1 Have a go at kitesurfing
Expert kitesurfers may find the Maldives to be too tame. But just consider its benefits for beginners: modest winds, warm and flat lagoon waters, and chilled-out beach bars with accommodation close at hand. It really is the perfect place to learn and improve. Prime season is from May to October, when southwesterly winds average 15 to 22 knots. The few Maldivian resorts with unobstructed, wind-facing lagoons include on-site surf schools offering rental and instruction. Top picks include Cocoon Maldives, Carpe Diem and Sun Siyam Olhuveli. planetkitesurf.com
2 Sail the seas
Beach-club dinghies and Champagne cruises on traditional sailing dhows are fine for excursions. But for real escapism, seek out a catamaran — the most spacious and stable of charter yachts. By untethering themselves from hotels, novice sailors can embark on voyages through the South Malé and Ari atolls: island-hopping between dreamy resorts and villages. Whether learning the ropes from a professional skipper or snorkelling over pristine reefs fringed by uninhabited islands, it offers the chance to play the windblown vagabond in relative luxury. Catamarans also come at a fraction of the price per person of many hotels. kraken.travel
3 Snorkel off Dhigali island
This story is from the Indian Ocean 2023 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Indian Ocean 2023 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The craftspeople of Sarawak
From ancient pottery to embroidery fit for Miss World, meet the producers championing traditional artisanal creations in Malaysia's island region.
ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES
From ice skating and cross-country skiing to snowy train rides and cosy cabins stays, there are many memorable ways to make the most of the European winter
GOLDEN YEARS
Join the celebrations century of statehood as the island marks half a with fireworks and parades
A TASTE OF The Philippines
A TRIO OF BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS DOMINATES THIS ARCHIPELAGO NATION'S UNIQUE CUISINE
WHERE TO STAY Helsinki
FINLAND'S CAPITAL HAS AN OFFBEAT SIDE THAT SHINES THROUGH IN ITS CREATIVE HOTEL SCENE
A YEAR OF ADVENTURE
Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre
Bear Grylls
THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP
BOSTON
In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed 'The Hub of the Solar System' such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation.
BALI
Known for its beaches, jungles and colourful temples, the Indonesian island of Bali is also home to a vibrant and hugely varied offering of local dishes, from grilled octopus with starfruit to rich Padang-style curry
MANCHESTER
A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses the northern city, with old factories turned into artists' studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout
