Perhaps more than any other destination on earth, the Maldives epitomises the notion of a tropical island paradise. Located in the Indian Ocean, around 750 km south west of the Asian mainland, the country is made up of around 1200 islands all with some of the most spectacular beaches on earth.

On virtually all these islands you’ll be able to find some of the most luxurious and spectacular resorts, all set on soft, white-sand beaches lapped by sapphire-blue waters. And these days, you can explore beyond the resort boundaries and uncover the fascinating, perfectly slow pace of life enjoyed by the locals if you want to truly get to know the Maldives.

And for anyone with an interest in marine life, the Maldives is home to some of the very best snorkelling and SCUBA diving. In crystal clear waters you’ll be able to find magical reefs bursting with tropical fish, majestic whale shark and sea turtles, and do it all in water so warm you’ll be able to forget about needing a wetsuit.

One thing is for certain on a holiday in the Maldives, by the time you’ve left, you’ll already be dreaming of the next time you visit the gently swaying palm trees on an adventure that truly helps you feel as if you’ve left the rest of the world behind.