of international and local delights sumptuously spread out at mealtime buffets .
Gastronomy is an essential element of some of the resorts , where attention to detail is crucial . Some of the restaurants in the resorts boast the most authentic experiences that gourmets can enjoy anywhere in the world . Some of the signature dishes offered by the best of the resort restaurants are world renowned .
Standalone specialty restaurants are part of the identity of many of the resorts . Get ready to indulge in authentic favourites dished out by renowned international chefs flown in from around the world . Be it traditional Maldivian or something more international , chefs in the resorts offer a culinary journey for you to enjoy ; an experience that is as unforgettable as your holiday in the Maldives .
Maldivian cuisine occupies its own special place in the culinary world . It ’ s a unique fusion that has evolved over centuries of interaction with cuisines from around the Indian Ocean and further afield . Fish and coconut are the essentials in Maldivian cuisine be it sweet or savouries . Curries with unique Maldivian twists to savour , sweets made from endemic local produce and ‘ short eats ’ that can fill you up on the go are part of the traditional Maldivian cuisine . Be it a once in a lifetime dining experience in an underwater restaurant , dinner for two in the moonlight , or a frivolous barbeque on the beach , the Maldives has a host of gastronomic delights that would suit every visitor .
ISLAND TOURISM You do not have to stay in a resort to enjoy the Maldives . Guesthouses on island towns offer a tremendously different experience to that of resorts . Staying in a guesthouse gives you the opportunity to mingle with the local population , experience their lifestyles and get a feel of the local cuisine and culture . There are over 600 registered guesthouses across the 198 inhabited islands in the Maldives .
From tiny little cosy four-bedroom properties to large 50 room hotels , there are various sizes and styles of accommodation to
choose from . No matter where you stay the atmosphere is relaxed , friendly and comfortable . You are free to explore the island at your leisure and choose the various activities on offer .
There is a wide range of food options on offer on most of the island , especially those that are well established as guesthouse destinations ; from cafes offering local fare which consists of rice and local flatbreads , curries , local sweet and savoury snacks to classy little eateries offering international cuisine .
While some guesthouses may have their own watersports facilities and services , there is a choice of independent watersports and dive centres on most islands . Try out jet skiing , or kite surfing to get that rush of adrenalin , or choose parasailing to enjoy the view of the island or spend an afternoon canoeing around the island .
Excursions to sandbanks , other island towns and uninhabited islands are organised by guesthouses or watersports and excursion centres in the islands . Half-day and full-day excursions often include snorkelling at pristine reefs and barbeque lunches on the beach as part of the excursion packages .
With an abundance of reefs , the Maldives offers the best options for diving both for beginners and seasoned divers . Each guesthouse island would have well known dive sites on their daily dive excursion menus . Well- equipped dive centres in the islands organise day and night dives for beginners as well as advanced divers .
The beach is one of the key elements during any holiday in the Maldives . Not surprisingly all the islands have wonderful beaches that you can enjoy . Many have sections of the beach exclusively reserved for holidaymakers .
Guesthouse islands come in various sizes and some have their very own specialties . Some are quieter than others with just a couple of guesthouse properties . Some islands boast exquisite sandbanks while others may have mantas and whale sharks frequenting the waters nearby . Other islands may offer you the chance to experience
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