Jacob Lund Photography

The sea is incredibly turquoise. Directly in front of the private luxury villa are parasols and sun loungers and the beach looks as if every grain of sand has been hand-picked. The tropical fruits at the breakfast buffet, featuring, of course, a view of the sea, immediately make you forget the long journey. Holidaymakers switch to relaxation mode in a matter of seconds - after all, the Maldives, a group of islands southwest of India, are exactly how many people imagine paradise to be. No wonder, the archipelago is a popular honeymoon destination. The Maldives are considered a luxury destination; the density of five- and six-star resorts is increasing year on year and the secluded islands on which the hotels are built are perfect retreats.

© provided

Even the arrival by seaplane is breathtaking. Manta rays can be seen all around the atoll and excursions are offered to snorkel with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Flyboard courses, a water sports device powered by the recoil of a jet ski, are also available - James Bond feeling included. Sunset excursions in a colorful dhoni, as the traditional wooden boats are called, are particularly beautiful. Some resorts offer excursions to learn more about the culture and everyday life of the country. With the tropical temperatures, social life takes place on the street all year round; it's easy to strike up a conversation.

© provided

The Maldives archipelago comprises 1196 islands, 220 of which are inhabited and a further 144 are used for tourist purposes. Of course, you can easily spend a week relaxing and doing as little as possible. But the Maldives are also perfect for meditating in a spa with a view of the endless expanse of the sea and connecting with nature on a spiritual level. The One&Only resort on Reethi Rah not only has three breathtaking pools that harmonize perfectly with the tropical surroundings. It also specializes in a holistic wellness offering that incorporates various disciplines such as acupuncture, pilates, traditional herbal medicine and mindfulness rituals. The sound of nature is captured in meditative beats that are designed to lead to a deep state of relaxation. The mixture of silence, the natural sound of the sea and stimulating sound compositions ensures an all-round sense of well-being.

Reset for body and mind

© provided

The Joali Being luxury resort also focuses on holistic wellness programs designed to bring mind and body into harmony - from a meditation deck overlooking the ocean to programs for stress management and sleep quality improvement, from gut reset cures to anti-aging skin treatments; and in the herbal center you can explore the teas that are served for healing. The Four Seasons Maldives on Landaa Giraavaru is not only the first resort in the world with its own submarine for exploring the rich underwater world, but also has a team of Ayurveda doctors, naturopaths and yoga therapists to teach mindfulness for oneself, the oceans and the entire planet. By consciously perceiving the fragile beauty of nature, the connection to one's own existence is strengthened at the same time.

Creative input

Reethirah Fanditha Food © beigestellt

The Soneva Jani resort also offers the opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people. The Soul Festival, which takes place towards the end of September, has a packed program ranging from stargazing evenings to workshops. In direct talks with health experts, you can learn about new and ancient treatment methods, the health benefits of walking barefoot and the fascinating world of mushrooms. This way you get to go home with new energy and creative input - and so that you have more to tell than just how incredibly turquoise the sea is like in the Maldives.

© provided

Read more: These are the most beautiful hotels and spas in the Maldives