The Hawksbill Turtle

The Hawksbill Turtle is a critically endangered species worldwide. They are one of a few creatures able to eat high silica animals, such as sea sponges, which are highly toxic to humans. It has adapted to swimming in the open ocean and their unique shells change color depending on the water temperature. The Pacific sub-species Eretmochelys imbricata bissa, is especially rare because their flesh are treated as a delicacy in China and Japan.

But not in the Maldives. The Maldivian government has gone out of its way to protect one of nature's precious creatures. Even before the Hawksbill Turtles were declared critically endangered by the IUCN, the Maldives placed a 10 year ban on capturing and harvesting in 1995. Even with the ban, the Hawksbill population did not meet the legal requirement for a sustainable population. On January 2006, the Maldives continued the ban for another 10 years, as well as banning the collection of turtle eggs in certain regions.

Baa Atoll is a natural habitat for these creatures and is mostly found in the reefs located inside or inner side of the reefs. This atoll is well-known for its richness in marine diversity and is a natural habitat not just for the Hawksbill Turtle, but is also a rare mating site for the endangered Whale Shark and spot manta rays between the months July and October. With its teeming life and seamless beauty, it's no wonder why Maldives is being considered to be one of the seven new Wonders of Nature.

Because of the protection given by the government, the Maldives is one in a very few countries where you can view the Hawksbill Turtle in its natural habitat. Resorts like the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Soneva Fushi creates awareness among travelers through guided snorkeling and diving excursions with Marine Biologists to these natural habitats of the Hawksbill Turtle. Diva Maldives, recently voted by TripAdvisors readers as the most romantic experience in the Maldives is located just a short boat ride from these dive sites. To see one of nature's wonders, choose unwind® for a personal nature vacation.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

Diva Voted Most Romantic Vacation

Looking for a romantic getaway? Look no further. Diva, a luxury hotel and resort, was recently voted as the most romantic experience in the Maldives by TripAdvisor readers. Such raving reviews include, 'the trip of a lifetime' and 'a paradise'. Diva has spent its eight years in business committed to the greatest quality. The resort is composed of five different room types, unique room design, seven exclusive restaurants, and the extravagantly sensual Infinity Spa. For everything a couple needs to Unwind, think of Diva.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

Swimming with mantas in the Maldives

Writer Rahul Jacob of Financial Times shares his experience pursuing graceful swarms of manta rays in the Maldives with Guy Stevens, the Senior Marine Biologists at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Read more.

Starwood Maldives Collection Welcomes New complex General Manager

W Retreat & Spa - Maldives and Sheraton Maldives Fullmoon Resort & Spa welcomed David Martens, as the new Complex General Manager. David has over 24 years of experience in the industry and a proven record of pre-opening and re-branding of properties, incrementally increasing profit year-over-year and attaining accolades for his given property

Milan Josipovic Returns to Huvafen Fushi

Internationally renowned photographer Milan Josipovic arrives at Huvafen Fushi from 19 - 27 March 2010 and will be capturing moments of guests holidays in Maldives. Read more.

Award Winning Maldives Continues its Excellence

2009 was another great year for the luxury hotels of Maldives. At the Luxury Hotels of the World Convention, Maldives proud Taj Exotica Resort and Spa won the Highest Ranking Commitment to Quality Award. The One and Only Reethi Rah Resort received an honored spot on the exclusive Condé Nast Traveller Gold List. Readers of Travel + Leisure voted Anantara Dhigu the World's Best hotel. Also, Maldives itself has been nominated to be on the seven new wonders of nature. Panels have decided, exclusive magazine authors have spoken, and readers have voted. For a guaranteed luxury vacation, there is no better nation.

By Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer

New Airways to Travel

Three new major airlines have announced operations to the Maldives. During last summer, British Airways started thrice weekly direct flights from Gatwick to the Maldives for tourists looking for island fun. In the fall of last year, Saltan Bin Hamdoon Al Harthy of Oman personally celebrated the opening of direct flights from his capital city to the Maldives with an exclusive gala dinner. Just last week, Korean Air announced direct flights from Incheon to Maldives, catering to honeymoon couples. Whether you're in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, you can always find a way to paradise.