Hi Ellie,
we were there last Christmas when the Tsunami struck - we were evacuated home 3 days afterwards (5 days early).
We're going back on December 19th this year to the same island. You're definitely right it does spoil all other holidays as nothing compares favourably to the maldives. The beaches, the staff, the food, the sea life all win hands down in the Maldives. We are looking at going again next Spring. Our one in a lifetime dream holiday has turned into 3 visits in 18 months ! Bank balance is not happy - but the quote we have for next year is only £300 more than we paid for Cuba this year so I don't think that's too bad.
I read an article yesterday which said the coral in the maldives was damaged as badly as they thought - apparantly only 10% sustained damage.
Tracy