Island resorts over turquoise lagoons
The Maldives is made up of around 1,200 coral islands grouped into atolls, most of them tiny and barely above sea level. Many islands are single resorts with overwater villas, reached by speedboat or seaplane from Malé, the compact capital. The reefs are extraordinary, with manta rays, whale sharks and turtles; Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is famous for manta feeding. Guesthouses on local islands such as Maafushi offer a cheaper alternative, though alcohol is only served at resorts.