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It's Summer Somewhere: The Maldives

Looks like we're not the only country gearing up for some pretty historic national elections. In November 2008, the Republic of Maldives will be conducting its first-ever presidential vote under a multi-candidate, multi-party system. Yay, democracy! What better way to show support for the political process--and contribute to the Maldives flourishing tourism sector--than by booking a getaway to the tiny Southeast Asian nation?

The country is comprised of more than 1,100 islands--and there are private resorts on 44 of them. These destination hotels are all seriously luxe, and set up as five-star retreats for the romantically inclined and seriously stressed-out. Shoestring travelers won't find many low-budget dives this far out.

If we had our druthers--and perhaps, sugar daddies--we'd stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali, which spans two islands via a walkway surrounded by a blue lagoon. The property features 50 villas built on stilts over the ocean (nearly all come with private butlers) and 21 new Spa Water Villas (each featuring its own private mini-gym and treatment room).

In case the sea view from our room isn't satisfying enough, the spa has three glass-floored villas offering a direct view down to the coral reef below. Plus, the resort boasts the world's only all-glass undersea restaurant, above, where you can watch all manner of marine life float by as you tuck into grilled snapper.

Related Stories:
· Visit Maldives [Official Site]
· It's Summer Somwhere coverage [Jaunted]