We love beach island destinations and would love to visit the Maldives. Visiting islands like Mykonos or Caye Cauker in Belize has been some of our most memorable trips. Maybe you have never heard of Maldives? That’s fine, many haven't but you won't forget it after reading this. The  Maldives are a long connection of 26 atolls – over 1,190 islands total – in the Indian Ocean/ Arabian Sea area.  There are countless reasons to visit this amazing collection of islands featuring clear blue waters, great reefs, idyllic white sand beaches and much more.  Here are five reasons why you’re missing out if you don’t get the chance to check out this dream like location at least once in life.

1. One giant reason you should hop on a plane and take the trip to this not- so- small paradise is that you may not have the chance for too much longer.  Due to climate change and rising sea levels, the islands are slowly disappearing.  Sadly, over the next century they might be gone forever.
2. Ever wanted to say you own your very own private tropical island? Haven’t we all, but for most of us that just isn’t an option in this lifetime, so here’s the next best thing: pretend you do.  Out of the over 1,000 islands in Maldive, only 250 of them actually have people living on them.  So feel free to take a day trip to one of these uninhabited islands and make it “yours” for the day.  Who wouldn’t want to explore an island?
3. Did I mention that there are endless clear blue waters, great reefs, idyllic white sand beaches? There are a bunch of 5 star rated resorts taking full advantage of these aspects of the islands.  One place is the Sun Island Resort and Spa. Picture this: waking up to the warm sun shining down on you as you enjoy the outdoor space of your private water bungalow, surrounded by the kind of beautiful blue waters you only thought existed in your dreams, and even bluer skies.
4. Fish, Coral, and Dolphins. Oh my!  If you have ever wanted to go scuba diving, here is the perfect place to do it. There are over 185 species of coral, 1,100 species of fish, 21 species of whales and dolphins, five species of sea turtles, and 145 species of crabs.  The Bluetribe Moofushi diving center is one place where you can get the chance to experience all of these beauties – and many, many more great water sport activities, which really is a whole other reason in itself. You can even consider staying in the Maldives long-term and experience the ultimate liveaboard diving trip, where you can dive for days on end while sleeping on a boat.

Attractions, attractions, attractions!! In Maldives, you can experience any typical fun attraction at vacation spots, except these are all ten times better. Want to go golfing? There is a floating golf course being built, expected to be complete in 2015.  Want to go clubbing? Check out the UNDERWATER nightclub. It’s the only one in the entire world so literally a once-in-a-lifetime type chance.  Museums? Check. Anything you can think of, Maldives has it and much more.