Maldives

A nation of 1,192 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the definition of barefoot luxury — overwater villas, powder-white sandbanks and lagoons in every shade of blue.

Beneath the surface lie some of the planet’s richest reefs, where manta rays, whale sharks and turtles glide through warm, crystal-clear water year-round.

Known for

• Overwater villa resorts
• Private sandbanks
• World-class reef diving
• Sunset dolphin cruises