Following her journey through Sri Lanka’s wild landscapes and cultural heartlands, Jane Wilson continues her Indian Ocean adventure, touching down in the Maldives — a world of powder-soft sands, crystal-clear waters, and island indulgence…
You’ve packed, confirmed domestic arrangements and invested time in planning, so why not make it two-country adventure? Well, where do you suggest, I hear you say? One clear combination is the rustic and rural immersion of Sri Lanka, its culture and abundance of wildlife, with the shimmering calm waters of The Maldives, a hop away of just 90 minutes by plane.
It’s certainly a stark contrast but that’s what makes travelling so culturally fascinating. Powder white sand, fluttering palms encircled by the ocean of a hundred turquoise shades kissing the sky as it extends to the horizon beyond. The Maldives sit pretty in the middle of the Indian Ocean as a string of over 1,000 coral islands, of which fewer than 200 are inhabited. The first settlers may have been from southern India and Sri Lanka, but now the population of the Maldives belongs almost fully to the Maldivians – and its year-round run of bucket list-seeking tourists. With such breath-taking views and flourishing resorts, little wonder the economy thrives on tourism with over 130 of those populated islands as dedicated resorts, and growing.
Of course, being surrounded by the sea means that water-based activities are boundless, and the Maldives have mastered making the most of the ocean. Throughout the day, there are snorkeling safaris, deeper dives, dhow tours or the balancing act of paddle boarding. Want to return with more than a tan? Take lessons in scuba diving and arrive home with a certificate. Boat trips range from dolphin watching, stargazing to line-fishing as well as the cruises for sundowners and sunset dinners.
It’s not all about the ocean, though. Resorts such as the Sun Siyam Olivehli provide a happy balance of water-based activities and land experiences. Days start with yoga, group walks along the beach or Pilates in a studio. One-to-one tuition in acrylic painting captures the destination in vibrant colours with your own masterpiece to take home. And if the sea doesn’t take your fancy for a dip, theirs is the largest pool in the Maldives at 210m long. With hydrotherapy pools, steam and saunas, the spas steals the show, with massages in elegant over-water treatment rooms while watching fish swim serenely below. In a word, bliss.
But there is more to the Maldives than beaches and blissful living, and many visitors miss the opportunity to experience the culture. It takes 30 minutes by boat to travel from luxury resort living to experience rural village life. Guraidhoo Island on the South Male Atoll has a population of 2,000 and is less than a mile in length. The village is quiet and genteel, with a few low-key guesthouses.
Small houses line narrow alleyways which are draped with guava and rose apple trees while souvenir shops have shelves cluttered with crafts and silver jewellery on Middle Street. There is a diving and water sports centre, a village bank, government offices, three mosques, a football pitch and a school. A centre for special needs is located on this island, supported by the Government and has been helped by various sponsorship activities by the Sun Siyam Olhiveli Resort.
A visit to the capital is a different experience altogether, a world away from the resorts. Malé is known for its mosques and colourful buildings. The Friday Mosque is the oldest and most revered site on the island which displays unique architectural features, artwork and traditional carvings. The old fish market is a bustling yet popular tourist attraction, too. Of course, being a nation of islands, there is a strong emphasis on fresh fish, seafood and local produce such as coconuts, rice and yams. Maldivian, or Dhivehi, cuisine has influences of South Asian flavours especially Indian and Sri Lankan. So, it’s no surprise to find Kandu Maha, a tuna curry, on the buffet.
At the same time, climate change looms large over the islands. Soil erosion, beach loss and rising sea levels pose real threats, but the Maldives has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, from tackling single-use plastics to promoting sustainability in its resorts and communities.
Accommodation in the Maldives is as varied as its islands, but Sun Siyam Olhuveli on the Kaafu Atoll offers a good balance of choice and character. Just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé, the resort differs from most others as it stretches across three linked islands, with a mix of beach suites, chic over-water villas and dedicated adults-only retreats. Dining is a highlight, from Thai-inspired flavours at Siyam Orchid ablaze with parasol canopies, to beachside grills and intimate wine tastings, while the newer Grand Beach Suites add a touch of contemporary style with private pools leading straight onto the sand. It’s contemporary, sophisticated and chic, and is a resort that combines variety, atmosphere and a sense of affordable luxury.
Pairing Sri Lanka with the Maldives is the ultimate way to experience the Indian Ocean in all its contrasts: the cultural depth, wildlife encounters and rustic rhythms of Sri Lanka set against the serene luxury and natural beauty of the Maldives. Just 90 minutes apart by air, the two destinations make for an unforgettable twin escape – where discovery meets decadence, and adventure is perfectly balanced with relaxation.
For more information about Sun Siyam Olhuveli resort, please visit www.sunsiyam.com.
The Maldives is a popular twin destination with Sri Lanka. SriLankan Airlines operates daily direct flights to Colombo from London Heathrow and several connections daily to the main airport to Velana International Airport in the Maldives. Seaplanes and boat transfers service the onward travel to individual exotic islands.
SriLankan Airlines is a member of the oneworld airline alliance. For more information, please visit www.srilankan.com.
