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Discover Beautiful Montserrat

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For a Caribbean winter holiday, the island of Montserrat should be high on the list of destinations. It is part of the Leeward Islands and is a British overseas territory. At just under 10 miles long, it is a great place to tour and explore in just a few days. The island has strong Irish connections and is often called the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean because it resembles the scenery found in Ireland. Visitors might be amused by the stamp they get in their passport when they arrive – the shape of a shamrock!

The Irish connections do not stop there. St Patrick’s Day is an official holiday and those who are lucky enough to be on the island at this time can see and take part in various concerts, parades and other celebratory activities. Listen out for the Irish accent which has not diminished much over the years.

It is the perfect destination for those who want to spend time hiking and exploring. There is plenty of lush scenery and hiking trails for those who want to keep their feet dry, but visitors who want to make the most of the water sports on offer can try snorkelling or kayaking. The beaches are black sand thanks to the volcanic origins of the island and there is the Soufrière Hills volcano which is still active. As a result there are large parts of the island which are off limits.

The volcano is actually a big attraction for visitors to the island. While getting close to it is not possible, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory makes it easier to see all the different features. There are tours for visitors which are led by scientists that work there rather than tour guides. They monitor the volcano around the clock so that any unusual activity can be reported immediately.

Plymouth is the capital city of the island but it was actually abandoned in 1997 because of the volcano. Sightseeing here is possible but only on a pre-arranged visit and with a police escort. Most hotels or the tourist office can book you on one of these trips. The city itself is coated with ash, earning it the nickname of the modern day Pompeii. The businesses and government departments that were based there can now be found in other parts of the island and there are new developments taking place in safer areas.

The climate of the island is fairly consistent so winter breaks can mean as much sunbathing and swimming as in the summer months. Lime Kiln Bay is considered to be a great spot for snorkelling but anyone interested in wildlife can join an expedition with the forest rangers to keep track of the various rare species of birds and wildlife which have found a home on Montserrat.

The island does not have the usual tourist attractions of theme parks and resorts in the same way that others do. People come to see the unique features of the island. These include the ghauts which carry rainwater to the sea. Most visitors to the island will at least go to see Runaway Ghaut which is one of the most famous. It is reported that people who drink the water from the drinking fountain there will return time and time again to the island and during your stay you will come across tourists who have visited the island before.

To find out more about the history and culture of the island the Cultural Centre is the perfect visitor attraction. Visitors may be surprised to find that it was the brainchild of Sir George Martin, the Beatle’s producer. It is home to a conference centre, a gift shop, offices and an auditorium where there are many types of performances. It costs nothing to go into the centre but donations are welcome.

Those who are looking for a party atmosphere may be disappointed. There are a few small nightclubs but most people prefer to frequent the rum bars which have a very informal and relaxed ambiance. With no official closing time they simply stay open until the last person leaves.

Travelling to the island is relatively easy with most tourists arriving at airports on Antigua or St Maarten and then transferring to the small island airport of Montserrat. As mass tourism has not yet reached the island, it is also a very cost effective winter holiday. Accommodation varies from small guest houses to hotels categorised as ‘luxury’ although they tend to have fewer amenities than luxury hotels elsewhere.

Top 7 Reasons to Try An Expedition Arctic Cruise

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Arctic Cruise: The Best Kept Secrets

Just imagine:

You wake up.

Get out of bed.

Walk over to your balcony, peel the door back and gaze up at the falling glaciers on your Arctic cruise.

In the distance, you hear the slight sound of penguins.

Utter relaxation.

One of the UK’s top luxury cruise agencies, The Luxury Cruise Company, invited me to an evening talk on Silverseas’ expedition Arctic cruise. 

The Arctic cruise talk was led by Royal Geographical Society member and environmentalist Dr. Claudia Holgate (like the toothpaste!).

Fully immersing us into her life as a crew member onboard her Arctic cruise.

Throughout the evening, I collated a list of the top 7 reasons to take an Arctic cruise.

7. Small Luxury Arctic Cruise Ships

Arctic cruise ships have to navigate into the small picturesque locations, this means they have to be quite small.

Generally speaking:

You won’t find more than one or two hundred guests onboard.

Please don’t be mistaken that this is a bad thing, in fact, it has large benefits.

Aside from speedy embarkation, you’ll never find endless queues at the buffet!

Sorry – I’m such a foodie.

Dr. Holgate also pointed some of the biggest misconceptions she has come across.

Many customers expect the ship to look like a cargo ship, with no style or glamour to it.

Although from the outside it’s essential Arctic cruise ships can break through the ice, onboard they are nothing less than 6* luxury.

6. No Dickie Bow Dining

Of course, this is subjective to your cruise.

However, speaking for the majority, you won’t find a dress code onboard an Arctic cruise.

Note:

This does mean there are also no formal nights on an Arctic cruise.

Depending on the type of cruiser you are, this can be a positive or negative thing.

But I know for me, I always cherish the formal nights so I’d definitely miss this.

5. Expert Arctic Cruise Staff

A close friend of mine recently got back from a Mediterranean cruise.

Out of respect, I shall keep the cruise line anonymous.

Firstly, she did say there were exotic locations, fabulous entertainment, and gourmet dining.

However, she was extremely disappointed by the crew, who were very rude.

In all my cruising experience, I have never come across this.

In fact, much more frequently it’s passengers being rude to crew members!

Cruise ship staff are some of the best-trained hospitality staff around the globe.

One of the perks of expedition Arctic cruise ship staff is that they’re all knowledgeable about the destination and sights you can see in the Arctic.

Going overboard to put you at ease and give you a trip to remember.

4. Arctic Cruise Luxury Living

You will probably remember, earlier I mentioned about expedition Arctic cruise ships being 6* luxury – I wasn’t joking.

After a full day of enjoying all the beauties of the Arctic nature, you can reside back to your luxury suite.

Giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and reflect on your travels.

Arctic cruise ship, the Silver Explorer (by Silversea Cruises), is a perfect example of this.

This 354-foot beauty boasts a tiny capacity of just 144, with each cabin onboard being a suite.

Relax in one of the many bars, numerous lounges of indulge in a treatment at the Zagara spa such as the Lava rock massage.

3. Bucket List

Ever dream of watching a falling glacier on an Arctic cruise?

Well, that’s just what you’ll get with an expedition cruise.

Mainstream holiday destinations such as Spain or Turkey will not be found on an expedition cruise.

In fact, that summarises the whole purpose of taking an expedition Arctic cruise.

This is because it’s primarily focused on destination and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Is there any other way to see these destinations all in one holiday?

From Antartica to the South Pacific; the list of wonders is endless.

2. Knowledge Beyond Belief

Coming back from your expedition arctic cruise, you’ll be an Arctic cruise destination expert.

With first-hand knowledge of course.

In the evenings onboard your Arctic cruise, rather than watching a Broadway-style show, you can attend a lecture to delve further into the locations and animals you have come across.

You’ll certainly have a conversion stater for your friends!

1. Dream Destinations

What else could possibly stand as number one?

Many ports across the globe can be commercialized by cruising.

Yet, the beauty of an expedition Arctic cruise is that you visit places untouched.

These locations can’t be reached by larger ships.

With dream experiences such as roaming with polar bears and watching falling Glaciers on your Arctic cruise; what can possibly be stopping you?

This is not a holiday; it’s a life experience.

Do All-inclusive Holidays Really Save You Money?

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You will be pleased to know that there is a simple answer to this question, and it is yes! All-inclusive holidays can save you money – and lots of it if you pick the right one. Of course the important thing is to make sure that you pick the right holiday and choose the right travel firm to book it through.

But what exactly is an all-inclusive holiday? What’s included? Well, fairly understandably the clue is in the name and travellers can expect to get everything from flights, transfers and their accommodation included in the price they pay. In addition, an all-inclusive break will usually include three meals a day and unlimited local drinks.

But do you really save cash by paying for everything up front in one go? For people with a tight budget to stick to, all-inclusive breaks mean they can enjoy themselves completely and not have to worry about how much extra they are going to have to spend on holiday. Spending extra cash can be a real worry for some people and so knowing that everything is taken care of in advance can allow you to put your feet up and relax, knowing that you won’t have to get your wallet out to pay every five minutes. The other major benefit is that you’ll be able to budget properly ahead of your trip because you’ll know exactly how much you are going to have to spend. This can be invaluable when you are working to a tight budget.

And when it comes to the quality of the food and drink that you’re going to be offered, you won’t have any worries when you choose to book through a reputable travel company. The leading firms will offer impartial advice on resorts and exactly what is included in your holiday, meaning you’ll know the food on offer will be prepared by highly trained chefs and will be varied, nutritious and tasty!

Although not linked directly to financial matters, one of the major reasons that people cite when explaining why they choose to go on all-inclusive holidays is the fact that it offers so much flexibility, especially when you are travelling with children. You don’t have to plan where you’re going to eat every mealtime and worry that there will be nothing on offer that will appeal to the little ones. For families travelling abroad, all-inclusive breaks can offer great peace of mind.

The recession has made more people conscious about their finances, and understandably so. However, choosing to book an all-inclusive holiday means you can get away for a week and still have the time of your life without compromising and without spending a fortune. And because more holiday companies are now offering such a wide range of all-inclusive breaks, you will not find that you are restricted in terms of the hotels you can stay at or the destinations you can head to. Until you have tried an all-inclusive holiday then you really can’t imagine how much fun you’ll be able to have!

Visiting Icmeler: Best Things to Do in Turkey

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Icmeler is a Turkish beach resort, off the country’s southeast coast. Lying at the confluence of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Icmeler seems to offer something for everyone without the frills and whistles that Marmaris, which is another Turkish resort located in close proximity to Icmeler, offering to all. It is not as loud, and not as crowded as Marmaris, yet has its own charm in a rustic sort of a manner. Icmeler is in fact popularly referred to as a village resort, which has all the basic amenities that any reputable beach resort should have like sparkling beaches with shimmering sands, with rollicking hotels in the vicinity, without the hangover of a tourist spot that is bursting at its seams.

Icmeler TurkeyIcmeler’s location along a bay, with mountains in the backdrop, makes the overall setting that much more breathtaking. In fact, that is one of the reasons why once tourists get an inkling of this place, they get hooked to it and prefer coming back again and again, year after year! There are resorts galore, all along the beach, with all of them having a veritable range of water sports and boat trips on offer.

The water sport games on offer include diving, parasailing, beach volleyball, scuba diving, and banana boating. As far as boat trips go, a truly memorable one is the Gulet Cruise boat pleasure trip from Icmeler “starting point”, straight into the Aegean Sea. For the more luxuriously inclined, there is also the Blue Cruise luxury trip commencing from Icmeler. Overall, it is boat trips like the aforementioned that visitors tend to add to their lifetime repository of all time favourite memories!

When it comes to food, there are restaurants galore in Icmeler. Local delicacies like the ever-popular kebabs can be had with a veritable range of wines, including raki, the traditional Turkish wine, made from aniseeds. Another local specialty dish available across Icmeler’s restaurants is the Guvec, a clay pot casserole stew of meat and vegetables unique to Turkey. The Devamli Hotel has a restaurant by the name Love Boat that serves lip smacking stews.

If local cuisine is what you are after, the Turkish House on Turunc House serves authentic Turkish cuisine, served with traditional Turkish music playing alongside. On the other hand, if you are looking for international cuisine, head straight to the Majestic Restaurant which serves a delectable mix of Italian, Indian and Chinese food offerings. If you are feeling really majestic and imperial, that too on a Sunday afternoon, head straight to the Kingsland Chinese Restaurant that serves up an authentic British lunch.

On the shopping front, Icmeler does not have much on offer with the central shopping mall being the sole source for collecting souvenirs of a trip to this wonderful place. Tourists would in fact be better off making a special trip to nearby Marmaris for all their shopping requirements.

Xmas Shopping Somewhere Different

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Although the Xmas season means different things to different people, there is no separating shopping from the festivities. Xmas is a big shopping season worldwide – from South Korea to Chile, retailers pile up their inventories well in advance in order to maximize profits from the expected masses of anticipated shoppers.

The following 5 are some of the cities that provide a distinct shopping experience:

Prague, Czech Republic

Picturesque Prague is not just a great place to visit because of the Prague Castle – the largest contiguous castle in the world. Xmas shopping is big in the Czech Republic’s capital with the action centred on the Wenceslas Square with its rows of elaborately decorated huts selling all types of Xmas gifts. The market place at the Old Town Square also has a number of gift shops. It remains lit throughout the night from 5pm all through December.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne’s seven Xmas markets attract close to 2 million shoppers each year. Of the seven, the most scenic is the one just outside Cologne Cathedral where the 160 stalls sit under the largest Xmas tree in the Rhine region. Other must-visit markets are the Alter Market, the market at Rudolfplatz and market that is adjacent to the Church St Aposteln.

London, UK

Many people instinctively recoil at the thought of shopping in London – after all, the UK capital has for decades been near the top of the most expensive cities to live in worldwide. But there is a lot of great, reasonably priced shopping alternatives in London. And given that London is such a major international shopping destination, you are unlikely to miss anything you are looking for.

Lille, France

The Marche de Noel in Lille ranks among France’s largest Xmas markets. With a tradition going back a number of centuries, the Xmas market kicks off on 18th November and operates for 1 month. There is a giant Ferris wheel at the market’s centre which can serve as a welcome break as you look for unique gifts.

Boston, United States

Boston is a large city with many options for Xmas shopping. But the Sowa Holiday Market with its array of original works done by artisans from the greater New England region is one of the best places to get a unique Xmas gift.

Top 5 Locations to Go on a Cruise

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A cruise is one of the best holidays that you can take. It allows you to be able to see a bunch of different destinations without having to worry about changing lodging or the expenses associated with buying food for each meal.

It’s no wonder, after you go on your first cruise why you discover so many people become avid cruisers for life on holidays. Pound for pound it is certainly one of the most cost effective ways to have a holiday that is available out there.

Another big benefit in favour of cruises is that they travel all around the world. You would be hard pressed to find destinations where you cannot find a cruise holiday available. People use cruises to get all over the world and see new places in just one trip.

One of the best things about being a on a cruise holiday are the shore excursions that you can take once the ship docks in the port. Shore excursions are pre-planned events that have been coordinated between the cruise lines and vendors at each location.

They include things like shopping tours, scuba diving, animal viewings, food tours, glacier hikes, kayak tours and more!

Here are some of the most popular locations in the world to go on a cruise holiday:

  • The Mediterranean
  • Alaska
  • The Caribbean
  • Scandinavia
  • Mexico

Each of these destinations offers an incredible and unique place to enjoy a holiday, so it’s no wonder that they are some of the most popular spots in the world to visit on holiday.

In Mexico and the Caribbean, you can enjoy amazingly sunny weather and beautiful beaches, with delicious tropical food and plenty of active shore excursions. For the opposite approach, Alaska and Scandinavia offer incomparable natural beauty featuring vast glaciers and unique animal life. While a cruise to the Mediterranean provides an old world European culture and incredible food in one location.

With any of these locations you simply cannot go wrong when choosing where to go on your next holiday. So, while planning your next holiday, consider adding a cruise into the mix, it will surely be a holiday to remember!

This article has been provided by Cheap Cruises, the site to find the best last minute cruise holidays. To find out more from Cheap Cruises about cruise holidays, advice on cruise lines, tips on cabin types and other information on great last minute deals, please consult their website.

Where to Go for Luxury Holidays During Colder Months

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Winter, it’s coming. The days are getting shorter and the temperature is dropping. If the thought of your winter boots and a chunky knit make you want to spill your soup, then it’s time to take action and treat yourself to a luxury holiday.

Step one: get planning. Set yourself a budget and then let your imagination run wild on the internet. Keep your bikini close and stock up on the sunscreen while it’s still in stores.

If you’re not sure where to start, then check out our list of top holiday destinations around the globe and get ready to live it up in luxury…

Maldives

Three words – sand, sea and sun. If you’re not already sold on this exclusive holiday destination in the heart of the Indian Ocean then keep reading. This tiny cluster of islands is home to some of the most opulent luxury resorts in the world. You can snorkel with rare ocean creatures, sleep with the ocean waves lapping up around you in your own private hut, or grab a deep tissue massage – on the beach – at sunset. If you’re looking for a romantic destination or an exotic beach holiday, the Maldives have got it covered.

Mauritius

Sat off the coast of Africa in the southwest Indian Ocean, Mauritius is right up there with the Maldives when it comes to private beach destinations. When it comes to luxury resort, they don’t come much better than this – the hotels on the island boast Michelin-starred restaurants and award winning spas, among other amenities. You might even be able to do some celebrity spotting – it’s a popular holiday haunt for famous actors and musicians, and even hosted Wills and Kate on their honeymoon last year.

Kenya

Bored of the beach? Then head out on safari and find yourself in the middle of a living zoo. Glamping – or glamorous camping – is a popular movement in this part of the world, and gives you the opportunity to pull back your tent and share a watering hole with an Elephant. Just because you’re in the middle of the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the finer things in life; safari outfits regularly offer 5-star accommodation, personal chefs and knowledgeable tour guides to help you make the most of your trip.

Egypt

If you’re fascinated by the stories of the Nile, then head to Egypt and live like an ancient Pharaoh. You can choose a city break in Cairo, or head out of the hustle and bustle and check yourself into one of the many luxury resorts nestled along the Red Sea. You can enjoy the hot sun, Egyptian cuisine, and see some of the best-loved wonders of the world up close and personal.

Caribbean Islands

If you want an all-inclusive, no-fuss holiday, the Caribbean might be the destination for you. Boasting pristine beaches, laid back culture, luxury resorts and an abundance of natural vegetation, you can do a lot more in the Caribbean than just drink rum. If you’re a fussy eater or like the feeling of sleeping in the same bed every night, but also want to see the sights on holiday, why not consider a cruise? Some of the biggest luxury cruise liners in the world stop in the Caribbean year round, and let visitors experience the best of both worlds – a change of scenery each day without a change of accommodation.

New York | 5 Cheap & Underrated Bargains to Hunt for Amongst Tourist Traps

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New York is known for being utterly expensive, especially in touristy parts. But this is not always the case!

I am not incredibly familiar with the best cheap and underrated things to do in New York since I’ve only spent 2 short city breaks/weekends here. So what I am going to recommend in this post are completely random things right off the bat which worked for me on a tight budget (living on student finance at the time!).

Also, you’ll be surprised what bargains you do find slap bang in the middle of Manhattan, so it’s always best to not judge shops based on appearances. So here goes!…

1. Eat Your Body Weight In 99c New York Style Pizza (Of Course!)

Okay, this option may be mentioned many times and you may see these stores everywhere in Manhattan. But these are an absolute godsend when you’re lost, jet-lagged and getting sensory overload from the city lights, hustle and bustle of New York. Plus, you won’t get pizza quite like this in the UK and this fresh-out-the-oven pizza tastes a lot better during cold seasons.

Not only is this comforting treat 99c per slice, you can buy an entire pizza (or “Pizza Pie”) for around $8 in various stores – Which is ideal for those on a budget.

2. You Must Also Try McDonalds in Times Square, New York

Okay, when I visited New York I went before McDonalds was renovated like in the photo above. I wanted to mention this as there was something slightly magical about having a McDonalds breakfast and watching the world go by with a really good view. Also, trying McDonalds in other countries is always a must!

Surprisingly, McDonalds in Times Square is very quiet in the mornings, so take advantage of that while you can! Also, what makes McDonalds better in the USA is the many different items you can get including the 50 nugget box for $8, strawberry pies and more. However, keep in mind that this was a few years back. But there will always be something budget friendly and new to try in cheap and cheerful McDonalds!

3. Hit Bubba Gump & Get Sharing

Bubba Gump is also another great spot in Times Square with a killer view. You’ll see the naked cowboy strutting his stuff and the creepy people in suits pestering people for photos… But it’s watching the world go by and all of those quirks that make New York worth visiting.

The menu can be pricey at Bubba Gump but if you know how to choose something effectively it will work in your favour! The shrimpers heaven and the shrimpers net catch are great value for sharing and are enough to feed two people at a fraction of the cost.

Top tip: This is not on the menu but i’d recommend ordering a root beer float! It is to die for!

Oh, and don’t order tea and expect a good cuppa. Tea in here means cup of boiling water accompanied by a tea bag on the side – So if you’re British make sure not to lose your shit over stuff like this like my mummy dearest did!

4. Go Straight to Micheal Kors, Timberland, Levi’s & Victoria’s Secret in Manhattan (Yes, That’s Right!)

These pointers probably sound batshit crazy to you right now. But I honestly found the BEST bargains slap bang in the middle of the touristy parts.

Firstly, these three stores have a ton of discounts in the sales sections – And I’m not talking about small bargains. The big apple also does it big when it comes to bargains!

So the moral of the story is to bite the bullet and look carefully while shopping in New York. However, there are some touristy stores which are extortionate and unfortunately Macy’s is one of them!

On the upside, the best stores for bargains are Timberland & Levi’s stores in Manhattan (The Timberland Store near the Empire State and the Levi’s located in Times Square). You can find Levi jeans and Timberland cardis for as little as $10 if you look carefully.

 

5. Take a Short Coach Ride to The Mills Outlet, New Jersey

Yes, this is not technically in New York but it is a gold mine for discounts! I mentioned this since it’s SO easy to get there from New York – All you need to do is buy a coach ticket at the Port Authority station.

The journey is pretty straight forward but I’d recommend not travelling during rush hour – The pollution and traffic is AWFUL coming in and out of New York during these times.

At The Mills you can get a ton of perfume and clothing discounts. Plus, the Victoria’s Secret outlet store is definitely worth visiting!

Bottom Line: New York Has Big Pricetags, But They Also Have Big Discounts

The key is to look incredibly carefully, even in places that appear expensive. And if all else fails, hit the outlets! I promise you, you won’t regret it.

A Luxury Trip to Cairo

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Cairo is one of the most storied cities in the world with an intriguing ancient history it somehow successfully blends with a cosmopolitan hub and a mix of urban excitement, tradition and culture. 2000 year old structures with high end fashion. The city centre is noisy and vibrant. The food and restaurants are top class. Amongst the city’s bustle is the famous history with the great pyramids of Giza in sight from the city’s border. Cairo can be as luxurious as you want it to be with limo taxi rides, dinners in the beautiful Mena House Hotel which overlooks the pyramids.

When it comes to luxury hotels in Cairo you will be spoiled for choice and American Express Travel UK will do all that they can to help you book what’s right for you. Here are some options for your luxury trip to Cairo.

The Mena House lies in the shadows of the Great Pyramids and is surrounded by 40 acres of scented gardens. With a long and rich history, the hotel is crafted traditionally with intricate attention to detail furnished with original arts and antiques. The external of the hotel blends into a historical and natural setting presenting a luxurious oasis in the middle of a desert landscape.

The Four Seasons hotel is the pinnacle of the cities luxury. Every one of the 350 staff there will magically know your name portraying sheer sophisticated hospitality. It’s situated on the west bank of the Nile with a fabulous spa centre and it unites timeless and personalised attention to the fast paced city outside.

The Intercontinental Cairo Citystars is one of the city’s leading luxury hotels. With lavish surroundings, it’s perfectly placed within close proximity to all the wonderful sights and activities that Cairo has to offer. The décor is handcrafted to reflect the heritage and the accommodation offerings include penthouses, rooms and suites to suit all comfort needs. There is also an exciting offering of 11 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues suiting all pallets with casual and fine dining.  The hotel also has a relaxing club and spa with pampering facilities and treatments.

The Concorde El Salam is another impressive and luxurious hotel. It’s positioned in the more laid back and tranquil affluent suburb of Helopolis, perfect for visitors who want to explore the historic side of the city. It’s framed as a large manor house with a pretty palm tree lined entrance. It presents a more resort atmosphere and is less traditional than the other hotels.

Maldives – Diving, Snorkelling and Relaxing

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Save for basking on the beautiful beaches and enjoying a sun tan, the most popular activity among tourists to the Maldives is snorkelling and scuba diving. The atolls that form the Maldives are at least hundreds of miles away from any continental land mass. This has led to exceptionally clear waters and abundant marine life both of which make the archipelago perfect for diving.

While most divers will usually be based at a resort with diving as just one of the many activities they engage in, those keener on a strictly diving-centric vacation opt to operate from a live aboard. This may seem expensive but when you consider the relatively high cost of the Maldives famously luxurious resorts, it can in fact cost less in the longer term.

Water currents vary widely. However, the water is usually much calmer inside the atoll with stronger currents on the side of the atoll that facing the open ocean. Thanks to its location in the tropics, the waters in the Maldives remain warm all year round making diving feasible throughout.

That being said, the monsoon season can present additional challenges in the form of rain, wind and strong waves. The ideal time for diving is thus between January and May when the water is calm, which allows for underwater visibility as far as 30 metres from the surface.

The most significant impediment to snorkelling and scuba diving in the Maldives is cost especially when compared to other diving centres in Southern Asia. On the flipside, there is no compromise on safety.