The Maldives is usually depicted as a tropical paradise with an assured change of scenery. The reality is, however, quite close to the clichés conveyed about it. Located in the Indian Ocean, this Republic made up of 1199 islands of which only 202 are inhabited, draws its resources essentially from tourism. Also, when these islands were ravaged by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, the economic losses were very important and some of them could never be rebuilt. Left at the risk of nature, these islands do not really have a future: global warming threatens their survival in the long run. All the more reason to take a flight to the Maldives as soon as possible. The journey is not the easiest. After at least ten hours of flights, it all depends if you fly directly or make a stopover, you will land at Malé International Airport, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, from where you will still wait a good hour to take a seaplane or a boat, depending on the location of your island hotel or resort in English: only one is present on each island and covers all amenities, accommodation, several catering options, swimming pools, etc... The formula dates back to the early 1970s and the first holiday villages have now given way to extremely luxurious hotel complexes. Often chosen as a honeymoon destination, these islands offer you the possibility to choose between houses on stilts or luxury bungalows on the beach: several categories of rooms will be offered. You will shower in the open air: the temperature allows it very largely: throughout the year, it oscillates between 26 and 34 degrees outside and that of water is 28 degrees. Sunshine exceeds 2500 hours every year. But be careful, the presence of umbrellas in all the bungalows is not fortuitous: the islands are sometimes at the mercy of showers of short duration but very intense. June and July are not the best months to take a holiday in the Maldives. due to the presence of wind and frequent rainfall. These untimely rains will not spoil your pleasure of soaking your feet in the sand as soon as you walk through the door. Accompanied by some Bernard-L'Hermite, they are very numerous on the islands, you will arrive, a few meters further, in the turquoise water where the fish in abundance are visible by transparency. You will even be surprised to discover some baby sharks on the shores: there is no need to panic because they are harmless and probably fear your presence more than the opposite... If adventure, the mask and the snorkel were not enough to take the measure of the richness of the Maldivian seabed, many afternoon dives are organized by the hotel management, safely and with qualified personnel. If you don't like the islands-hotels formula, you can also opt for the cruises on board the luxurious liners or the simple dhoni, the local transport boats: it's the ideal way to stroll from one atoll to another. The Maldivian rhythm is very slow and if the level of service there is most often excellent, the wait is sometimes important at the bars of the restaurants. Tasting one of the fruit juices on offer will no doubt only be better... Art and culture in Maldives Maldivian cultural traditions are not necessarily the most important in Southeast Asia. However, the hotel staff will try to show you all the traditional dances and music of the islands. Straight from East African folklore, bodu beru was traditionally danced after a day's work. There is also the thara, whose sources of inspiration are located rather in the Gulf countries. Finally, langiri, dhandhi Jehun, bolimalaafath neshun or bandiyaa jehun are all dances you will be shown during your hotel stay in the Maldives. What to visit in the Maldives Nature and underwater life are the most important attractions of these islands where all comfort and amenities are assured. The diving activities will allow you to explore the underwater life of the Maldives. The islands can be visited by bike but often you can walk around them very quickly. For lovers of rest and relaxation, most islands are also equipped with spas in which the most innovative methods are used: ayurvedic massages, shiatsu, reflexology, seaweed wrap, hot stone massages etc....