It is a natural occurrence to have enticing images of warm sandy beaches dotted with coconut trees and bordered by the cerulean blue ocean come to mind when one thinks of the Republic of Maldives. Indeed, this iconic cluster of islands, a natural miracle for they are all about the idyllic beach vacation warmed by the golden rays of the temperate sun.
However, Maldives as a holiday destination can be misleading for this cluster of islands is home to a number of intriguing attractions that most tourists rarely set out to explore. Among these one may stumble across the famous fish and vegetable market in Male, and perhaps, if they are sufficiently adventurous, venture into sampling local treats, or they might set about exploring cultural attractions such as The Grand Mosque which is said to be capable of accommodating up to five thousand people at any given time or the National Museum, which displays cultural artefacts from bygone eras.
Though this description of the capital of Maldives, the city of Male, may seem to be entirely cultural, Male is not without modern modes of entertainment. The streets are lined with small shops and carts selling a variety of goodies and therefore, when in need of purchasing souvenirs or trinkets to gift when you return back home, Male is the place to go. Furthermore, if one ever desires an interlude from the endlessly sunny shores of their Maldives resorts, making their way to the city and catching a movie at the Olympus Theatre seems to be an entirely convenient option available to tourists. The Olympus Theatre is located opposite the stadium in Male and though comparatively small in size, screens a variety of films, mostly of Asian origin. However, occasionally, the Theatre breaks away from Maldivian and Indian films and screens popular Hollywood movies as well.
After such a pleasant excursion in town, upon return to one of the many Maldives spa resorts, tourists can enjoy an enjoyable evening combined with, perhaps, a spa treatment or a delicious meal. At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, guests can enjoy this and much more, as they can select from a series of private luxury villas and opt to dine in exotic locations around the island.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
