Maldives

The ‘Jewel of the Indian ocean’, the Maldives will surpass anyone’s expectations of the perfect idyllic tropical paradise!

Made up of more than 1000 coral islands, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise lagoons, powdered white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and endless azure seas,you really will feel like you have discovered heaven on earth!

The islands are spread across 26 Atolls, and comprise of approximately1200 inhabited islands, 200 uninhabited islands and over 90 Tourist resorts currently operating or under development.

With over 99% of the country being made up of water, you can understand why the Nations largest attraction is the spectacular under water coral garden, with its colorful inhabitants and abundance of marine life. The Maldives is considered one of the top Diving destinations in the world.

Tourism began in the Maldives in 1972, when two very fairly basic resorts were first opened, Kurumba Village and Bandos Island. Over the years with constant upgrading, big multinational chains have been attracted to this beautiful paradise destination.

At Scaevola Travel Ltd we have specially hand picked resorts that will cater for all our clients needs, from ‘no news, no shoes’ simplicity to extravagant luxury.

Each resort is unique in it self and will appeal to different groups or individuals so taking your time to select the right one for you is very important. Some offer complete quiet sanctuary, to relax and simply unwind with little or no entertainment. Whilst others offer state of the art accommodation, with plunge pools, butler service, indulgent spa treatments, international five start cuisine and nightly live music. Children are not forgotten either, with some resorts offering great children’s club facilities, including children’s spa’s. There is something for everyone, whatever your interests or tastes may be.

Many of the resorts offer a great choice of excursions such as sunset cruises, night fishing, shopping trips to the Capital Male, dining under the stars or a truly ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience, to an uninhabited island or sand bank.

For those more active clients, diving is of course one of the most popular sports, but surfing is an option in some Atolls. Motorized and non motorized water sports are available on most resorts.

The undeniable beauty of the Maldives, the warm and friendly people, the exceptional professional service and year round climate,undoubtedly makes this a dream destination and we guarantee at Scaevola Travel,once visited, the Maldives will remain in your hearts forever and we feel confident you will return again and again!

Male'

Male’ City is considered one of the smallest capitals in the world in terms of size. A third of the country’s population, about 75,000 live in Male’ so this certainly makes it very crowded. It is very different from any other island in the Maldives and one of the first things you will notice is its modern high-rise buildings housing the government offices, businesses and banks. Male’ is the hub of trade and the central seat of the government. The roads are paved and a seawall surrounds this small island.

There is no natural beach, but instead a landscaped artificial beach area has been created, which is very popular with local families who can be seen taking the children to learn to swim.

The main street Majeedhee Magu (road) runs right through the island from east to west. Chaandhanee Magu on the other hand runs across from north to south. The main streets are lined with shops selling clothes and jewelry to the latest technological items. During the rush hour a lot of motorized vehicles can be seen. However, traffic lights and one-way roads keep the traffic at a smooth flow but be careful when crossing the road.

Male’ offer visitors a variety of leisure activities, be it sight-seeing – visiting the local fish market, Sultans Park, Museum and Friday Mosque. Relaxing and taking it easy over home made ice cream and a cool refreshing drink or as hopping spree. The water-front souvenir shops offer a wide variety of art and craft items as well as swimming gear and beach wear. Most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu.

Look out for the following products "made in the Maldives":

There are some fine local handicrafts, in particular the traditional lacquered wooden boxes, bowls and vases, strikingly designed in brightly colored patterns. Attractive and uniquely Maldivian mats, made from either reeds or coconut leaves and coir (the fibrous material from the outside of coconut shells), are hand-woven by craftsmen and women out on the islands. Maldivian jewellery-necklaces, rings and bracelets-are fashioned from local materials such as mother-of-pearl. When shopping for souvenirs all visitors to Maldives should keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.

Places

MUNNAARU – (THE MINERET)
Built in 1675 by Sultan Iskanhar shortly after he constructed the Friday mosque

MEDHU ZIYAARATH – (MIDDLE SHRINE)
The shrine is the memorial for the person who is believed to be responsible for the conversion of Maldives to Islam in 1153 AD. He was a Morrocan man, named Abdul Barakaath Al Yoosuf Al Barbury.

MULEE-AAGE
Built around 1906 by Sultan Shamsudden III for his son, his heir to the throne.

SULTAN PARK
Was part of the Sultan’s Palace. The entrance is dominated by a large iron gate which was formally used as one of the entrances to the Palace Grande Botanical Garden.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in the Sultan’s Park, the Museum was converted from the old palace building. Open daily 0900-1500 except Friday and Bank Holidays.

FISH MARKET/ PRODUCE MARKET
At the fish market you will see more fat fish than you have ever seen. At the produce market the locals are trading the limited range of fruits and vegetables grown here in the Maldives. Look for the stacks of betel leaf, for rapping up a chew. Also a local delicacy, especially for those with a sweet tooth – bounty bar – looks like fat cigar; this is pure coconut with honey. This makes a nice souvenir as it will last for four weeks.