![private_dining-small](http://www.distinguishedtraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/Private_Dining-small-300x200.jpg)
A string of white sand island hideaways gently rising out of crystal waters. A republic of 1,190 coral islands spread across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a first choice for those whose idea of paradise is a perfect, peaceful, permanently sunny island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches, and brilliant turquoise lagoons.