Book Description
An idyllic marine retreat brought to life through sumptuous color photography and crisp, knowledgeable text. Sometimes known as "The Paradise Isles," the Maldives are made up of hundreds of idyllic islands that are famed for their tropical beaches, coral reefs and marine life. To these can be added some of the best island-style hotels in the world. This guide has a superb introduction and covers local geography, history and culture, with special sections on art, food and marine life. There is a comprehensive survey of the luxurious resorts available, and advice on diving and how to organize a boat cruise. It is an excellent book for anyone preparing to visit the Maldives, will make a great companion during the trip, and provide a treasured keepsake after the event. • Upmarket guide to this exotic destination in the Indian Ocean • Exceptional color photography, including underwater features, and easy-to-follow maps • Literary excerpts and sidebars illuminate local culture • Intimate account by experienced author who has lived in the country • Addresses the issue of global warming and its impact on the islands' future • Excellent guide for armchair readers as well as visitors to the islands • Checklist for the visitor on what to bring, how to book, customs, climate, and a guide to select hotels and resorts • 80 (mostly) color photos • 8 maps

About the Author
Andrew Forbes graduated in Chinese Studies at the University of Leeds before going on to complete an MA in Islamic Studies and a Ph.D. in Central Asian History. He first visited the Maldives in 1976 and has traveled extensively throughout the archipelago, including a four-month period collecting traditional artifacts for the Museum of Mankind in London. Forbes has written about the Maldives for numerous academic journals such as South Asia, Archipel, The Geographical Magazine and the Encyclopaedia of Islam, as well as for the Guardian, Far Eastern Economic Review, Asian Wall Street Journal and Hemispheres. He is currently editor of Crescent Press Agency and a Senior Associate Member of St Anthony's College, Oxford.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Maldives is one of the most attenuated countries in the world, with nearly 1,200 islands in 19 distinct coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. Thor Heherdahl's famous hypothesis places the Maldives at the crossroads of a great east-west trade route nearly 4,000 years ago, and its establishment as an Islamic kingdom in the 12th century makes it one of the oldest small states in the world.

Still, the country's appeal to most visitors is not historical. Sometimes known as 'The Paradise Isles', the Maldives are made up of hundreds of idyllic islands that are famed for their beautiful tropical beaches, spectacular coral reefs and marine life. To these can be added some of the best island-style hotels in the world.