What it is

An all-villa resort on a private island with activities that range from family friendly to private and romantic.

What it isn't

Adults-only or all overwater bungalow.

What we think

The mix of villas—ranging from beachfront bungalows to sprawling overwater residences—start at 850 feet at this private island resort, located in Maldives’ Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO marine biosphere reserve. They’re beautifully decorated—think of a friend’s plummy beach house—thanks to al-fresco dining pavilions, private infinity pools and, in some cases, sunken tubs with glass-bottomed floors. Guests wake up to Indian Ocean views and find cookies—the staff favorite is hazelnut—on their pillow at turndown. Travelers who manage to pull themselves away from private quarters will find five restaurants (Sea is underwater; Salt focuses on Asian fusion cuisine), as well as a dive center, cooking school and a spa with six overwater treatment suites. There’s also a kids club with a playground and pirate’s ship, and outdoor activities—ranging from sailing and wind surfing lessons to market tours in Malé—abound.

You're here because

You want an exotic resort vacation with a good balance of land activities, ocean adventures and relaxation.

The Moment

Snorkeling with dozens of manta rays—they can be 23 feet in length—on the doorstep of the resort during their annual migration (May to November).

Restaurants & Bars

Sea - Underwater restaurant and wine cellar, gourmet dining

Fire - Overwater Teppanyaki

Salt - Asian cuisine paired with 16 salt varieties from around the world

Sky - Asian tapas

Manzaru - Italian

Plates - Breakfast buffet, varying themed lunch and dinner buffets

Manzaru - Poolside drinks and shisha

Sky - Overwater setting with live background music most evenings

Location

Set on one of the 75 islands that make up the Maldives’ Baa Atoll archipelago, a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé.