High levels of service, state of the art technology and the picture-perfect surroundings make the Maldives a paradise idyll for anyone that dreams of a modern day Robinson Crusoe escape. The sheer range and quality of the facilities available is staggering – when you're escaping modern life to a tropical island, you still need a few comforts close by to make your stay as relaxing as possible!

The Republic of Maldives, as it's officially known, covers 90,000 square kilometres of the earth's surface, however less than 1 percent of this area is actually land and the highest point is less than 2.5 metres high! 1,190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ring like coral formations enclosing a lagoon. Of all the islands, only 200 are inhabited and less than 100 have been developed as tourist resorts. Thankfully the way the islands are formed with protective coral reefs, the Maldives have a natural defence against the wind and waves. Understandably, the Maldives are recognised as one of the top diving and sport fishing destinations in the world.

Like many tropical destinations the Maldives experiences a dry season, or iruvai, from December through to March, and a wet season, known as hulhangu, from May to November. Due to the size of the islands, the wet season is not particularly intense or long-lasting. Seasonal shifts in mid-April and November are typically very calm, producing exceptionally clear seas for diving. The daily high temperature consistently hits between 29 - 32°C (86°F) year round, but tropical sea breezes make the warm temperature very bearable.

The capital Malé, home to around 75,000 people and one of the most densely populated capital cities on the planet, is the country's centre for government, business, education and trade and is a cultural hub to visit with its buzzing atmosphere. It is also neighbour to the Maldives' airport island. From here, the beautiful islands that are the true reason for coming to the Maldives are just a short hop away by either speed boat or seaplane – the best means of transport for getting around these perfect, idyllic islands with crisp white sand beaches.