The Maldives are scattered across 806km (500 miles) of Indian Ocean. Their pure white sands are fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Coral reefs and tropical fish — from neon clownfish to slow-moving manta rays — thrive in the warm ocean water. Sunset catamaran cruises are de rigueur, as are picnics on uninhabited islands, and decadent spa treatments. Secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within an hour’s boat or floatplane ride from the bustling capital — and a world away from everyday life.

The jewel of the Indian Ocean, last year alone the Maldives saw more than 600,000 visitors journey to this remote corner of Asia to experience a holiday of epic proportions. Located only 400 miles southwest of India, the island chain is seemingly a world away from any other destination on Earth in terms of beauty and extravagance.

The Maldives is famous for its simplicity. Holidays in this nation can consist of weeklong gorging, relaxing, swimming and sunbathing. However, for the more active traveler, the Maldives also produces a buffet of atolls, each with unique landmasses and coral cays to pamper snorkelers, scuba divers and boat lovers. With more than 25 atolls and hundreds of inhabited islands, the Maldives provides the perfect backdrop for sun-seeking vacationers.