The supermodel of the travel world, the Maldives is gorgeous, aloof and utterly beguiling — but beyond the sunny skies and palm-tree perfection lies a world in thrall to local traditions and superstitions.
So goes the Maldivian saying. It’s an aphorism that sums up how most tourists treat the Maldives. The supermodel of the travel world, we’ve been so beguiled by the sleek images of her sunny skies and palm tree perfection it’s seemingly rendered us unable to look further. And there’s more to the country than white sands and five-star water villas.
Lying off the southwestern tip of India, the Maldives is made up of around 1,190 islands, scattered in a straight line running north-south for around 560 miles, of which only around 200 are inhabited. In an effort to get a glimpse of real island life, I’ve joined an Explore cruise aboard a traditional dhoni, stopping at a handful of islands and reefs in the Southern Atolls.
After a night in the capital, Malé, we mosey down to the docks and motor out on a dinghy to meet Gulfaam, our blue-and-white sailing boat — “or ‘putter-putter-mega-slow’, as we like to call her,” jokes our guide, Teddie, as we clamber aboard. He has a mop of black curls and a bushy beard and it’s with an adopted Aussie accent that he introduces our 10-strong group to the rest of the crew: Captain ‘Milky Tea’ George, Bablu the chef, cabin boy Sam, and 18-year-old deckhand Hassan, from Bangladesh, “who’s still getting used to seeing girls in their bikinis,” teases Teddie, squeezing Hassan’s blushing cheeks. He launches into the safety briefing, while George powers up the engine. “What about sharks while we’re snorkelling?” asks a wobbly voice at the back of the group. “The only large ones are nurse sharks and the worst they can do is gum you to death,” he laughs.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DIRECTORY
Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.
FOR THE BIRDS
A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.
ON THE WATER
From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES