Gaaful Atoll, The Maldives

Gaaful Atoll in the Maldives is a perfect location for sun, sea and relaxing days in an oceanic paradise. You will like the stunning sands and enchanting underwater worlds that await you. The Maldives are celebrated for the luxurious hotels and spectacular environment. The Maldives are a collection of 1,190 coral islands that together form the archipelago consisting of 26 major atolls including Gaaful Atoll. Every island is fringed with alluring bright coral and a massive variety of sea life. Step out onto the startlingly white powdery soft sands. Take a dip in the blue lagoons of the Indian Ocean. Snorkel around the enchanting coastal waters and look at the schools of psychedelic brightly coloured fish darting back and forth. In addition to unwinding, what else can you in this holiday paradise? Why not try out some watersports? Why not check out the snorkelling, surfing, diving or fishing? If it's heaven on earth you're in search of, book a last minute winter sun or possibly an all-inclusive spring holiday to Gaaful Atoll. You are unlikely to regret it.

Shaped like a speech bubble, you could say the Gaafu atoll is the Maldivian king. That's to say, it's the largest of the atolls here. In fact, it's the second biggest in the world. Spilt into two regions - Gaafu Alif covers the northern isles and Gaafu Dhaalu the south. But big doesn't mean busy. Together, there are more than 250 islands and endless reefs. And with simply ten inhabited islands and a handful of resorts, the whole place is pretty much paradise. So it's easy to see why this falling withing the world does such good trade in Robinson Crusoe escapes. They're typical Bounty-ad isles. Think white sandy specks draped with mini palm forests. Mother Nature certainly created them with romance in mind. When you're not making the most of the spotless sands though, turn your attention to the ocean. It's so clear you can see your feet when you're in up to your neck. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and the like are always on the agenda. And the surfing set say Gaafu's got the best waves in the Maldives. Away from the obvious pastimes, there are a few sightseeing spots on the map. Vaadhoo Island houses Maalhandhoo Mosque, believed to have been constructed by Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, the man who brought Islam to the country. Well worth an island hop, its beautiful interior is wallpapered with wood carvings and arabesque paintings. And Gan Island, which borders the equator, possesses some of the most inspiring building remnants in the Maldives. Don't miss Vadamaga Hawitta here – a huge 3,000 year old pyramid that has to be seen.