Where (is there) to stay for a far from the crowds and kids holiday in the Maldives

Asks Mark

A. There are quite a few hotels (and holiday packages) that don't cater for children in the Maldives, especially those that focus on the honeymooners market. If you are looking for a quiet, child-free environment check out these three:

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Athuruga Holiday Village, Ari Atoll, Maldives

Telephone: 960 450508

Email: [email protected]

This is a beautiful hotel located 45 miles south-west of the capital Mal�. It is located on the island of Ari Atoll, which is reached by a 15-minute ride on a seaplane from the mainland. It only has 14 rooms (which are in fact small cottages facing the sea with their own decked terrace).

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The main hotel area has a restaurant, small disco/bar and a beachside shop. There is also a diving school, fishing, windsurfing and snorkelling on (and off) the island.

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Bathala Holiday Village, Ari Atoll, Maldives

Telephone: 960 450557

Email: [email protected]

Also located on Ari Atoll, the Bathala is more no-frills than the Athuruga with 36 white circular bungalows with their own patios providing the accommodation. Most rooms have air conditioning and a mini bar and all have fans. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar and entertainment facilities.

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Cocoa Island Holiday Village, South Mal� Atoll, Maldives. Telephone: 960 443713.

Located 20 miles from Mal�, this island is reached by speedboat from the capital. The hotel is built in the local style with thatched roofs and coral stone walls and is small and intimate. The hotel itself is very secluded and most rooms come without air conditioning - but if you want to feel cut off from the rest of the world, then this could be the place to start.

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Q. Where exactly are the Maldives

A. The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean, about 400 miles south-west of Sri Lanka.

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Q. How big are the Maldives

A. The Maldives cover 116 sq miles (298 sq km) and the main resorts are found on North Mal� Atoll, South Mal� Atoll and Ari Atoll.

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Q. Is it very expensive to visit the Maldives

A. Flights from the UK average at around �800 per person in high season, but you can get special deals from travel agencies. However, as most accommodation is expensive it is not a place to visit if you're on a budget. Add to this the fact that almost everything you can consume or buy on the Maldives is imported (excluding some local produce) and you're looking at spending about �1,800 per person for a two week break.

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The tourist industry is highly regulated which means it is quite difficult to venture off the beaten track and most of your time will be spent within your holiday resort, with the occasional trip to the capital or a small village on an organised tour. This may not be your cup of tea, but this policy has helped the Maldives sustain environmentally-friendly tourism on its islands.

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Q. What is Mal� like to visit

A. If you're after a paradise beach environment it is not the best place to visit as it is over-populated and packed with new and old buildings jostling for space. However, it has some good shops (check out the Singapore Bazaar) and a few good places to visit as a tourist. These include its mosques (it is a Muslim country) - especially the Grand Friday Mosque; Sultan Park and the National Museum.

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Q. How many people actually live and work on the Maldives

A. It has an estimated population of 300,000 inhabitants.

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Q. How many tourists visit each year

A. This is estimated to be 300,000 (in 2000) visitors each year.

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Q. When is high-season

A. High season is during the British winter: December-April (with Christmas and New Year being the busiest time to visit) so it is a popular holiday destination for Europeans.

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Q. Do I need a visa to visit

A. All tourists need a valid passport and visa to visit the islands - however, you do not have to obtain a visa before you leave the UK as 30-day tourist visas are issued when you enter the country.

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Q. What is the currency

A. The currency is the Rufiya. Sterling and US dollars are also accepted in some hotels and restaurants.

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Q. What is the time difference between the UK and the Maldives

A. The time difference is GMT + 5 hours.

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Q. What is the official language of the Maldives

A. The official language is Dhivehi, although English is widely spoken and understood in most holiday resorts.

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Q. How long does it take to fly to the Maldives from the UK

A. It takes approximately 13 hours 20 minutes direct from London.

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Q. Where can I find out more about the Maldives

A. You can find out more online at www.visitmaldives.com or directly from the High Commission of Maldives, 22 Nottingham Place, London W1M 3FB. Telephone: 020 7224 2135. E-mail: [email protected]

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By Karen Anderson