The underwater paradise in the Indian Ocean is the Germans’ favorite long-distance travel destination for the first time.
Not in love, not engaged, not married? It doesn’t matter, you can still access them Maldives!
According to a recent evaluation by the online travel portal weg.de, the archipelago in the Indian Ocean is the most popular long-distance travel destination for Germans. Many will be surprised that the travel destination was reserved for well-heeled crushes for a long time. But that is about to change!
Especially during the pandemic, the Maldives have grown in popularity: year-round temperatures of 30 degrees, barefoot restaurants in the fresh air, small villas just for you, more fish than human contacts. And covid-free underwater parties!
The Maldives archipelago, with its 1200 islands, stretches 800 kilometers in the Indian Ocean. 220 islands are inhabited, about 100 are reserved for tourist resorts. It’s not just for honeymooners. Everyone will find an island here that makes them happy. But how do you choose the right one?
At “Atmosphere Hotels & ResortsFor example, there is a range of island resorts for every taste and also in every price category. For families, newly married couples, friends who are enthusiastic about diving, singles looking for peace and quiet. The special thing here: The all-inclusive concept not only applies to all food and drinks, but also to excursions and spa treatments.
Visits to local islands, guided snorkeling tours, fishing trips and sunset cruises are all included in the price. In this way you not only get to know your own island, but also the country of the Maldives. And: Anyone who has ever had to pay for everything individually in the Maldives will be happy anyway.
The decision is easy for me because I know immediately what I want: colors! If you live in Berlin, a city that has more shades of gray than a pigeon, you look forward to colorful fish, colorful reefs, colorful cocktails. That’s what this is for “Oblu Nature Helengeli” on the North Malé Atoll, the resort island can be reached by speedboat in just 50 minutes from the international airport.
I’ve heard a lot about the island: Because it has one of the best house reefs in the Maldives and over 30 breathtaking diving spots – that’s what it’s known for all over the world. Plus: That “Oblu Nature Helengeli” received a Green Globe certification for sustainable projects, uses solar energy, filters water to avoid plastic.
I’m here with my mom and we’re amazed at how few couples we meet on the island. Most are like us, families and friends from all over the world who have heard of the reef. It is a ten minute walk from one end of the island to the other. Two restaurants, one bar, two infinity pools. However, if you are looking for an Instagram island with water villas on jetties, a slide directly into the sea or stylish pools, you should go to the neighboring island “Oblu Select Sangeli” Select. Or you split your stay and do both.
However, most of the guests on our island are only eager to disappear quickly. Like us.
The unique location of Helengeli is primarily responsible for this: the island lies directly in the middle of two deep channels. These form the largest water inlet in North Malé Atoll and the fish love this current! They surf in it, find food, are cleaned by other fish like in a car wash. And celebrate their own party here.
The result was an incomparably exotic house reef with a great variety of species! The reef is easily accessible directly from the beach via six entry points. Or over a long bridge – then you are almost immediately on the dance floor.
Our day is full of party dates: in the morning at breakfast a dolphin show on the reef, at noon a turtle accompanies us snorkeling for two hours (or we them) and provides the right sound with its reef cracking, in the evening rays glide gracefully under like ballet dancers the boardwalks and nurse sharks gather to hang out in the small harbor basin. If I’ve eaten too much of the good Maldivian curries again, the black spotted puffer suddenly appears in front of me like a reflection. Thank you!
After six days, our Maldives balance sheet looks like this: We spent 70 percent of the time under water, 20 percent eating and the rest sleeping. When we get back on the plane after six days, we check whether not only our stomachs have grown, but also gills.
Which island is right for me?
“Oblu Nature Helengeli” will delight all snorkeling and diving fans. “Oblu Select Lobigili” opening in late March, the adults-only resort is perfect for lovers, with secluded villas and an underwater restaurant (coloursofoblu.com). “Atmosphere Kanifushi” just won Best Family Resort in the Maldives (atmospherehotelsandresorts.com).
There are flights to Malé e.g. B. with Lufthansa (from 717 euros) or with Qatar Airways (from 695 euros).
Entry: with a negative PCR test (max. 96 hours before departure), fill out the entry declaration (imuga.immigration.gov.mv).
All Maldives information: visitmaldives.com/en