Asia
Overwater villas, reef-fringed atolls and some of the clearest water anywhere.
The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, with most islands barely rising above the waves. Many resorts occupy an island of their own, surrounded by lagoons and house reefs. Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay draws manta rays, and Ari Atoll is known for whale sharks. Malé, the dense capital, gives a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life with its fish market and mosques.
Days revolve around snorkelling, diving and doing very little; local islands such as Maafushi offer guesthouses for a simpler stay. Fresh tuna, coconut and spicy curries appear everywhere, and alcohol is generally served only at resorts. December to April is the dry, calm season; the southwest monsoon from May to October brings more rain but good surf.
January, February, March, April, December.