The New Seven Wonders of Nature, organized by the New 7Wonders Foundation (Swiss based government controlled foundation) is aimed at creating a list of seven natural wonders. This is selected through a global poll from twenty eight shortlisted natural global sites, which are celebrated for their breathtaking natural beauty. In addition, this selection further highlights the incredible beauty and variety of the planet.
While showcasing some of the world’s great natural wonders, the Foundation is also bringing to light many unknown naturally beautiful places around the world. Maldives is one of the twenty eight shortlisted sites of the competition, which is set to culminate by 11/11/11
Being in the company of such well known natural wonders as Angel Falls Venezuela, Great Barrier Reef Australia and the Amazon Rainforest shows how precious the Maldives is with its fragile natural beauty constantly under threat from rising sea levels.
The Maldives has been famous as a dream destination since the late 1970s with many Europeans enamored by its white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Indeed the country’s claim to natural beauty originates from the surrounding blue ocean, white beaches, clean air and pleasant temperatures for much of the year. The low lying islands with the highest point being approximately 8 feet above sea level, gives the Maldives a unique character and has even spawned its own architectural style; the water bungalow and the casual resorts.
The ring shaped reef structures form atolls and reefs providing natural sanctuary to a diversity of marine life. White powdery coral beaches form startling contrasts with the blue ocean, which is amazing to behold at first sight. Its extraordinary underwater scenery and clean water makes the Maldives one of the world’s best recreational diving destinations. The seas around the Maldives teem with one thousand recorded fish species, over 200 species of coral and hundreds of other marine species.
The third phase of the competition is now underway. According to the votes received so far, the Maldives is amongst the first 14 natural wonders. One billion votes are expected to be cast by the end of the competition.
Travellers in search of a villa in Maldives offering convenient access to the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean will find an ideal accommodation at one of the finest Maldives resorts, Anantara Kihavah. Set in an optimal location, guests are able to take advantage of the best aspects of the Maldives’ natural beauty.
