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It delivers on the promise of Eden - to those who can afford its charms.
Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on earth'. If your idea of paradise is a pristine, tranquil tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives won't disappoint.
This group of 1190 coral islands is also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous reefs and the wealth of marine life; however, this is not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the locals do.
A bomb attack on 29 September injured 12 tourists in the Maldives capital of Male. Travellers should exercise caution in popular areas and keep in touch with local news sources.
