Maldives

This place is definitely paradise!! Once you arrive into the capital you are immediately greeted with the warmest  welcome, you will be smoothly whisked away by speedboat or seaplane to your own Robinson Crusoe Island. On your journey take in the views they really are stunning! Once you arrive greeted once again by a  fantastic level of service and hospitality, kick off your shoes and sink your toes into the talcum powder white sands and be prepared to be amazed by the turquoise blue, crystal clear seas. If you want a place to escape this is it, the daytime agenda usually revolves around sun-worshipping, scuba diving and spa treatments. The dive schools are first class and designed to introduce you to manta-rays, turtles, dolphins and even sharks. With over 90 islands from luxury boutique to ecologically sound back to nature style hotels, each with their own personality the Maldives demands the attention of anyone looking for a uniquely indulgent break, breathtaking nature and sheer beauty that stays with you long after your tan has faded. Unfortunately I only had a week but here is my overview on the hotels I visited:

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

A member of the ‘Leading Small Hotels of the World’ recently refurbished and redesigned it is set in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. It consists of just 62 palm-thatched villas, natural fabrics and polished timbers establish a stylish ‘at one with nature’ ambience with a choice of land or over water villas some with their own plunge pools.   High standards are reflected throughout every aspect of the resort - two a la carte restaurants serving anything from fresh seafood and local delicacies to Pan Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. The award winning spa provides holistic Indian therapies to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. A private island with incredible standards, I would recommend this island for couples looking to get away from it all.

Kanahura

Another member of the ‘Leading Small Hotels of the World’ you arrive by seaplane to this picturesque  island. Thatched roof style water or beach villas, if beach is your thing then the views out to the ocean from the beach villas are stunning! They all have the most amazing outdoor bathrooms. The diving here is fantastic with a great dive school and some of the best dive sites in the Maldives close by. With several excellent restaurants to choose from, a great spa and kids club, Kanahura is barefoot luxury and has something to offer couples or families.

One & Only Reethi Rah

Be prepared to be spoilt – arrive in style on the One & Only luxury yacht and this is just the beginning! One of the largest islands Reethi has 130 private villas dotted along the shores of this island, each is completely secluded. The villas are an impressive size with high ceilings and contemporary styling, enhanced by the generous outdoor living space that ranges from private verandahs and stretches of beach to individual swimming pools. To add to that your dedicated villa host will tend to your every need. A variety of dining options from barefoot in the sand Fanditha restaurant offering Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine to the main Reethi restaurant which is a very chic thatched pavilion affair overlooking the lagoon offering a variety of cuisines. Reethi has a fantastic water sports centre and a great kids club. The amazing spa seems to be almost another island in itself, set in tranquil lush gardens with signature indoor and outdoor ‘heat’ experiences to pure luxury treatments and relaxing yoga and Pilates classes.  There is something to suit everyone here from those wanting privacy and a get away from it all holiday to families trying to keep the kids happy.

Soneva Gili by Six Senses

Soneva Gili is the epitome of rustic chic and combines today’s creature comforts with all the simplicity of life at the waters edge. Soneva is the first all water resort in the Maldives it consists of 45 exclusive villas, all of them located on stilts over their tranquil waters. The Villa Suites consist of air conditioned bedrooms, open-air living rooms and bathrooms, rooftop sundecks with daybeds and additional sundecks directly over the lagoon. The aptly named Crusoe Residences ‘stand alone’ in the middle of the lagoon and are only accessible by personal boat. There is a Padi diving school and the renowned Six Senses Spa provides holistic treatments over the lagoon. Making the most of the fresh seafood and home-grown organic vegetables dining is imaginative and delicious. This tiny island provides a very intimate atmosphere and is leading the way in the Maldives as environmentally friendly.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

A stunning journey by sea plane to this set of two private islands linked together by a 500 metre footbridge. It’s collection of recently up-graded villas are located either on the beach or over the water. The beach villas boast wonderful outdoor bathrooms and the option of private plunge pools; flat screen TV’s and ipod connections provide the finishing touches. The food here is excellent with a wide variety of dining options available from the famous underwater restaurant, the Mediterranean cuisine of Vilu to the buffet restaurant. Conrad offers a great kids club that even has its own kid’s spa! The spa retreat offers the adults some serious pampering offering anything from Ayurvedic massages to spa cuisine. If you want something a little more energetic there is a gym, tennis courts, non-motorised water sports and a dive school. This island is a great choice for families or couples who like a bit more going on.

Huvafen Fushi

This place is so ‘cool’ and is barefoot luxury at its very best! Its ‘naturally modern’ bungalows combine contemporary design with traditional charm. The rooms are amongst the largest in the Maldives and are set either on the sands or over the water and all have their own plunge or infinity pools as well as all the comforts 7 foot bed, plasma TV, ipods etc. Once you do manage to leave your room the facilities revolve around more relaxation, non-motorised water sports, yoga pavilion and salt water flotation pool there is also a gym and a PADI dive school. The LIME Spa is pure bliss and has over water and amazing underwater treatment rooms. Food is flown onto the island daily and you can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from seafood to spa cuisine to international in a number of settings from beachside to over-water. If you want something a little different they have their own Dhoni boats all kitted out in the Huvafen style – spend the night or just take a sunset cruise, perfect! Huvafen would be perfect for couples of any age looking to get away from it all but a family could equally be happy here as the staff are happy to accommodate individual guest’s needs.