Art Calligraphy and Crafts in Maldives – Expressing the Culture of these Beautiful Islands

Culture in the Maldives Islands is a very distinct aspect of its people. The history of the island involves a period of Buddhism followed by the introduction of Islam in the 12th century. As a result, there is an interesting mix of aesthetic ideals that collect and transform the way Maldivians create their unique artwork.

Calligraphy is an ancient art form which is used to adorn beautifully decorated texts, especially those of religious significance such as the Qur’an. Visitors to the island will find many documents and engravings depicting verses from the Holy Qur’an on the walls of important historical sites. The Hukuru Miskiy in Male’ is an example of an ancient site that displays amazingly engraved tombstones with religious excerpts in perfect calligraphic style. Such artistic marvels could be further appreciated when one considers that this art form is now obsolete due to the mastery of calligraphy and engraving skills needed to create such feats. Visitors to the island interested in witnessing such artistic marvels should pay a visit to the Hukuru Misikiy; the oldest existing mosque in the Maldives islands.

Apart from the aged art of ornate writing, there are objects available for tourist to take home with them. Wood Lacquer Ware is a speciality item available mainly on the island of Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. The process of making Wood Lacquer Ware involves the hollowing of wood taken from the Alexandrian Laurel and the crafting of gorgeous boxes and ornaments. Such trinkets would make splendid mementos or souvenirs to take back to one’s own home country. Additionally there are distinctly Maldivian mats which are most abundant in the Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. The women of this region fashion a fantastic array of “Thundu Kunaa” which display fascinating abstract designs that turn an ordinary mat into a thing of beauty.

The cultural exquisiteness that the Maldives islands offers is a staggering affair. As such, one will naturally be in search of a Maldives resort that displays its countries artistic heritage with pride and taste. Some of the many Maldives luxury hotels would certainly provide such an ambiance, but none more so than the Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. This fine establishment situated in Dhigufinolhu Island in the South Male Atoll, is a haven that epitomizes the serene beauty of the Maldives. Visitors to the islands will be able to unwind and enjoy the cool breeze across the crystal clear waters.

Maldives Celebrity Holiday Hotspot – Bringing Glitz and Glamour to the Islands of Maldives

Known as the ultimate tourist destination, Maldives is presently enjoying impressive tourism growth, having rebounded from a series of natural disasters in the last couple of years. Having gone through a developmental frenzy over the recent years, every few months in Maldives brings out newly opened resorts, top-end boutique brands and ecologically sound hotels. Inviting honeymooners, divers and sun worshippers, Maldives continues to prosper keeping its original allure intact, with its superior beaches and cobalt blue waters.

Away from the modernity of the cityscape, life in Maldives is stripped down to simplicity, in its truest sense. A stunning backdrop of bright blues skies, coupled with all-year sunshine will be wonderfully atmospheric for travellers, where they can spend their days revelling the very essence of idyll living.

Recognized for its geological eccentricities, Maldives is nestled amidst the expansive Indian Ocean. Essentially, it is a series of ancient coral reefs that have matured along the edges of towering pre-historic volcanoes. With the passage of time, these immense structures have sunk into the depths of the ocean, exposing a number of coral islands of remarkable natural beauty. Travellers seeking unbridled pampering will indeed enjoy the blissful setting of Maldives, coupled with its swaying palm trees and languid waters.

Enveloped by white-powdery beads of sand, the beaches in Maldives are perhaps its finest attraction. For the traveller who enjoys water sports, Maldives is the idyllic paradise with a number of fantastic destinations for diving, surfing and snorkelling. Travellers from around the world throng at the beaches of Maldives, who enjoy frolicking in the sun and exploring the geographical marvels of Maldives. Seducing even the most discerning traveller is its turquoise reefs and deep blue lagoons, which provide the perfect opportunity to explore Maldives’ vibrant marine life. Prepare to catch a glimpse of a variety of fish species, swimming around the vivid corals.

Recognized for providing travellers with a uniquely indulgent vacation, it comes as no surprise that Maldives has become one of the top ten destinations for celebrity getaways. Few of the international celebrities who have vacationed in Maldives are Beyonce, Jay-Z, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Jude Law, Eva Longoria, Liz Hurley, Noami Campbell, Mick Jagger, Sting, Rod Stewart, Jet Li, Cindy Crawford, Jackie Chan, Kate Moss and Siena Miller.

Aside from its sheer beauty, untamed nature and breathtaking scenery, the main reason why Maldives has become a hotspot for celebrities is its secluded islands. It provides celebrities with the privacy they require, away from the autographs hounds and interfering paparazzi. Since celebrities have a different set of criteria than the average traveller, they usually opt to stay at an exclusive villa or a private home.

Recent celebrity sights have included Russell Brand and wife, Katy Perry who vacationed in Maldives for their honeymoon. The couple flew straight to their destination after their highly anticipated and extravagant wedding in India. Soccer superstar, Christiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Irina Shayk, famed as the cover girl for Sports Illustrated 2011, also vacationed in the islands early this year. Headlining the news was the honeymoon of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who famously spent their honeymoon in the islands of Maldives.

For the traveller seeking an accommodation in Maldives, an ideal Maldives resort will be Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Among the Maldives luxury hotels, Anantara Dhigu, Maldives is nestled on Dhigu Island on the South Male Atoll, where travellers can explore uncompromised luxury amidst an isolated paradise island.