By Rama Gaind.
Crossroads Maldives is a multi-island paradise with a wealth of attractions and activities for all ages.
There is a certain magic about the Maldives that’s enticing … and it certainly offers the sunny side of life!
With its rich history and diverse landscapes and destinations, this is one of the best island destinations in the world, with numerous atolls, clear waters, pristine beaches and dive sites filled with marine life. While historians believe the nation – which spans across the equator – was populated well over 2,500 years ago, the Maldives comprise 1,192 islands, stretching along a length of 871 kilometers.
An archipelagic state in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean, it lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland. Home to more than half-a-million people, traces are apparent of influence by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean. Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the surrounding island environment and the seas.
There’s never a dull moment here. A renowned diving destination, this is where you enjoy the white sand beaches, beautiful atolls and crystal-clear waters with rich aquatic wildlife. You’ll find giant whale sharks in the area, especially around the reefs near Sun Island. Find these gentle giants and other shark species in Rangali Island and Hanifaru Bay.
Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands and the Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Speaking of Maldives’ thriving marine biodiversity, its seas are home to five of the seven marine turtle species in the world. You can see loggerheads, leatherbacks, Olive Ridley turtles, green turtles and hawksbill turtles when you visit popular dive sites in the country.
Enjoy upbeat vacations at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, where the platinum overwater pool villas frame panoramic views across the Indian Ocean.
Less than a fifth of Maldives’ island population is inhabited and it’s the world’s flattest country. This beautiful island country has an average altitude of 1.8 metres: its highest point Villingili Island, is only 2.3 metres above sea level.
Unlike most ‘white sand’ beaches that have yellowish sand, the beaches of Maldives have true white sands, made of coralline, which are rare and only present in around five per cent of beaches worldwide.
Accommodation options
Resorts, hotels, guesthouses and safari vessels offer different accommodation experiences. However, it’s time to discover the hottest offers for a tropical island escape at Crossroads Maldives, the fully-integrated destination and premier multi-island resort. Here’s your chance to experience an enchanting escape in paradise with a choice of tempting packages at its two five-star private island lifestyle resorts: SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
The free-spirited resort opened more than three years ago, and under its ‘Stay Long & Save’ promotion, visitors who stay for four nights or longer will be treated to a wealth of benefits, including 25 per cent off the resort’s best available rate, daily breakfast with sparkling wine, and complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and pedal boats throughout their vacation.
Stay at a blissful beach villa at SAii Lagoon Maldives and step straight out onto the powder-soft sandy shore.
Alternatively, across the lagoon at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, this iconic music-themed resort has an exclusive web offer. This attractive promotion includes a range of enticing inclusions for customers who book direct online, including a 15 per cent discount on the resort’s bed & breakfast rate, 15 per cent off dining and spa treatments, free use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks and pedal boats, complimentary daily ‘Sundown Ritual’ drinks, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability). Book four nights or longer and you will arrive and depart in style with a 25 per cent discount on airport transfers.
Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Crossroads Maldives is a ‘one-stop, non-stop’ destination where the adventurous can cross paths and explore a wealth of attractions, diverse dining, world-class wellness, specialty shopping and more, amid powder-soft sand beaches and shimmering seas.
Partake of environmental and cultural activities, discover an 800-metre beachside boardwalk which is lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants and upmarket boutiques.
Book soon and have yourself an amazing tropical sojourn!
FACT BOX
Crossroads Maldives
www.crossroadsmaldives.com
