Maldivian cuisine, the chefs take native spices and traditional flavors and turn them around to whip up fusion dishes that are at par with some of the best restaurants in London or New York.

    The kitchen does not fail to catch your attention with starters like pan-fried vegetable Samosas, duck and fish dishes, smoked salmon and Maldivian herbal tea. Keeping up with the fusion spirit are selected Maldivian flat breads and main courses that include red snapper, vegetables in mild curries, baked duck and roasted lamb in Maldivian preparations, reef fish and lobster with delicate sauces and served with Maldivian rice on the side. Desserts such as candied mango mousse, or frozen yoghurt, or muffins or tropical fruit would surely not fail to end the finest meals in a befitting style. The wine concept titillates just as much, coming as the drinks are from the fine Champagne estate Louis Roederer.

    The stirring picture of chicken roll filled with lime and dates on a curry paste sauce on your plate, a tall flute of champagne on the side, and sharks and rays lazing over the wide coral reef or staring you in the eyes, just a tilt of the head away, should be quite enough to call an abstaining saint on for a visit, surely!

    Posted in , , , , , , ,
    Posted by Maldives Live

    Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru - Oozing Indulgence

    Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Maldives Live


    Need a reason to smile? If you possess an affinity for house reefs, you’ve got one stout reason just here - Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Come along!

    There is an increased preference particularly among the tourists fond of tropical holiday destinations. A major portion of them ask if there is a house reef among the lined-up attractions. If, by any chance, you identify yourself with them, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is highly recommended. Banyan Tree offers you the distinct Maldivian experience with one of the best house reefs in Maldives. Most of the thousand-plus islands here are custom-made for a fascinating desert island escape, and Vabbinfaru stands no exception to it. A dense knot of palm at your back and a sparkling white baby powder-like beach in front, fading towards the crystal blue water-words fall short to describe how mighty it feels like being there.

    Even the accommodation is touched by the embryonic sense of Maldives. The 48 rustic villas are nestled in a densely forested island large enough to comprise them all and let anyone breathe in the cozy air. In every air-conditioned villa, you enjoy a bedroom with an open terrace, four-poster king-sized bed, recessed sitting area, daybed, open-air jet pool and private sundeck. The Vabbinfaru Villas are complemented by a private pavilion in the garden. These villas are designed to make a suitable stay for families and small touring groups. But what serves uniqueness is the conical thatched roof villas that theme the idyllic aura of Maldives.

    When it comes to dinning, the adventure of choosing from an assortment of cuisines extends your bliss. There are options of delicious Maldivian cuisine and international cuisine at the beachfront Ilaafathi or Sangu garden restaurants. You may savor a private barbeque at the terrace of their villas if you would love to spend some quality time with your partner. The Sandbank Dinner of fresh sea food is the last thing to be missed ;it bestows the moment with the unique ocean-scape of Maldives. The fun, however, is incomplete unless you cook what you like to eat. So why not master your cooking skills with Maldivian dishes? The culinary demonstrations are specially organized for you to learn cooking traditional Maldivian dishes from the resort chefs. You can, thereby, always relive the moments spent in Maldives, at home. The mere thought entices you, isn’t it?

    Needless to say, a tour in Maldives must consummate with perfection by lying on the tranquil bed of a spa. Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru promises unmatchable service and an unforgettable indulgence while bringing the fine balance in your health. There are five deluxe spa pavilions, with side by side couple massage beds and open air showers. The two standard rooms are named Hirundhu Maa and Dhiggaa Maa, and the three deluxe rooms are
    Huvandhu Maa, Finifen Maa and Asuru Maa, decked beautifully with local exotic flowers.

    If you thought that something is still missing, Vabbinfaru doesn’t fall behind when it comes to the very popular recreations activities. The celebrated Diving ecstasy of Maldives can be enjoyed in the PADI Gold Palm Five Star Resort Dive Centre. Other than that, there are various watersports, marine lab, health and fitness room, culinary demonstration, star gazing, day excursions and special arrangements for wedding ceremonies.

    What stands out of all the experiences is the Banyan Velaa trip. It’s an awesome sailing experience on a Turkish gullet that is a 30 meter long classic flagged double mast yacht.

    There are one, two and three night packages with a customized itinerary based on prevailing ocean conditions and availability of picnic islands and dive sites. Don’t forget to catch; they are unique items on the list.

    We would love to see you in consonance with our conviction that Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru stands tall as a high-class resort. Stay here to breathe in the aura of its optimism.

    Posted in , , , , ,
    Posted by Maldives Live

    Top Ten Things To Do In Maldives

    Wednesday, September 22, 2010 Maldives Live


    Life is short and you want to enjoy every moment of it. Why not, then, engage in what Maldives has to offer to you! The extent of activities, that you may indulge yourself in, is extremely wide and fascinating. Right from things demanding physical involvement to the ones involving mere observation, there is a lot awaiting your arrival in Maldives.

    Each activity is captivating in itself, offering varying levels of fun and enjoyment. Mentioned below are ten best activities, according to us, which you can engage in, while in the Maldives:-

    • Water Sports & Activities: There is a lot to do on the Maldivian islands; crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean provides you enough opportunities to play. Parasailing, snorkeling, banana boating, scuba diving will let you open yourself up and you can float, dive and cuddle up with water. The importance of water activities in the Maldives is such that even professional water sports enthusiasts visit this place to experience the excitement of water sports on offer here.

    • Sightseeing: Maldives has numerous repositories and buildings that are worth watching. The beauty and grace of these sights are capable of leaving any person astounded. Some of the famous places that you can visit in the Maldives are Hukuru Miski, Sultan Park, National Museum etc, in the capital city of Male’. The National Museum is situated in a palace where you will find a number of old instruments and sculptures.

    • The Flora And Fauna: You sure wouldn’t want to miss this. Look out for the beautiful life under the Maldivian waters! They serve as a beautiful habitat to the amazing flora and fauna of Maldives. A huge variety of rare species of fishes, squids, whales, dolphins and many other stunning creatures living among the fascinating structures of coral elements and rare stones send out waves of visual pleasure. Although less in number, the birds and trees belong to rare families and they are a great source of attraction to the visitors.

    • Living On A Liveaboard: Another very interesting thing to do in Maldives is to experience the islands' beauty on a liveaboard. The people who benefit the most out of liveaboards are the divers. Dive into the water and pick up the chance to get the divine experience without worrying about going back to various diving spots to dive every time.

    • Experiencing The Nightlife: Just in case you thought that nightlife in Maldives can’t be exciting, a typical night in a good Maldives resort is beautiful, mild and just the way one would want it to be on a vacation. The well-arranged bars and discos facilitate the purpose of letting the visitors loosen up and provide them with moments to enjoy their life. It's balmy, modest and just perfect.

    • Fishing: The comely water bodies in Maldives allow tourists a very pleasant experience of fishing. In addition to this, fishing in the night can also be looked upon as a very good activity to do here.

    • Island Hopping: As the name suggests, it has to do with hopping from one island to the other! You can visit the islands which are situated next to the island you are staying on. Observe the fascinating life of the local people on these islands and view the exotic scenery. You are bound to receive a holistic sight of the lifestyle of the local inhabitants.

    • Wedding: Get wedded! With wedding bells ringing for you, you may want to get married on a Maldivian island; it might just be one of the most delightful experiences. The fantastic locations and settings on the islands are just perfect for a dreamy wedding.

    • Massage At a Spa: Apart from the water sports and the beautiful sceneries in the country, the spas in Maldives are worth spending a considerable amount of time in relaxing and reviving your body muscles, where each has that perfect ambience to soothe you. Come to the spas in Maldives and rejuvenate your senses! There is a wide variety to choose from.

    • Enjoying The Food: Maldives offers plenty of restaurants and eating spots, which provide multi-cuisine dishes to excite the taste-buds of every person visiting the place. No wonder that Maldivian food is so popular worldwide! The food, here, is heavenly for sea-food lovers.

    Do you need more reasons from Maldives to attract you? Maldives is calling!

    Posted in , , , , , , , ,
    Posted by Maldives Live
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
    Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More
    RSS FeedSubscribe to Our RSS feed!
    Follow Us on Twitter!Follow Us on Twitter!
    powered by Blogger | Maintained by Content Caramel