One of the most luxurious places in the world to escape reality are the Maldives. The island nation located in the Indian Ocean is made up of 1,192 islands and are divided into three main groups; inhabited islands, uninhabited islands and disappeared islands. With so many islands, there is an endless amount of palm tree laden islands to choose from.Here are 5 things to do while staying in the Maldives.
1. Diving & Snorkeling in the Maldives
For a picturesque look at the world beneath the ocean, diving and snorkeling are the best ways to experience the reefs. There many businesses offering snorkeling or diving courses, if you have your own gear you can haggle about the price. Choose from a half or full day trip depending upon your experience. No matter where you go on the islands, the diving and snorkeling experiences are so stunning that you will wish you were born with gills. With its clear blue waters, white beaches and many reefs there is no doubt the Maldives is a slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Who to dive with
Maldives Passions Dive School in Maafushi – Great personalized service and value for money. These guys offer full service instruction from Open Water to Dive Master training. The operate every day and regular trips to outside reefs, reef passes and Thilas. Dive the World Maldives is found in Male. This crew is friendly and they run an efficient shop. Their specialty is liveaboards, which is a great way to see  more of the ocean life. Like all other operators they are fully licensed to train divers of all levels.  They also offer discounted rates for long stayers.
MORE: WHY BAROS IS THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES
2. Spend the day at the Spa
Spa treatments are the ultimate when it comes to relaxation. With the oceans surrounding you, each spa offers you great sights of the blue skies, and clear waters whilst enjoying the treatment of your choice. Â The high life of luxury and indulgence is after all what you came here for right? So lie back, relax and indulge youself.
Where to pamper yourself
Veli Spa at Kurumba in the North Male Atoll island –have clean rooms, ocean views and classic contemporary rooms, while the AzmaaraSpa in Male do traditional body wraps, paradise location and professional staff. The One&Only Spa is also quite good, global winner in the Best Luxury Wellness Spa 2013 in the World Luxury Spa awards.
3. Take a voyage on a Whale Submarine
No this isn’t a weird revamp of the Beatles song. It’s a wicked experience that will allow you to see the giant mammals of the sea inside the comfort of a massive metal shell. This activity is great for families, especially children who are too young to scuba dive or snorkel. The whale submarine is a passenger carrier that will transport you under the ocean waves to a world you’ve only read about in magazines. Because of the layout and windows, the whale submarine will allow you to sightsee all the coral and marine life. It’s really cool and highly recommended.
Who to book with
Located in Male the Wale Submarine Maldives Company  have an excellent reputation for finding all the hot spots to see Whales. Booking can be done over the phone or through your resort.
4. Cruise thought the clouds on a seaplane photo flight
Having discovered the underworld ocean and enjoyed someone’s oily soothing hands massaging your stressed out muscles, it is time to discover the Maldives from the sky. The seaplane will take you up into the sky, and as it glides over many islands, it will give you a great outlook on how vast and beautiful the Maldives really are. You can also take an endless supply of photos during the experience. If you want to go for a photo flight, your best bet is to book it with your resort. Normally flights will take up to approximately 20 minutes.
5. Feast and drink some of the best food and wine
The Maldives have a lot to offer for those looking for Asian cuisines. After a long day scuba diving or viewing the awesome atolls from the sky, it’s time get out and sample the food in the many restaurants. All of them serve a wide range of delicious foods. And if you’re not a seafood eater don’t worry, there are plenty of other options on the menu. Many of the islands establishments offer an international menu, as they cater to every taste. Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants abound as well a little cafes that will be great after a day relaxing on one of the many beaches in the Maldives. So kick back, crack open a bottle of wine and enjoy a delicious meal with a panoramic view of the beautiful sandy beaches.
Where to Eat
At the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant you can dine 5 meters below the sea, luxurious menu and cocktail hour. For the less extravagant, there is the child friendly Sala Thai Restaurant. If you’re feeling like Thai or Malaysian food then The Sea House might interest you with Great mix of Thai and Indian dishes, breakfast buffet and scenic views.