A unique holiday destination is not that hard to find, though it may be difficult to reach. We venture to one of the world’s most popular beach holiday spots with the AFP Relaxnews to take a look at a beach that glows in the dark. Join us as we find out what makes Vaddhoo Island in the Maldives so spectacular.

Where to find it

It is no coincidence that the Maldives are a favored destination for newlyweds jetting off on honeymoon. The beauty of this archipelago and its 1,190 islands — located 600km (373 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka — guarantees a very romantic ambiance. Lovebirds looking for an extra touch of magic should check out Vaadhoo Island.

Unusual feature

Vaadhoo Island, at the heart of the archipelago, is a paradise island with translucent waters. But visitors above all wait for nightfall to catch sight of an incredible phenomenon. As the sun goes down, the waves lapping the island’s shoreline take on a twinkling phosphorescent glow. In fact, tiny little creatures called phytoplankton living in the water create bioluminescence, seen as a blue glow best observed in the dark. These micro-organisms float in the water charging up with electrical impulses all day long. They create a fantastical sea of glowing blue stars, like the night sky reflected in the ocean waves.

How to get there

Vaadhoo Island is located 8km (5 miles) from Malé International Airport, the main airport in the Maldives. Visitors can reach the island by speedboat in around 15 minutes.

Best beach activity

Certain couples head directly to Vaadhoo Island to spend their honeymoon among the spectacular sea of stars. Like many destinations in the Maldives, this island is also a hotspot for snorkeling and diving, with corals and various forms of marine life to discover. Accommodation is available on the island or on one of the neighboring islands, where hotels can help visitors organize trips to Vaadhoo. Otherwise, it goes without saying that the best beach activity on Vaadhoo is watching the magnificent glowing waters once the sun goes down.

To find out accommodation options on Vaddhoo Island, visit Trip Advisor.