Right in the south of the Maldives is the capital, Malé. This bustling city is crowded with motorbikes and tourists, and although it’s often just a stop off for tourists on their way to other islands, it can offer a true taste of Maldivian lifestyle, with an incredible number of shops and markets to peruse. Outside of Malé, there are no actual hotels, but plenty of resorts. The bonus of this is that all needs are catered for and often a high level of privacy is offered, with many islands featuring just one or two resorts.

Dive resorts usually have more limited facilities, but stunning underwater views. The top-rated dive sites are Middle Point and Okobe Thila. However, if you’re an experienced diver, you’ll want to head to Girifushi Thila.

Holiday resorts are more family orientated, while luxury resorts for honeymooners or those after the full paradise experience are often very remote, and some can only be reached by row boat; however, such privacy comes at a cost.

Many people come to the Maldives in search of relaxation, and it isn’t hard to find it. Ihurua Island is home to a resort and spa, and pristine natural surroundings due to the island having only been opened to the public 10 years ago. The spa here offers a wide variety of holistic treatments which can help to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. If you need a chance of scene from the beach, the snorkelling here is amazing thanks to the crystal clear waters.

One of the main reasons people come to the Maldives is for the snorkelling and diving. There are large numbers of beautiful beaches from which to launch these activities. For the more experienced diver, there is the Maldives Victory Dive, located just north of Malé. The Victory, a cargo vessel some 12 metres underwater, sank in 1981 and is now home to all manner of sea life, including turtles.

In the capital of Malé there is the Friday Mosque, also known as Hukuru Miskiy. Built in 1658 out of coral stone, this ancient building houses the tombs of many members of the royal family and the country’s national heroes, as well as remarkable decorative work.

If it’s something a bit more up to date you’re after, there is the Islamic Centre. Constructed in 1984, it is the Maldives’ biggest mosque. Remember to dress respectfully if you wish to visit. Not far from here is Sultan Park, where you will find the Presidential Palace and the Maldives National Museum. The latter is the best place to observe the nation’s historic artefacts.

On the way back to your hotel, why not stop off for some souvenirs at Chaandanee Magu, a lively shopping street in the centre of Malé. This street was once known as the Singapore Bazaar due to the many imports from Singapore that were on sale. Many of the vendors here speak English, and there are a lot of authentic Maldivian pieces on offer, such as traditional Maldivian mats woven from natural fibers, known as thudu kunas. However, some exports such as turtle shell, pearl oyster shell and black or red coral are prohibited, so keep this in mind when shopping.

Although there are bars on the main islands and in the capital of Malé, the Maldives is a Muslim nation, so these venues do not serve alcohol. However, many resorts carry a special alcohol licence which allows their guests to enjoy cocktails in their on-site bars.

Many resorts hold beach barbeques for their guests, and the more lively resorts boast beach parties that last into the early hours of the morning. Live music is popular in the resorts, some of which also host cultural shows.

If you’re after a bit more culture, head to Malé. Here, you can sample the alcohol-free cocktails and check out the live music which is played in the bars nightly. Although there are cinemas in the Maldives, not all show English films and films which are screened may be out of date.

Like many countries, the Maldives has a number of festivals throughout the year that are a great experience. Independence Day on 26 July is marked by a number of parades and celebration, as is Republic Day on 11 November.

Bear in mind when you’re booking that the Maldives is an Islamic country, so the Islamic holy month of Ramadan means strict fasting and prayers daily. The Maldives is quiet around this time of year. However, the end of Ramadan, Eid, is marked with huge celebrations, live music and military displays.

As you would expect from a country composed of islands, the Maldives is big on seafood, and some of the best seafood dishes in the world can be found here. The masroshi, or fish pancake, is much nicer than it sounds, and bajiyaa, a pastry with fish stuffing, is a must-try.

One of the best places for fish dishes (although you’ll struggle to find anywhere unsatisfactory) is Huvafen in North Malé. This cutting-edge resort has three a la carte restaurants, a huge array of dishes and a wine cellar that rivals that of most French bistros.

The Maldivian cuisine is renowned for its spices and tasty coconut rice along with lots of delicious exotic fruits. However the Maldives also offers a mix of different culinary styles, and sticking to its paradise theme, there are many resort islands that boast five-star restaurants.

What you won’t find in the Maldives is any street food. Cuisine here is strictly a restaurant affair, with Italian, Chinese, Indian and Sri Lankan all available. If you’re after a taste of home, Hulhule Island Hotel, Malé, has an impressive international menu and serves a posh version of the traditional bangers and mash. It is also the only place in the capital with a licence to serve alcohol.

A majority of the resorts come with all-inclusive packages and serve buffet breakfasts and lunches, with a more formal sit-down evening meal. However, if you do head to an off-site restaurant, be aware that it is standard practice for eateries here to add a 10 per cent service charge, so there is no need to tip.