Sojourn | Sovereign Luxury Travel Magazine Autumn 2023

10
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT
The Maldives
The Maldives is easily one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
But how well do you know this unique archipelago in the Indian Ocean?
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THE MALDIVES ARE A RELATIVELY NEW HOLIDAY SPOT
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MOST OF THE ISLANDS ARE UNINHABITED
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Despite their popularity and favour, the Maldives has only
been open to tourism for the past 50 years. Before the 1970s,
the Maldives were really only known by scuba divers and
underwater adventure seekers, but then a change in political
leadership meant there was a new focus on tourism as a way
to boost the local economy.
THE MALDIVES ARE A MELTING POT OF CULTURE
The Maldives has been inhabited for over 3,000 years
and holds a wonderfully diverse group of people, thanks
to its ancient history. Located in the heart of the Indian
Ocean, it was at a perfect crossroads for sea traders
from India, Africa, Europe and Arabia who would grace
the islands as a natural stop en route to Asia. In fact, the
traditional Maldivian dhoni (sailboats) are inspired by the
ancient Arabian dhow.
THE MALDIVES IS A DRY NATION
The Maldives has been a Muslim country for centuries, which
is why you’ll find the weekend falling on Fridays and Saturdays.
Due to its Islamic customs, local people are prohibited from
drinking alcohol, so you won’t easily find alcohol being sold
in supermarkets, however guests are exempt from these rules,
so you’ll always find an excellent selection of beverages at
your resort.
THE ISLANDS SHAPESHIFT
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There's only approximately half a million people living in
the Maldives, which is the same population as Edinburgh!
Of all the islands, only one fifth of them are inhabited, and
some of these islands are absolutely tiny, and no bigger
than a few square metres. Around 200 islands host their
own luxury resorts and a further 200 islands host the local
population, which until recent years were not allowed to
be visited by outsiders. The remaining islands are used as
government assets and for things like airports, agriculture,
or for private picnic excursions from your luxury resort.
THESE AREN’T YOUR TYPICAL BEACHES
The moment you sink your feet into the Maldives’ fine
white sands, you’ll realise there’s something different
about its beaches. 95% of beaches in the world are made
from quartz, whereas the Maldivian beaches are composed
completely of coral, which is made from dried and
sun-bleached algae. This makes them very rare indeed.
Parrot fish contribute to the beauty of the
beaches by feeding on the coral all day,
which is then excreted back as fine coral sand.
In the past, Maldivian people would construct their homes
using coral as there was always ample supply. Today
coral is vehemently protected but you may witness the odd
traditional coral house standing in Male.
It’s thought that the Maldives, which comprises 1,200 islands,
were first formed about 60 million years ago on top of sunken
volcanoes, and it’s not unusual for the islands to shapeshift
throughout the year! Seasonal currents, particularly
during the monsoon, move the sand around so
that entire sandbanks disappear, and new ones
emerge. In fact, a tiny new island emerged in the
southern Maldives in 2022 and is expected to
become an entire island if the natural formation
process is left undisturbed.
26 Sovereign.com