Hurawalhi, the Maldives

_Location: This slice of heaven is a 40-minute scenic seaplane ride from the capital Male. It is on the Lhaviyani atoll in the middle ofthe Indian Ocean.

_{First impressions:} Upon landing I was welcomed on the jettyby a band playing traditional Maldivian instruments, and I instantly felt athome. This feeling deepened as I wandered through the reception area with sandbeneath my toes and a glass of champagne in hand.

_{The facts:} The resort has 90 villas, 60 of which are oceansuites and 30 beach suites. All are identically decorated, and the only choicethe customer has to make is whether to upgrade to have a private infinity pool.Each of the 60 overwater villas comes with its own stairway into the ocean.

With countless water sports, a tennis court, football pitchand excursions – as well as the ocean as your playground – there’s plenty tokeep guests occupied.

Three dining options are available: underwater restaurant5.8, buffet venue Canneli, and Aquarium, which serves seafood andteppanyaki-style cuisine. All three allow diners to bask in stunning viewswhile enjoying food of the highest calibre. Recommend dining at sunset for theultimate picture-postcard moment. There’s also the 24-hour Coco Bar, serving anextensive list of delicious cocktails to sample while relaxing on the deck.

_{A good base for:} Couples desiring a dose of romance.Hurawalhi is an adult-only private island, providing a peaceful backdrop forguests. The resort is also perfect for newlyweds wanting to spend theirhoneymoon relaxing in paradise. Watching the sunset in the champagne pavilionat the end of the jetty is the perfect way to toast their nuptials.

Recommend clients head to the Duniye Spa to fully embraceisland life. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a pampering session while lookingout across the lagoon.

Keen divers and snorkelling fans will also feel very athome, because the waters offer spectacular marine life. Hurawalhi is surroundedby its own house reef, with tropical fish of all shapes and colours. A dolphinpassage way is close to the island, and sea turtles and manta rays are oftenseen gliding through the waters.

_Wow: There isn’t only one – the whole island has wow factor.Guests will be impressed by 5.8; it’s the world’s largest underwater restaurantbut still intimate, accommodating just eight couples. It’s a dining experiencelike no other, and descending the spiral staircase you feel something specialis about to happen. The culinary offering is nothing short of perfection, witha seven-course menu sampling the finest cuisine.

Another big wow is the Hurawalhi staff, who are thefriendliest and most attentive you could wish for, helping to create the senseof peace and high class that permeates the island.

_{Book it:} £350 per night on a B&B basis. Full board isavailable for £115 per person per night extra.

hurawalhi.com

Joshua Merrick