Countless brochures present the magic of the Maldives – a garland of coral island atolls strewn in the Indian Ocean, dipping down to the equator.

You’ve seen the turquoise blue seas lapping pristine white sands under the leaning coconut palms. And although the brochure photos are usually horrifically colour-adjusted, and the text somewhat clichéd and overblown, what's rare is that the place itself is even more idyllic than the brochures would have you believe.

It’s my favourite place in the world.

Once you’ve been or lived in the Maldives, you begin to appreciate quite how unique it is. Holidaymakers forget what day it is completely because they are so subsumed by the moment. Others come back year after year to the same small island because they have discovered an absolute gem.

This goes on, month after month, and if you want to experience it too it helps to know a few things about the holiday experience in Maldives first. That’s why I’ve written this guide – to help you know what to look for. Then my resort reviews will help you find it.

Local knowledge

On the ground, for example, you begin to appreciate the local law that no building be higher than the tallest palm. You discover that (most) resorts are the only thing on their islands – wonderful, private treats. And as you dip into the water you soon learn the joy of multiple cuts through to the reef, and moments later that the diving is among the best in the world.

I’ve tried to explain some of the more obvious things, like the differences between beach and water bungalows and why you don’t need to pack insect repellent. But I’ve aimed as well to illuminate the more seasoned traveller, on what to visit in Male, in which channels to find specific fish, and the advantages of naturally occurring over pumped sand.

Have the best experience of Maldives

It’s hard to have a bad holiday in the Maldives. It’s safe, warm, picturesque, and has high standards in hospitality. But the resorts, and atolls, and seasons are all different. Coupled with your own reviews and feedback, I hope that browsing these pages helps you to find out what the Maldives is really like – and how to experience it at its best.