September 2, 2024, 4:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The Maldives are a dream destination for many – including Eva Padberg. The well-known German top model has been there several times and reveals to TRAVELBOOK seven things you should definitely not miss out on in the Maldives.
1. Snorkeling
The Maldives are among the most beautiful diving destinations in the world. Exploring the underwater world by snorkeling was, therefore, at the top of my to-do list – and I was not disappointed. It wasn’t far from the beach to the coral reefs, and the picture presented to me underwater was breathtaking: colorful coral reefs and fish in the most beautiful shapes and colors. I just let myself drift. But be careful: the water reflection burns the skin remarkably quickly. So be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF and, ideally, wear a T-shirt over your swimsuit. Taking a diving course is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to delve deeper.
2. Stand-up paddling
“I’ve always wanted to try stand-up paddling. But it always seemed too chilly and uncomfortable back home. Then I grabbed a board and paddle in the Maldives and off I went! It’s great fun, and balancing is not as difficult as I thought, but you need to have good abdominal muscles and a good sense of balance. Stand-up paddling is the ultimate full-body workout, and within just half an hour, you’re toned and sporting a nice tan.
3. Cycling
How do you get around in the Maldives? On a bicycle. Many islanders use bicycles or golf carts (by the way: in the Maldives, traffic drives on the left). I’ve never been much of a cycling enthusiast, but here—far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life—I’ve found a newfound appreciation for it. Cycling through the jungle makes me feel completely detached from the stress of everyday life. One particularly delightful aspect is cycling barefoot, thanks to the bikes featuring soft fabric pads on the pedals. Incidentally, I had my own island bike with a wooden plaque with my initials carved into it. One of the many lovely details that made my stay so special.
4. Dolphin watching
When vacationing in the Maldives, embarking on a dolphin cruise at dusk is a must. If you’re lucky, you can see the playful marine mammals in the wild. Unfortunately, we were not lucky this time, but the sunset on the boat was still fantastic and we had the boat all to ourselves to enjoy the beautiful evening.
5. Yoga on the beach
Yoga has been part of my fitness routine for a few years now. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a yogi, but I really like the exercises and always incorporate them into my workout sessions. The beauty of yoga is its versatility—I can practice it anywhere. And in a place as unearthly beautiful and special as the Maldives, it’s an even better and more holistic experience. My tip: roll out your yoga mat on the beach early in the morning at sunrise or at dusk in the evening.
6. Don’t just stay by the sea
The view of the turquoise blue water is magnificent, but a look at the tropical landscape is also beautiful and worthwhile. The jungle is a lush tapestry of palm trees and bushes, with the occasional flying fox gliding by—now that’s the essence of the tropics!
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7. Drinking from a coconut
Coconuts are quintessential to the Maldives: sipping coconut water, especially when mixed with matcha tea and ice cubes, offers a refreshing energy boost in the warm climate. The sweet coconut milk is also used in many Maldivian dishes. Delicious!