Maldives

The ultimate honeymoon destination has recently become more accessible for the plebs, after the government decided relax the rules for locals to welcome tourists. The Maldives are synonymous with most people’s idea of paradise: a string of small tropical islands with pristine beaches, fringed by coral reefs and turquoise waters, like pearls in a deep blue ocean.

Not so long ago you had to either book a room at an expensive resort on a private island, or a tour on a livaboard which hopped from one isle to the other in search of the best diving spots. Contact with the locals was kept to a minimum in order to prevent contamination of local traditions. That has changed, and now you can stay on inhabited islands a guesthouse and mingle with the natives. It saves you money and it provides an alternative form of income for the population. Most of all it gives you the opportunity to see what island life is like in the Maldives.

That is not to say the resorts are not around anymore, and for those who crave privacy, luxury, and their own piece of paradise there are still plenty of island resorts to choose from. For diving the best option is probably still a livaboard as it gets you to more places.

So whether you want to mingle with the locals, or want to laze on your own private island, or want to dive with manta rays and sharks, the Maldives is open for business and paradise has become a little easier to access for the lesser Gods amongst us.

Go, see, enjoy!