Baros Maldives

On arrival at the international airport on Malé, guests are met by hotel staff and escorted by speedboat to the island, which takes about half an hour. Accommodation at Baros Maldives is in elegant thatched villas, some of which are built over the water and have steps leading directly into the warm waters of the lagoon.

Others are set amid the tropical vegetation lining the white sand beach. All provide undisturbed privacy and come with sun decks and king-size beds draped in silk and cotton. Paths shaded by coconut trees, hibiscus and bougainvillea link the villas to the main buildings, where the restaurants and bars are located. Dine al fresco over the lagoon, or enjoy excellent cuisine in the privacy of your own villa.

Facilities at Baros Maldives include a watersports centre and a spa offering a range of therapies and treatments. There is good snorkelling and diving on the island's own reef, which at its closest point is just 50 foot off the beach. The resort's dive centre also runs PADI courses and offers access to dozens more dive sites around the North Male Atoll, including wreck dives. Other activities include island-hopping tours, fishing and romantic dinner at private Sandbank.