The Maldives Is Celebrating 50 Years Of Tourism—Check Out These Six Amazing Experiences

If finally getting to experience the Maldives is high on your must-see list, 2022 is looking to be an ideal time to visit as the Indian Ocean archipelago—comprised of 1,190 island and atolls, about 200 of them inhabited—celebrates 50 years of tourism. 

During this "Golden Jubilee Year of Maldives Tourism 2022," not only can you enjoy the destination's incredible blue vistas, sublime white-sand beaches, dreamy overwater villas and abundant sea life, but also an assortment of exciting new experiences. Here's what's happening for 2022 in the Maldives.

Soneva Fushi is taking dining to new heights, literally, with a concept called Flying Sauces— because guests at the 63-luxury-villa property can now enjoy treats while ziplining to their private tree-top dining table. After being strapped into safety harnesses at The Den, diners soar 30 feet in the air along a 600-foot zipline, enjoying an amuse-bouche, refreshing shooters and other gastronomic surprises along the way before arriving at an elevated treetop table on the edge of the forest near Dolphin Beach. 

Once there, they'll enjoy a seasonal six-course menu prepared in the treetop dining platform's open kitchen. Signature dishes at Flying Sauces include: Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio with Crispy Wild Rice; Marinated Prawns with Avocado Puree, Chorizo Oil and Arugula; Baby Leeks with Brie Cheese Cream Sauce and Rosemary Crumble; and Black Cod with Artichoke Puree and Teriyaki Truffle Sauce.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will debut its Grand Relaunch in February 2022 after an expansive multimillion-dollar refurbishment. The property was the first international resort brand to arrive in the Maldives 25 years ago, making it a pioneer among the island nation's now 150 resorts. Known for delivering authentic barefoot luxury, the twin-island property (one designated for adults and the other welcoming families) is home to the world's first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, and the first underwater bedroom located within the two-level residence, The Muraka. 

The renovations include newly redesigned interiors of the 50 Overwater Villas, makeovers of the resort's three restaurants, a brand new teens' club, an enhanced kids' club, a revamped Overwater Spa and other exciting additions.

Coco Collection, two boutique private island resorts—luxury-focused Coco Bodu Hithi on North Malé Atoll and nature-focused Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on Baa Atoll—is allowing guests to create a personalized vacation experience with Coco Your Way, a selection of activities, experiences and dining options designed to suit every interest and age. These range from guided marine life adventures and visits with locals on neighboring islands to new plant-based menus (at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu) and even an edible spa menu. 

The properties, which offer both overwater and land accommodations, also has an onsite turtle rescue program and offers family-friendly activities that include stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and movie nights under the stars.

Ready to be indulged and thrilled? The Nautilus Maldives, a 26-villa resort on Baa Atoll that opened in late 2019 with a focus on bespoke experiences, has created The Nautilus Ultra-Itinerary, developed with thrill-seekers in mind. 

The package includes a stay in the Nautilus Mansion (a three-bedroom, six-guest beachfront villa with a private infinity pool), a private sunset yacht cruise, a voyage to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to dive or snorkel with giant manta rays, a skydiving adventure from heights of 12,000 feet above the Indian Ocean and more.

Following a six-month closure, Naladhu Private Island has reopened with a sleek, contemporary redesign of its 20 "Houses" by New York-based interior designer Yuji Yamazaki. The Beach Houses and Ocean Houses now feature Indonesian teak furniture and high-quality materials such as Indonesian white stone. The new décor features a lighter color palette, creating a modern colonial style. 

Known for its individualized pampering, the property lets guests indulge in bespoke dining with guests curating a daily menu and choosing their favorite dishes and locations, whether it's a breakfast enjoyed at any hour barefoot on the beach or a 'journey around the world' dinner. Naladhu Private Island is located on the edge of a pristine lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, about 30 minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé. 

Travelers who like their unspoiled Indian Ocean landscapes to come with a side of contemporary art might consider a stay at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, a resort by Capella Hotel Group that opened in May 2021 in the Fari Islands archipelago in the North Malé Atoll. 

The property, which features 90 Overwater and Beach Villas and 20 Fari Studios, has partnered with Singapore-based contemporary art consultancy The Artling to curate a collection of specially commissioned artworks designed to create deeper connections to the travel experience. 

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Home Deep Blue, a 20-foot-wide tapestry by New York-based artist Hiroko Takeda, whose work celebrates the traditions of Mingei Undou, the Japanese folk craft movement. Maps guide guests to an array of outdoor sculptures around the property. In a palm-fringed clearing, a series of eight mirrored columns created by Netherlands-based Chinese artist Hongjie Yang stand directly on the white sand, immersing viewers in reflections of themselves and their surroundings.

The collection's centerpiece is Amarta, a pavilion that's the latest in the long-running series of "Skyspaces" by renowned U.S. artist and influential member of the California Light and Space movement, James Turrell.