The Maldives' turquoise water and white sandy beaches.

 

With direct flights to Male recently launched by China Eastern Airlines, the images of idyllic Maldives islands are no longer so far away and are the ideal, if not slightly profligate, choice for a retreat to paradise.

 

For paradise is exactly what they are, with powder white beaches hydrated by crystal clear turquoise sea, which hypnotically laps at the flawless shores.

 

It is hard to imagine when living in the city of Shanghai that the blue and white pristine images can actually exist, but they do.

 

Often associated with a spa retreat, the Maldives have a lot more to offer. A conscientious Muslim country, the locals are friendly and very open to different cultures with the majority of the economy reliant on tourism.

 

Many of the islands inspire fantasies of Robinson Crusoe type isolation, where honeymooners can clink champagne glasses at magnificent sunsets and others can relax without the familiar daily interruptions of mobile phones and on many islands, even television.

 

The capital Male is a colorful tapestry of mix and match buildings, where ornate mosques nestle among hotels and shops.

 

It is the one place where you can get a night's accommodation for less than US$100 although it has a busy atmosphere and is no base for a holiday.

 

Little boats chug from Airport island to the capital of Male. The US$1 for the journey is the most reasonable thing, it seems, in the entire country, where even a bottle of mineral water can cost US$4.

 

Male is for most travelers only a night stopover point when they are waiting for their taxi plane transfers only during the daylight hours.

 

The jewels of the country are the tiny islands that are dotted in the Indian Ocean and are where holiday makers flock.

 

However, becoming one of those holiday makers takes planning.

 

The usual backpacker mentality is not appropriate in these little islands where rooms are often booked weeks if not months in advance. In truth, looking for accommodation in the Maldives can be a tricky and expensive business.

 

With the exception of the capital Male, each atoll is a resort and once you are there, having paid around US$250 per person for the air taxi plane and the accommodation in advance, you cannot really change your mind.

 

On most islands, beach bungalows nestle in the rich foliage of islands and stilt cabins suspended above the tranquil water run little pathways into the horizon.

 

However, it has been said that it is three-star accommodation in a five-star location, a statement that holds a lot of truth regarding the more reasonably priced resorts.

 

Obviously if you have US$4,000 plus to dole out per night (in places like the Hilton), this rule does not apply.

 

The trick is to get an all- inclusive package (it is worth noting a full board package excludes drinks for most resorts). The a la carte restaurants are rarely worth the extortionate prices.

 

Yet whatever the accommodation, the five-star surroundings always make up for even the most limited rooms.

 

Looking out from the shore, the sea ripples in an irresistibly inviting way and is probably the country's best asset.

 

Diving and snorkeling are among the obvious activities that the Maldives are famous for, with some of the most beautiful marine spots in the world.

 

Tours are numerous, offering everything from coral walls to an authentic shipwrecked tuna fishing liner that took the wrong course in the 1980s and has now been taken over by numerous marine inhabitants.

 

Like swimming in a giant aquarium, it is not unusual to be greeted by giant turtles gliding along in the mild currents and every color imaginable glistening on the scales and fins of the exotic fish that dart and frolic around the craggy coral that supports each island.

 

Reef sharks bask in the heat from the midday sun in the shallow water around the islands, moving in lazy circles as they await sunset when they can take advantage of the time when the fish finally sleep. For the tourists, sharks pose no threat but add novelty to the scenic beauty.

 

Also a novel fact to know, is that the Maldives is the only country where Diet Coke is made from sea water, but the taste remains the same. Despite this fact, swimming a mouthful of sea water is still a gagging experience for swimmers.

 

But above all, the Maldives is a place to relax, be yourself and, despite the cliches, once again fall in love (whether it be with your partner, one of the islands or the marine world that is so abundant).

 

There is nothing like the feeling of walking bare foot down a pristine deserted beach, the wind in your hair making you once again feel alive and free.

 

So even if your bank account will take a painful hit for this type of holiday, you will return feeling refreshed, revitalized and hopefully, if you are sensible, happily tanned.

 

(Shanghai Daily by Jenny Hammond November 30, 2007)