Maldives means taking a holiday from the rat race. This philosophy is easy to follow within the Maldivian context, especially when one takes into account the geography of the country!

 A tourist resort, by the Maldivian definition, is an island all by itself. It is dedicated specifically to the enjoyment of its own client. Most of the well-reputed hotels in the country fall under the definition of the tourist resort.

 In addition to its own private beach, which goes all the way round the island, each island has its own encircling house reef which serves as a coral garden and natural aquarium. the shallow waters enclosed by the house reef serves as a large natural swimming pool.

 Each resort is carefully landscaped with the natural vegetation judiciously preserved. The only manmade edifices on the typical resort would be the rooms and suites reserved for use by its guests, the buildings housing restaurants, cafe's, shops, lounges, bars, discos, diving schools and the like, in addition to staff lodgings and housing for support services in the nature of power generation, laundry, catering, etc.

 Given the microenvironment, it is amazing what most resorts have on offer. Air conditioning, hot and cold fresh water round the clock in the toilets, mini bar and private telephone in the guests rooms is more the norm than the exception. Restaurants and coffee sops cater to the most demanding palate. Bars are well stocked and provide a convivial atmosphere. On-island shops offer a wide range of products, especially souvenirs and artifacts. A wide variety of activities ranging from aerobics to volleyball and table tennis are on offer for the conventional sports enthusiast. Aquatic activities starting from the more conventional windsurfing and water-skiing to parasailing are also on offer.

 In short, a Maldivian tourist resort offers everything one needs when on a tropical island holiday!