Population: 300.000

Religion: Muslim

Capital: Male

Major Cities: Male

Currency: Rufiyaa

Duty Free: International

Close your eyes and let your imagination take you to a place where you can:

See bright blue, cloudless skies that extend forever

Feel the warmth of the sun on your back and the silkiness of the fine white sand beneath your feet

Hear the gentle lapping of the sparkling azure water and the soft rustling of the exotic palm trees as they sway in the cool breeze.

THE MALDIVES is the perfect choice for those people who want to capture that little bit of heaven. In this idyllic setting you can get away from the frantic pace of modern day living and enjoy total peace and relaxation.

The Maldives is made up of about 2000 tiny coral islands and can be found southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. They are grouped together into 26 atolls or clusters.

Almost all of these islands are flat with virtually no hills or mountains. About 200 of the islands are inhabited and 80 have been transformed into holiday resorts. Most resorts are located on the three main atolls - North Male Atoll, (the capital Male can be found here), South Male Atoll and Ari Atoll.

Transport to many of the islands is either by seaplane from Male, speedboat or the traditional dhoni boat.

A shallow lagoon, concealing amazing coral reefs and an abundance of marine life surrounds each island.

Each island is individual and has its own personality and atmosphere. Accommodation is simple and does vary between islands. Some resorts have modern rooms like a hotel while others are more rustic, with thatched roofs and sand floors.

The larger resorts are usually more casual in style. They tend to attract younger people and families who are looking for a more active and lively holiday. Smaller resorts are more intimate and cosy, and may be more suitable for honeymooners and couples.

Is the Maldives a suitable place to take children?

For families with young children the setting is ideal. The beaches are wonderful with fine white sand and shallow, clear, warm water.

However, I’m not sure that my children (10, 11 and 13) would thank me for taking them to the Maldives on holiday. Too old for just a beach holiday and too young for some of the water activities on offer they could soon become bored and that 2-week holiday could turn into a bad dream!

Facilities at the larger resorts would be more suitable for a family and there is always the chance that there will be other children to play with.

Generally warm and humid. There is sunshine all year round and average temperatures vary between 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

The high season or ‘dry’ season lasts from December to April. During this period there is lower humidity and most days enjoy a cool sea breeze. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season.

The low season falls between May and November and prices reflect this. The weather is still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and there is a stronger likelihood of rain. Occasionally there are strong winds.

• Scuba diving. Most people come to the Maldives to scuba dive. Diving costs vary from resort to resort. If you have 10 dives a week and use your own equipment the cost will be approx £250. The cost would be about £350 per week if you rented everything.

• Snorkelling is a must. The reef slopes or "house reefs" around each island are the best areas for snorkelling. Anyone with a mask and snorkel will discover a whole new world of colour. Swim with angel fish, parrot fish, trumpet fish, and bluestripe snapper. Marvel at the variation in colour of the coral reefs themselves.

• Fishing - Many resorts offer a night fishing trip as part of a package

• Island hopping. Excursions leave the resorts daily providing an opportunity to discover the delights of different islands.

• Boat trips leave the islands regularly in search of dolphins.

• Sightseeing – most resorts offer regular excursions to the capital city Male. Visit the Grand Mosque with its beautifully carved doors and its spectacular chandelier. Wander round the local markets and sample Maldivian food or ‘short eats’ in one of the local teashops. These can include curried fishcakes, small bowls of rice and little bananas.

If you have time, visit the tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu – renowned for liberating the country from the Portuguese and then became the sultan.

Lonely Planet Maldives by James Lyon

Sri Lanka and the Maldives by Berlitz

Sri Lanka – Maldives by Michelin Travel Publications

Meal for two from £20

Drinks: Cocktails from £4.50 and beer from £2

Food: Restaurants in all resorts provide varied and delicious meals combining menus to suit both eastern and western tastes. Maldivian short eats served with tea or coffee are popular with most visitors as a snack in between meals while grills and barbecues are much in demand in most resorts.

Most meals in a resort are served in a buffet style. Local food is mainly seafood served with rice and there is not a tremendous variety of fresh vegetable and fruit as very little grow on the islands

People are advised to avoid drinking tap water and peel any fruit. Alcohol is available but as it is a Muslim country, you cannot import it. It can not be taken out of the resort and will be confiscated by customs if brought into the country.

The majority of people who travel to the Maldives will do so on a package holiday with various deals thrown in. Prices and packages will vary from resort to resort. Most resorts will provide meals and drinks others will throw in an island-hopping excursion whilst others will include diving or sailing deals. It is worth looking round to find the package and resort that best suits your needs.

• Meerufendfushi Island Resort (North Male Atoll)

This is one of the largest islands with over 227 villas and is the ideal holiday destination for those tourists on a budget. Villas are well furnished and all have sea view. It is suitable for families and has very good amenities. Although the resort is large much effort has been made to retain the natural beauty and charm of the island. There is not a lot of organised entertainment but the bars and restaurants are lively and cheerful in the evenings. Prices per adult for 7 days ½ board (based on 2 adults sharing) would be approx £850 during high season and £700 low season

• Paradise Island Resort - Paradise Island (North Male Atoll)

With 220 villas and 40 water bungalows this resort offers good mid-price accommodation with many amenities including regular evening entertainment. It is best suited to those people seeking a more active and lively holiday. Prices per adult for 7 days ½ board (based on 2 adults sharing) would be approx £1000 during high season and £800 low season

• Hilton Maldives - Rangali Island, (Ari Atoll)

This luxury resort covers two islands, linked by a footbridge. This is a place where you will be pampered from the moment you step ashore until the moment you leave.

For that little extra touch why not have dinner on board a yacht one evening or get away from it all with a picnic on a desert island. Each of the 100 villas has sliding glass doors opening out to wooden deck terraces, offering a direct view of the sea. There are an additional 30 luxury "water villas" built on stilts going over a tropical blue lagoon.

• Four Seasons Resort – Kudahuraa Island (North Male Atoll)

A very luxurious resort at the top end of the market. This is a small island that has been tastefully developed. Attractive thatched-roofed villas are dotted around the island. Some boast sun decks and a garden showers whilst others have their own plunge pool! There is a jetty leading to 36 water bungalows perched on stilts over a deep blue lagoon. Prices per adult for 7 days ½ board (based on 2 adults sharing) would be approx £1450 during high season and £1200 low season

• Banyan tree - Vabbinfaru Island (North Male Atoll)

The ultimate in luxury and peace, this secluded hideaway boasts only 48 villas. Each villa enjoys either a beachfront location or is set in a secluded garden surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This resort offers spa facilities and a programme of beauty and health treatments. The food in the local restaurant is excellent and of a very high standard. Prices per adult for 7 days full board (based on 2 adults sharing) would be approx £2000 during high season and £1700 low season

A 30-day visa will be issued on arrival for UK citizens. No vaccinations are required but it is recommended that tourists have tetanus, typhoid, polio, Hep A and Malaria protection

The usual health advice applies as with most foreign countries. Don’t drink the tap water or consume ice in drinks. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets. Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.

Local time: GMT +5 hours

Currency - The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are accepted.

If you stay at a resort, you don't need to carry money at all since everything will be billed to your room and you can settle up when you leave with travellers' cheques or credit cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard are best). If you do carry money it is best to use American dollars.

Electricity: 220v – a continental adapter is needed

Business hours: From Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 to 17:00 in the private sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday

Tipping: is discouraged in the Maldives. However, if the service is good it's quite customary to tip room staff and waiters in your resort - £5 per week is a suitable amount. Some resorts add a 10% service charge, in which case there's no need to tip.

There are flights regularly to Male airport from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports. The main airlines are Sri-Lankan Airlines, Monarch, Airtours and Air 2000. Flight times vary between 10-14 hours depending on stopover times.