Situated 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka and 200 miles from India, the islands are set in the clear, blue, unpolluted waters of the Indian Ocean and have a population of 260,000. They provide excellent facilities and locations for water sports as well as for those wanting sun and solitude with tall, graceful coconut palms even on the smallest islands.

Called the Flower of the Indies by Marco Polo, this paradise on earth remains one of the most unspoilt exotic locations for holidays in the whole world. Most of the islands are no more than two metres high and are surrounded by coral reefs in crystal clear lagoons. The clean, white beaches contrast with the multiple coloured coral reefs and brilliantly coloured tropical fish that abound in these waters. The opportunities to view underwater life are unrivalled.

The Maldives enjoy a year round temperature that remains constant at around 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is mainly warm and humid with pleasant sea breezes to enhance the luxury of the sun, sand, sea and the feeling of well-being that is a unique characteristic of the Maldives. In the southwest monsoon season from May to October, there is some rain and wind. In the northeast monsoon season from November to April it is dry with very little wind - just right to contrast with European winters.