When you arrive for a Maldives holiday in the Indian Ocean, the rest of the world seems very far away. Tiny islands and atolls are home to stunning hideaway hotels, often with accommodation built out over the water on stilts. This is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon, a luxury scuba diving experience, or simply as an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The Maldives are a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean. There are a total of 26 atolls stretching out into the Ocean, made up from a total of 1192 tiny islands. Only about 200 of these are inhabited. The name ?Maldives? is said to be derived from the Sanskrit phrase ?Maale Dhivehi Raajje?. This translates as ?The island kingdom of Male?. The islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs that are ideal for diving in. Scuba diving and snorkelling rank amongst the finest in the world here and each resort has its own dive school offering courses for first timers as well as experienced divers. The waters around the Maldives are home to over 1000 different types of marine life and they provide a truly spectacular sight! Watersports abound with windsurfing, sailing and water skiing all on hand, while the surrounding seas boast some of the world?s best big game fishing year round. This is a Muslin country, and Ramadan is observed here. Throughout the year alcohol is readily available at all the hotels, but you are not permitted to bring duty free liquor into the country. Any bottles you do bring will be confiscated upon arrival and returned on your departure. No restrictions are placed on what you are allowed to wear on any of the tourist islands, however when visiting inhabited islands such as Male?, visitors are asked to dress in a modest manner. For a truly luxurious holiday, a holiday to the Maldives is simply perfect!