Maldives
The Maldives became my 61st country, and what a way to end 2022. Three weeks across Christmas and New Year in what's probably the most photogenic destination on Earth. Also the first long overseas trip where I didn't bring my drone - the resorts have strict no-fly policies, so I finally just relaxed without worrying about aerial shots.
The Maldives is a country of superlatives: the lowest-lying nation on Earth (average elevation 1.5 meters), spread across 1,200 islands of which only 200 are inhabited. With just 540,000 people and an economy almost entirely dependent on tourism, it's simultaneously one of the most beautiful and most vulnerable countries to climate change.
What I Experienced
The iconic overwater bungalows lived up to their reputation. Waking up, walking onto your private deck, and jumping straight into crystal-clear water never gets old. The reef fish swimming beneath the glass floor panels were mesmerizing - I'd find myself just staring down for hours.
Snorkeling here is extraordinary. Manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and fish in every color imaginable. The coral itself is recovering from bleaching events, and you can see both the damage and the regeneration happening in real time.
The resorts are expensive - there's no way around it. The Maldives has some of the priciest hotels in the world, and even "budget" options run several hundred dollars per night. But the isolation is total. Each resort is its own island, and leaving requires a boat or seaplane.
Practical Notes
- US Dollar is widely accepted alongside Maldivian Rufiyaa
- Most resorts require seaplane or speedboat transfers from Malé
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen - it's mandatory at many resorts
- Alcohol is only available at resorts (the country is Muslim)
- The best time to visit is November-April (dry season)
Worth the splurge at least once. There's nowhere else quite like it.