This archipelago of 1,190 coral islands may seem better suited to honeymooners than shoppers but history proves otherwise. Records from AD947 include accounts of trading in pearls, spices, coconuts and cowry shells, which were used as currency from China to Africa until the 16th century. These days, the shells do little more than decorate jewellery boxes but the trade in sparkle and spices endures at the chic boutiques on the top island resorts.
Male, the world's smallest capital, offers dismal pickings. Shoppers in the know head instead to the triumvirate of nearby island resorts under the Anantara brand. Start in the two adjacent boutiques at Anantara Dhigu (Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll, tel: 960 664 4100), where silly souvenirs such as turtle oven mitts (US$24) give way to seashell-encrusted picture frames (US$95) and wood replicas of traditional Maldivian sailboats, called dhoni (US$210). Across the lobby, a white cotton wrap blouse (US$135) from Vietnam looks smashing with a black, brown and lime-green silk skirt (US$375).
On neighbouring island Anantara Veli, visitors can spend their savings on white embroidered Indian tunics (US$85) or kaleidoscopic cover-ups (US$190) detailed with sequins. For beach-worthy bling, add a coconut-wood ring embedded with a seashell (US$6).
Bigger spenders can cross the long bridge to Naladhu (Veligandhu Huraa, South Male Atoll, tel: 960 664 1888), an exclusive 19-villa retreat where the compact boutique squeezes in big-ticket baubles such as a blue angelfish adorned with 12,120 Swarovski crystals (US$5,270) and a relatively inexpensive starfish variation (US$1,575).
To the south, the offerings at Cocoa Island (Makunufushi, South Male Atoll, tel: 960 664 1919) are less flashy. Fans of designer Christina Ong's new-age style can augment their yoga wardrobe with a simple tank (US$19) or comfy hoodie (US$219). Serious shoppers are drawn to the crocodile skin and rattan beach bags (US$329) by Surevolution, a New York-based brand that works with indigenous communities.
Visitors can snap up the Six Senses lifestyle at Soneva Gili (Lankanfushi, North Male Atoll, tel: 960 664 0304), from the signature sleep mask (US$6) to the unusual fish-shaped door handle (US$36).
