Maldives by Lachlan McPherson

There is more to the Maldives than luxury resorts. The Maldives Southern Atolls have only recently been open to travelers. A short inter-island flight from Male takes you to one of the most remote and unspoiled tropical paradises in the world. From there, the best way to access the hundreds of atolls is by chartered yacht. Small villages rise only meters above the coral reefs, with roads of crushed coral and buildings made of coral “bricks.” The walls are daubed here and there with political messages. The modern issue of self-sustainability has always been a way of life here. Of course, you’ll find perfect white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise lagoons, kaleidoscopic coral reefs alive with fish, and crystal clear water. This is everything you know about the Maldives in a more pure form. Prepare to see colors you’ve never seen before.

Lachlan McPherson is a creative director at Publicis.