No larger on the map than a few ink splashes by a busy cartographer, the Maldive Islands stretch from the south western tip of India all the way to the Equator. One of the most attenuated countries in the world, the 1,196 islands, in 26 distinct coral atolls, are spread over a total area of 90,000 square kilometres (about 36,000 square miles) of the Indian Ocean, yet less than 0.5 percent of this is land. Some 200 of the islands are inhabited.
Until the arrival of tourism, fishing was the main occupation in this nation of seafarers, and the relaxed pace of life seems to have carried over into the twentieth century. The graceful sailing dhonis of old may have given way to motorised versions, but fishing with pole and line is still a common site throughout the islands.
The Maldives has the most beautiful tropical scenery, graceful coconut palms leaning over crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs promising great snorkelling and scuba diving, and lots of sunshine. In fact, all the ingredients that make up the classic desert island. With the increasing pace of life in the modern world, it has become the ultimate getaway for those who like sun, sand, sea and doing nothing ...the last Paradise.
Population
318,000 (UN, 2003)
Area
298 sq km
Ethnicity/ Race
Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Major Languages
The national language is Maldivian Divehi, English spoken by most government officials
Religion
Islam
Capital City
Male
Major Cities
Hithadhoo, Fuvammulah
Currency
1 Maldive Rufiyaa (MVR) = 100 laari, 1 US Dollar = 12.69000 (MVR)
SHANGRI-LA'S VILLINGILI Resort and Spa, Maldives offers EID AL-ADHA celebrations in Paradise
Guests can benefit from the resort's special 7 nights Eid Al-Adha package available from 15 October to 02 November 2012.
Starting from 1450US$ per night, the offer includes:
-Half board
-Complimentary domestic flight for two
-Complimentary Dolphin Cruise for two
-Complimentary sheesha at Manzaru lounge
Situated on a three-kilometre-long private island, the resort has the luxury of space. Guests can choose to snorkel the house reef, windsurf the turquoise lagoon, cruise the atoll on the lookout for dolphins, relax at CHI or practice their swing at Villingili's golf course, the very first golf in Maldives, among other activities. Families will enjoy gathering around a barbecue lunch to celebrate the festivities in the intimacy of their villa. In the evening, shisha aficionados will choose to mingle with friends under a tent laid out on the beach at Manzaru Lounge and chill the night away gazing at the shining stars.
