We have now reached our final choice in our list of Top 10 Holiday Destinations. Congratulations to the Maldives, the area that we consider our top holiday destination in the world!

We have a particular soft spot for the Maldives at Only Exclusive Travel; having worked closely with numerous high profile luxury Maldives resorts over the years, we have personal relationships with the staff and a wealth of memories from our own trips.

Being a collection of small islands surrounded by shallow lagoons within a vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, it is unsurprising that the Maldives is the lowest country in the world and is comprised of over 99% water. These characteristics make the Maldives a stunning and aesthetically unique holiday destination, whilst its reputation for being one of the safest travel destinations on the planet makes it a great choice for family holidays.

A popular destination for honeymoons, the Maldives is renowned as one of the most romantic places in the world. Exclusive, private, remote and luxurious, we receive many requests for honeymoon itineraries in the Maldives in any of our featured luxury Maldives resorts. One only has to do a Google Image search of the Maldives to be convinced of the serene and romantic beauty of the Maldives islands.

The surrounding tranquil waters of the Park Hyatt Hadahaa luxury resort are world-renowned for Scuba-Diving

As well as being renowned for its beautiful private island resorts, the Maldives has its own distinctive history, culture and politics. As a nation, the Maldives is very aware of the environment and undertakes initiatives to ensure that the surrounding ecology is protected and nurtured effectively. To raise awareness on climate change, an underwater cabinet meeting was arranged in the Maldives in 2009! With an impressive national literacy rate of 98%, Maldivian residents receive great educational support.

The resorts in the Maldives often adhere to the Maldivian values of marine conservation and looking after the local people. For example, Soneva Fushi engages with its surroundings ensuring the resort is environmentally friendly, and Gili Lankanfushi luxury Maldives resort takes care to develop the island and its ecological balance. The Maldives has the best diving in the world, with huge Manta Rays and Whale Sharks for you to swim alongside, and guidance for divers of all experience levels. You can also learn from Marine Biologists and other conservation specialists, as well as actively contributing to the conservation itself.

The luxury Maldives resorts advanced understanding of the local culture means they understand that as a Muslim country, the Maldives calls for no drinking and casual but modest clothing. However, the resorts serve as a haven for those who would like to wear a bikini on the beach and sip on champagne in their water-villas or exclusive resort restaurants.

Soneva Fushi

The beautiful beachside villas at Soneva Fushi. Pure bliss.

When in the Maldives, we recommend a stay at Soneva Fushi, the original "Robinson Crusoe" type retreat in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi, located on the independently owned, unpopulated, tropical paradise island of Kunfunadhoo, is one of the biggest luxury island resorts in the Maldives. It is truly one of our favourites, especially for superb family Maldives holidays and romantic honeymoons.

The resort encourages you to leave your cares behind and engage in stress-free relaxation. The villas and rooms available at Soneva Fushi are excellent, with private gardens, beach access and all of the amenities and facilities you would expect from a top-of-the-range holiday destination. Dining at Soneva Fushi is varied and imaginative; experience a moonlit beach barbecue, a desert island picnic or an intimate dinner lit by lanterns on a private beach.

Soneva Fushi Maldives has its own fully equipped PADI diving school run by its own qualified diving instructors and Marine Biologists and offers some of the best diving in the world.

Gili Lankanfushi

The overwater villas at Gili Lankanfushi overlooking a vast expanse of crystal clear waters.

Gili Lankanfushi is smaller and more intimate than Soneva Fushi, and is located on a private coral island in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives. Marine life abounds below your spacious water villa, which you can engage with at the resort’s own fully-equipped PADI diving school. Dine in luxurious privacy on the fresh offerings, local produce, and innovatively creative dishes, consisting of sumptuous grilled seafood and more, whilst surrounded by a breathtaking Maldives sunset.

Experience the harmony, and reside in a location where luxury and natural charm truly co-exist. The ‘No News, No Shoes’ way of life will encourage you to slow down, chill out and appreciate the gifts of nature without your home responsibilities catching up on you.

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