The name that became honeymoon's synonym: 1,200 coral islands in implausibly clear water — plus the advertisement-absent advantage: a fully Muslim country of historic mosques where halal is the default. Malé's coral Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre deserve their day; the smart math is the Maldives' secret — luxury water villas from ~$800 while local islands (Maafushi and sisters) opened the nation to every budget at $80-150 with day trips to identical waters: mix local nights with a resort finale. Free 30-day visa on arrival; ~5h direct; November-April is the clearest dry.