Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a paradise-like archipelago that comprises some 1,000 islands across 26 atolls. It is famous for its luxury holidays and stunning scenery – and you can find out more about why it is such a wonderful place to visit with our guide.

Discover a tropical paradise

Perhaps the most obvious point to recommend the Maldives is simply that it looks every inch the tropical paradise. Deserted beaches fringed with palm trees, bright turquoise lagoons, stunning tropical fish – its scenery is simply stunning. What's more, the destination remains remarkably unspoilt, with less than 100 of the islands inhabited and a limit of just one resort per isle.

Wonderful weather

Of course, another common reason holidaymakers flock here is its fabulous weather. The Maldives has a tropical climate that results in temperatures staying between approximately 24 and 33 degrees C all year round.

Having a tropical climate, the destination also has monsoon seasons, which typically fall in June, August, and between November and April. As there is so much to do here, however, the rain need not impede your enjoyment of your holiday, but if you do have your heart set on sunbathing as much as possible, you should try to avoid these months.

Experience total luxury

Another great reason to head to the Maldives is if you are looking for somewhere that offers the very epitome of luxury. This nation is renowned for its lavish all inclusive resorts, which include impressive hotels, as well as villas perched right above impossibly blue lagoons.

The Maldives may not be the cheapest destination for all inclusive holidays, but by booking a package break here you certainly have the opportunity to get some excellent value for money. Of course, the sheer beauty of the islands is itself a factor, but the resorts also tend to offer some fabulous extras.

Indeed, many of these have onsite spas where you can indulge in luxurious pampering treatments, while more still provide excellent water sports facilities so you can try a host of activities. For example, the Paradise Island Resort & Spa, situate on the North Male Atoll, has facilities for windsurfing, scuba diving, catamaran sailing and much more.

Romance

The excellent climate, beautiful landscape and opulent resorts make the Maldives ideal for relaxing holidays, but perhaps where the destination really excels is in offering romantic breaks. A popular honeymoon spot, the archipelago provides that little something extra for newlyweds, with many of the resorts offering special honeymoon packages.

Amazing marine life

In addition to luxury resorts and stunning scenery, the Maldives has more to offer. Perhaps one of its most famous attractions is its coral reefs and fantastic scuba diving conditions, which draw in enthusiasts from all over the world. Meanwhile, if you are new to the sport, there is plenty of scope to learn here, since each island with a resort has its own diving centre.

Among the top diving spots is Fish Head, where you can see black coral, sea fans and anemones. Banana Reef, on the North Male Atoll, is another firm favourite, and is also a wonderful place for snorkelling.

If you would rather not get wet, however, you can head to the island of Male and board the Whale Submarine – a submarine that takes you up close to the reef. Despite its name, there is no whale watching involved.