Maldives

You don’t need a boat to find world-class snorkelling in the Maldives. At Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon, the house reef starts within swimming distance of the sand — and off-season rates make it one of the best-value underwater experiences in North Ari Atoll. The reef at Ellaidhoo is within swimming distance from nearly every point along the beach — no boat transfers, no waiting, just wade in. The North Ari Atoll has long drawn divers for its coral walls and pelagic life, but most resorts require a dhoni ride to reach the good stuff. Ellaidhoo is different. Its 1,600-metre house

It’s been a wonderful experience connecting with you all through this journey of movement and observation. I’ve loved hearing about the sights you’ve encountered on your walks. The Maldives offers such unique beauty, and embracing it on foot is a special kind of joy. Walkable Island Beauty We are truly fortunate here. Our islands are designed for walking. The paths are inviting, and the scenery is breathtaking. It’s more than just exercise; it’s an invitation to appreciate our home. On your next walk, pause and really look around. Notice the intricate patterns of leaves. Feel the warmth of the

I used to think my home country really had its act together regarding gender equality, but a recent experience completely shifted my perspective. It involved a situation in a department where there was a pattern of behavior from a male supervisor and department head that made us, a few women in our early twenties, feel constantly diminished. They seemed to imply we weren’t as capable simply because we weren’t men. This wasn’t just a one-off; it felt like something deeply ingrained. Perceived Lack of Men From the moment we started, it was clear our presence was viewed in a

It’s always fascinating to dive into reports that illuminate the realities of human potential, and recently, the World Bank’s Maldives Human Capital Review truly caught my attention. It offered a clear, though sometimes challenging, picture of what life holds for children growing up in this beautiful island nation, and it sparked so many thoughts about what truly shapes a life. Understanding Human Capital The core of the review is the Human Capital Index, or HCI. For the Maldives, it’s set at 0.596. Now, what does that actually mean? It’s a way of measuring how much of their potential a

You land in Malé, your laptop charger gives out, and you figure you’ll grab a replacement after checking in. A quick search later, you’re staring at prices that would make sense in a New York hotel gift shop, not a local electronics store. It’s not an accident. The Maldives economy runs on tourism and imports, with a public debt load of 129.7 percent of GDP in 2025, and that combination makes buying any piece of tech on the islands a headache. This article explains the four main reasons Maldives computer stores aren’t worth your time as a traveler —

It feels like just yesterday Michael and I were dreaming about starting our own family, picturing cozy evenings in a home filled with laughter. Now, with Lily and Ethan growing so fast, that dream feels more urgent than ever. We want a place that’s truly ours, a stable foundation where our children can grow up knowing a sense of belonging, not just moving from one rental to another. My work allows us to manage, but the idea of pouring so much money into rent every month, with nothing to show for it at the end, is just… disheartening. Government

The Maldives had always been a faraway dream, a place pictured in countless postcards with its impossibly clear turquoise waters and those iconic bungalows stretching out over the ocean. But turning that dream into reality felt, for a long time, more like navigating a logistical nightmare. Every day spent planning seemed to bring a fresh challenge, a new layer of complexity that made the trip feel increasingly out of reach. The Planning Labyrinth We spent hours sifting through resort websites, each one promising paradise but often obscuring the true cost of getting there and enjoying the stay. The sheer

Maafushi, the most developed local island in the Maldives, sits roughly 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé. It’s often the first stop for travellers curious about life beyond the country’s private resort islands. The shift started in 2009, when the government began permitting guesthouses on inhabited islands, opening up a different way to experience the Maldives — one centred on local neighbourhoods, communal cafés, and shared beaches rather than overwater villas and private butlers. This article covers what that kind of trip actually involves: the cultural expectations, the food, the swimming rules, and the practical trade-offs, with