#maldives

#maldives

The Maldives began implementing a smoking ban on anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only country with a generational prohibition on tobacco, according to its health ministry. The move, which was initiated by the president, Mohamed Muizzu, earlier this year and came into effect on 1 November, will protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation, the ministry said.

The "Level 2" advisory, which was re-published Oct. 7 with an updated summery, alerts travelers they should be aware of potential terrorism in the island country. "There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives," the State Department warned, adding American travelers should "stay aware of your surroundings" and "avoid demonstrations and crowds." The State Department added it was possible attacks may occur around tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, malls, and around local government facilities.

In June 2011, Baa Atoll in the Maldives became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve along with the likes of Komodo Island in Indonesia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The atoll is home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean (it's the seventh largest in the world) and supports over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of coral.

To create a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives is no easy feat. The archipelagic country sets the standard when it comes to superior island living. It's where overwater stays come as standard, privacy is a given and natural beauty is all around. The calibre is sky high. Boutique stays and lo-fi boltholes are a rarity. Instead, world-class hotels are spread out on their own private islands, nestling state-of-the-art spas and multiple restaurants amongst lush jungles, pristine beaches and house reefs.

The architecture of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is conceived not as a statement of form, but as a stage for nature.