Surfs up in the Maldives

Sun Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives offers a wide variety of watersports activities in its two luxury resorts, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in South Male Atoll and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in South Nilandhe Atoll.

There’s something for everyone - whether it be scuba diving, swimming the surrounding reefs with snorkel and flippers afoot or discovering the only registered kite-surfing school in the whole of the Maldives.

Each resort boasts a Sun International Diving School with PADI Gold Palm status - the highest standard given by PADI to any of its international dive bases which demonstrates safe, professional and exciting diving.

With an unrivalled choice of dive courses available from Discover Scuba Diving classes to specialist Nitrox and RE-breather courses, the emphasis is on personal service and small groups to ensure an amazing dive experience for everyone. Famed for its nearby wreck dives and big fish, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is great for those who want to swim alongside whale sharks, manta ray, sea turtles and dolphins. Dive prices start from US$ 42 to include all equipment.

What’s more, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort has the only registered kite-surfing school and was the first to introduce this extreme sport in the Maldives in 2001. The location is perfect for beginners with a lagoon 800m wide and 10km long, all with shallow water and a smooth, sandy bottom so those getting to grips with the sport won’t have to suffer cut feet when falling off.

For the more advanced, a nearby famous surf spot beckons from May to October – great fun for kite-surfers, windsurfers and just plain surfing! Kite-surfing lessons start from US$ 70 for a private session with full equipment.

However, for those who prefer a more gentile watersports activity, there’s nothing better than snorkelling. Vilu Reef Beach & Spa resort benefits from a house reef carpeted in coral which means there is an abundance of friendly neon coloured fish that often swim up to the shore.

Spot green and blue parrot fish, schools of jack fish, orange and red anthias, butterfly fish and powder blue surgeon fish – all within a stone’s throw of the beach. Alternatively join one of the popular daily snorkelling safaris for a real adventure. Prices start from US$ 29 per person.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort prices start from £925 per person for seven nights on a half-board basis in May. Available through Thomson, the price includes return flights from Manchester and resort transfers by speedboat.

Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort prices start from £919 per person for seven nights on a half-board basis in May. Available through Thomson, the price includes return flights from Manchester and seaplane transfers to the resort.

To book, visit Thomson.co.uk.