Silverbird Travel - The Far East travel Specialists

-- kick back in style in the ultimate hedonist’s heaven. Stunning new resorts and spas have opened across this scattering of coral-fringed atolls in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, offering opportunities to play pretend Robinson Crusoe with every conceivable mod con, DVD or wireless gizmo instantly to hand.
Basic beach huts and bamboo bars of former days have given way to villas with private pools, over-water apartments or underwater restaurants. Fine dining has replaced the ubiquitous fish curry. Infinity swimming pools, tennis, aerobics and pumping iron now supplement beach volleyball.
Transfers to and from your chosen resort can be by jet boat or seaplane as well as traditional dhoni, and yachting, island-hopping cruises, dolphin watching and game fishing have joined the main activities of diving and snorkelling. Just in case you don’t fancy lazing away the days in the traditional Maldives way – with a bag of books and a hammock.

Who flies here? Sri Lankan Airlines has a direct non-stop flight from London Heathrow three times a week, Emirates have daily flights from Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, London Gatwick and London Heathrow via Dubai plus you can even combine a stay in the Maldives with a blitz in Bangkok as it is just a 4 1/2 hour flight between the two.

Read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's official travel advice for The Maldives.


	The Maldives Turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, swaying palm trees - you must be in the Maldives! A mecca for scuba divers both experienced and beginners with many island resorts running recognised Dive courses with stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life. There are 1900 islands but just 110 that are designated as "tourist islands" with one resort on each and an additional 200 populated by the Maldivians. Do you want small and simple, all-inclusive resorts or boutique and luxurious? There is an island resort for all. If you are looking for romance Maldives have long been synonymous with honeymoons and wedding vow renewal as the ultimate Robinson Crusoe islands. Best time to visit? Between November to April but do not discount the green, wet season during May to October. If it does rain it is normally very heavy but brief, maybe 2 hours or so. There is more wind at this time and many hotels bring out summer bonus offers that can be very good value. Sri Lankan Airlines flies directly to Male, the island capital and Emirates flies via Dubai and there is even a flight from Bangkok, albeit just twice a week. Dont miss: perfect white sand beaches; colourful underwater world; PADI recognised scuba schoolsSpa pamper treatments