Maldives, paradise on earth

With crystal-clear waters, coral lagoons and fairytale beaches, the Maldives archipelago strings out its 1,199 islands like a pearl necklace.

Sheltered from cyclones, the loveliest of these islands only have one hotel, to offer the quintessence of luxury. The archipelago extends over more than 800 kilometres north to south, 130 kilometres longitudinally, though hardly 200 islands are permanently inhabited. Virtually in the centre of the Indian Ocean, above the equator, the Maldives offer a hot, humid climate and a maximum altitude of 2.3 metres ! Enchantment starts at the airport on the island of Hululé, neighbour to the capital island, Malé. After a long flight, visitors then take a speedboat or hydroplane to their island-hotel and finally savour the luxury of unspoilt nature, echoing that of the hotels’ exceptional amenities. Well-being and watersports top the bill.