Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives (CNN) — As Beth Faulkner bobbed up and down in the Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay, she did some quick mental math. “There’s probably about 100,” she said in reference to the number of reef manta rays swimming just below her. “Usually it’s about 50 to 60.” “They have no sting, no teeth, nothing…

(CNN) — A group of Maldivian fishermen lines up at the back of a boat. As they cast their fishing rods and barbless hooks into the water, they lure in fish by throwing tiny baitfish on the surface. The trick is to create an illusion of prey for the tuna. This method is called pole…

(CNN) — Zoona Naseem led nine children, some as young as eight years old, out towards the open waters of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, rattling off a list of reminders: switch to regulators, inflate buoyancy control devices, adjust the masks. “If you have any problems with your ears, we are not going to…

Editor’s Note — This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. (CNN) — Glass-bottomed bathrooms, roof-deck water slides and stairs leading directly into the ocean. What…

Editor’s Note — This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. (CNN) — Think “Maldives” and the first images that come to mind for many are…

Editor’s Note — This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. (CNN) — Many architects would kill to be given a blank slate on which to…