If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees and pure white beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of varying shades of blue - then the Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill. Sunny, unique and unspoiled, the islands of Maldives offers you sunshine, no matter what time of the year you decide to visit the Maldives - islands that are truly heaven on Earth. Rising from the deep blue of the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean are more than a thousand islands and thousands more reefs that form the Maldives. You can choose any of the ninety resorts islands across the Maldives for your honeymoon or holiday stay; allowing yourself the freedom to explore everything is amazing tropical wonderland has to offer.
Here are 43 beautiful pictures and facts of Maldives to inspire you.

Islands & Atolls
Maldives is made up of a chain of 1190 small coral islands that are grouped into 26 atolls (80 islands resorts and 200 inhabited islands). 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on the delicate Maldives islands. The capital of Maldives - Male, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of more than 150,000 people which is more than one third of the population. An indication of the perfection of Maldives atoll structure is the fact that the word 'atoll' in the English Language - meaning 'ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon', is a borrowing from the Maldivian language 'Dhivehi'.

Island Resorts
Maldives tourism has been rapidly growing the number of tourist
arrivals and resorts islands over the last ten year period. All new resorts are subject to a rigorous environmental impact study and developers are allowed to build on only 20% of the islands. Beautiful resorts offer facilities from thrill-seeking water-sports to revitalising spas and overwater villas, perfect for enjoying an Indian Ocean sunset. Many resorts feature private villas with glass bottom floors perched directly over the water. All the resorts are self contained so they have at least one restaurant, which generally serve the type of cuisine expected by their guests.

Diving
The diving ranks among the world's best. A sunbather's paradise, the Maldives offer some of the world's best deserted beaches, while lagoons, filled with three quarters of the world's reef fish species, provide spectacular diving and snorkelling. If you plan to go diving or engage in other water sports, you should check that your insurance policy covers these.

Conclusion
Regardless if you are on your honeymoon or taking a family vacation
you can guarantee you will find a number of things to do while visiting the Maldives. It is no wonder that a large percentage of tourists who come to the Maldives Islands are repeat visitors - people who came once and fell so in love with the place that they simple had to come again. The beauty of Maldives is indeed addictive.
Author: Clare Mutch