There are about 85 resorts in Maldives which are fully functional and 15 more new resorts coming up. Even though there are good numbers of resorts here, almost all the resorts are full and over booked during the peak season. Mostly the guests are from Europe and many are repeat guests. Tourist development in the archipelago has growth rings as obvious as those of a tree.

The most established resorts are centered around Male�, the capital of Maldives mostly in the North male’ Atoll. A second group is spread in the late 1970’s throughout South Male’ Atoll. In the early 1990s Ari Atoll became the next area for expansion. Vaavu Atoll also opening two resorts at that time. In 2002, 13 more resorts came on tap in the atolls north and south of those already opened up.  A new resort owned by the Shangri-La Group is coming up at Addu very soon.

There is little danger that the Maldives will become heavily over-exploited as has happened with other tourist destinations like Pattaya in Thailand, or parts of Bali in Indonesia. For one thing, the government is concerned to isolate foreigner from the locals, something which a massive, uncontrolled influx would jeopardize. It is keen to keep that quality feel for as long as the country’s limited resources can cope.

Secondly, the Maldives can offer the best of one particular type of holiday; a sea-and-sun resort-style vacation with the chance to learn a new sport thrown in, in waters that are among the top three diving grounds in the world. It has few of the other cultural attractions that travellers associate with Asia. The Maldives is not a shore holiday. If you are not keen on water-based activities or sports, then thin very carefully before you maroon yourself on that small island for a week or two. Thus the islands continue to attract mainly water sports enthusiasts and honeymooners. In fact, many resorts, notify the smaller one, report high return rates, often year after year.

It is also an ideal destination for families and particularly attracts those from the UK, Germany, Italy, India, as well expatriate families based in the Arab states. The reason for this simple; it is very safe destination; there are not endemic diseases; there are venous snake or creatures of any kind, and the swimming is safe. The only risk is that of sunburn, which can easily be avoided by taking sensible measures. In case of sickness or medical emergencies, the more remote resorts have their in house Doctors and clinics and the main hospital in male the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital which is of high standard and there is also a private hospital, ADK hospital and there are also many full-fledged clinic like AMDC Clinic (Azmi-Naeem medical and Diagnostic Centre) with all modern facilities.

In fact many of the resorts positively encourage families by providing a children pool, playground and baby sitting facility. Several new high classes like One and only Kanuhura, Reethi Rah has Kidz Club. The Maldivian people love kids and are only too willing to help out whenever they can.

Tee country also appeals to a new generation of travel spender, the Japanese who love the combination of pristine beaches, convivial company.

As everywhere though, you get what you pay for and there is sufficient range to make it work carefully considering your priorities - as well your budget. With the exception of a few very exclusive resorts, most islands are not noted for their solitue or privacy. You will almost certainly be isolated on a tiny island for your holiday, but in the peak season you are likely to be joined by quite a few other tourists. Many of the resorts are block-booked by major tour operators with a particular style or nationality.

Choose your island with care. Many people go to other island for a second visit to the archipelago only to be disappointed that their second choice was not as good as their first. The best of the Maldives costs quite a lot to enjoy, but in most cases it is worth it. Several places, however, claim to the much more than they really are, and have prices to match. Others give the impression of being rather unsatisfactory, an advance warning, perhaps, of mass tourism that is so far only mildly evident. A few, notably the Italian and Japanese resort, cater so carefully for their clients that would be pleasure for almost anyone to experience them. If you feel like being private, you can be in the Maldives. You ca learn to wind surf and scuba dive.

Latest resorts like One and only Reethi Rah have facilities like private beaches and you will really enjoy. In Reethirah mostly celebrities come as its very costly with rooms from $1000 to $4000 a day. One and only has two resorts in the Maldives, Kanuhura and Reethi rah. The four seasons have two resorts, Four seasons resorts and the Landaa Giravaaru.

Accommodation is generally in thatched cottages or bungalows, with an attached bathroom containing a bath and shower. and small verandah usually facing the sea and overlooking the beach. It is unusual to find any building higher than a single story. Practically every resort offers a range of outdoor facilities that includes diving snorkelling, sailing, water-skiing, Para sailing etc.

On social side all modern resorts offer attractions like disco floor, evening videos, cultural shows, island shopping. All the resorts in the Maldives will be having a Mosque.

If you are planning for a holiday, do consider coming to the Maldives, you will really enjoy the stay. You can find more about the resorts individually in the Resorts in Maldives Section. You should never miss the sea-plane trip, there are two companies operating Seaplane, Trans Maldivian Airways and The Maldivian Air Taxi