Subscribe to Outside Magazine
advertisement
Adventure Adviser

Today's Question
Where should I camp in Switzerland with my kids? answer

What's the best volcano to hike up in North America? answer

How can I plan a trip around riding the biggest, fastest roller coasters? answer

Travel Resources Travel Guides

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries
save this page print this page email this page
  • share this page

Outside Magazine, September 2008

Spot On
Water World

By Kate Siber


Maldives
Perfection in the Maldives (Robert Harding/Digital Vision/Getty)
A nation of 1,190 island specks spread over 116 square miles of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives looks like something out of a myth. And parts of the country could well become just that if sea levels rise: The highest elevation is a mere eight feet above. Only about 200 of the islands are inhabited, but resorts are increasingly willing to chance the climate–change odds—15 new hotels have opened in the past two years. Our favorite: Hudhuranfushi Island Resort, a swanky surf camp next to eight northern–atoll breaks. (Swells are strongest between June and September.) The seaplane–accessed resort reopened late last year with 26 new overwater bungalows ($1,665 per week, including meals and surfing; wavehunters.com). Prefer island nightlife to epic surf? Opt for the brand-new Diva Island Resort & Spa, in Ari Atoll, where six restaurants, six bars, a disco, and 88 villas on stilts dot the island's 2.5–mile white–sand rim. Between margaritas, dive with 20–foot whale sharks, circumnavigate the island by kayak, or just stick to the glass–floored spa, where you can gaze down upon passing parrotfish (doubles, $770; naiade.com ).


• Subscribe to Outside and get a FREE Gift!
• Give the gift of Outside Magazine!
• Subscribe to Outside Online's free weekly e-mail newsletter featuring gear reviews, fitness advice, galleries, podcasts, and more.