Situated along the pristine beaches of the Maldives’ Baa Atoll island archipelago, the Anantara Kihavah is the perfect place for a beach vacation getaway with villas and residences along the beaches and above water that offer a nearly unmatchable level of luxury and comfort. Private infinity pools, Jacuzzis, and oversized bathtubs are the norm at this resort of 80 spacious accommodations, and this kind of extravagance extends to the resort’s wide array of dining destinations, its spa, and its stargazing center. After days spend island hopping, viewing the nearby coral reef on a diving excursion, or simply sitting around enjoying the comfort of one’s villa, guests can dine at the resort’s one-of-a-kind underwater wine cellar and restaurant, at a hand-picked destination dining location, or at any of the resort’s other restaurants with cuisines that range from Asian and Japanese to International and tapas. There is an on-site gym, open-air movie theater, and even a trampoline park complete with basketball hoops. No expense was spared when constructing the Anantara Kihavah, and accordingly guests have no shortage of things to do is the tropical paradise.

Cheval Blanc Randheli is luxurious new property in the Maldives' Noonu Atoll, inhabiting a handful of islands surrounded by teeming reefs. It's still new, having opened in November 2013 and is top of its class; a Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy property, only the second of its kind. The Randheli is around 40 minutes away from Male airport by seaplane, with a luxurious lounge at the airport so guests can make their transfer in comfort. The design and décor of The Randheli conveys relaxed island living in its light, natural palette and thatched roofs, yet a refined, contemporary edge shines through in its all modern interiors, up-to-the-minute technology and cathedral-style loft ceilings.

COMO Maalifushi is the only luxury resort in the pearly white and otherwise undeveloped Thaa Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. Accessible by a 35-minute domestic flight to Thimarafushi Airport followed by a 25-minute speedboat ride, this is a truly remote and gorgeous getaway. Designed by Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, the 65 villas and rooms are tastefully decorated with a combination of cultural authenticity and chic modern style. Built with New Zealand pine, floored with teak and artfully thatched, the accommodation options cater to all guests from honeymooning couples in search of peace and romance to families seeking adventure and fun. In the three restaurants, guests can take their pick of dining options to suit their mood. Crystal clear lagoon waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat are sure to relax and rejuvenate,while a range of watersports and a fully-equipped gym are available for more active guests.

Sister property to the artsy JOALI Maldives, the JOALI BEING is wellness-centric and boasts of being ‘the only nature immersive wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives.’ Offering 68 “well living spaces” spread across the beach and overwater, each villa offers a private pool, butler service, sea-view, outdoor rain shower, Wellbeing Bar, meditative musical instruments and wellbeing games. Culinary offerings at the resort are focused on an earth-to-table initiative, using fresh, locally harvest food that supports small farms and are sustainably sourced. FLOW is an open-plan interactive dining space with three restaurants: Plantea offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine; Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare; B’Well features a selection of signature dishes. There is also a poolside bar, ideal for a casual lunch and sundowners. Curated wellness programs, ranging between give nights to three weeks, are designed suit each guest in areas of strength, mental clarity, hormonal balance, digestive, restorative sleep, and alignment for good health and immunity. The hotel is also a proponent of sustainability, collaborating with EarthCheck on several long-term initiatives such as a desalination water-bottling plant and a rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling system. It is also one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries, home to a coral nursery, and an ongoing reef restoration project. Located on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, the resort is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé.

JOALI Maldives encapsulates its brand’s ’joy-of-life’ philosophy within this art-immersive resort, from its vibrant interior colors and decorative details to the interactive and experiential artistic pieces that accentuate the island’s natural beauty. The resort features 73 villas, each with one to four bedrooms, spread throughout the island and over its lagoon. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and dedicated butler service. Several villas offer stunning sunrise views, while even-numbered villas feature sunset views. Interiors are modern and tropical chic, with marble, bamboo, and natural materials. The resort features six restaurants with an interactive kitchen and encompasses a multitude of cuisines including southeast Asian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and more, from snacks and street food to fine dining and teppanyaki. Specialty offerings include a wine cellar, an artisanal chocolate and ice cream shop, and a whiskey and cigar lounge. JOALI offers a range of activities such as snorkeling with manta rays, learning about coral degradation in the underwater museum, wakeboarding, chartered yacht and dhoni excursions, as well as meeting with local communities. Its signature experience leads guests on an art and sculpture tour of the island in a scavenger hunt of unique works designed specifically for Joali. Facilities include studios for yoga and Pilates, tennis court, soccer pitch, movement center, Technogym-outfitted fitness center, overwater meditation deck and consultation rooms with a Fit3D body scanner and QEST bioenergetic testing system. For relaxation, the JOALI spa specializes in exclusive therapies by Espa, wellness therapies such as sound healing and chakra work. JOALI is located on Muravandhoo island in Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé airport.

Amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, to the northern end of the sparkling white string of pearls of the Ari atoll, tiny Kandolhu Island glitters especially brightly. Less than 45 miles from Male, the island can be accessed by seaplane in a matter of 25 short minutes. Yet, from the first barefoot step onto the pristine white sand, visitors feel totally secluded in a peaceful paradise, setting the scene for the perfect relaxing getaway, romantic holiday or unforgettable honeymoon. In all of the distinct five accommodation options over 30 villas, guests are enchanted by authentic local architecture and pampered by modern comforts and attentive service. From the wide range of wining and dining options, to the sumptuous Varu spa, contemporary design meets laid-back luxury across the resort for the perfect balance. Every whim is attended to, with exhilarating aquatic excursions including some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Maldives, while wine lovers are catered for with an optional all-inclusive package featuring an in-room wine fridge stocked with 30 bottles.

One of the tiny pearls on the string of the Maldives, the Dhaalu atoll is home to the effortlessly cool, incredibly trendy Niyama Private Islands. With a range of accommodation, activities and facilities broad enough to keep guests of all tastes happy, Niyama is a fresh and funky beach retreat for the discerning traveler in search of what’s hot. Sleek, stylish bungalows and pavilions equipped with the latest state of the art technology, boast their own pools and private butler service, with stunning views of the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. Dining options range from casual poolside snacks or raucous tribal barbecues on the sand to romantic private meals suspended over the ocean, not to mention Subsix, the unique underwater ‘playground for adults’. What’s more, whether it’s poolside cocktails or champagne on the roof, tipples of all kinds are served in gorgeous locations from the funky and quirky to the chic and contemporary. For the adventurous guests, a range of familiar and unusual watersports are on offer - sure to keep any desert island ennui at bay. Meanwhile, for those in search of something a little more relaxing, Lime Spa offers luxurious treatments to soothe and restore.

Escape to Soneva Fushi Resort, set on an isolated island of palm forests, fine beaches, and clear water. All of Soneva Fushi’s eco-friendly villas look out towards the stunning waves of the Indian Ocean. Each villa is equipped with air-conditioning; televisions, DVDs, and Wi-FI on request; comfortable, spacious beds; and lounging areas. In terms of dining, Soneva Fushi offers six onsite options, among them Mihiree Mitha, which prepares fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood – as well as sixty different varieties of homemade ice cream and sorbet; By The Beach, which serves Japanese and Korean-inspired tapas; and Down to Earth, a newly-built Mediterranean eatery. Some of the unique activities on Soneva Fushi include star-gazing at the Maldives’ only observatory; sampling a wine from a 5,000 bottle cellar; and an overwater sunset bar, where guests can watch for sea creatures such as eagle rays and dolphins as they sip on cocktails. Soneva Fushi is a thirty minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport.

Reinventing the definition of tropical paradise, the barefoot luxury resort of Soneva Jani spans across an entire island archipelago and private lagoon, which boasts of long beaches swathed in white sand and turquoise waves. Accessible via a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, a 60-minute speedboat ride from sister property Soneva Fushi, or half-day cruise from Soneva Fushi aboard the luxurious Soneva in Aqua vessel, Soneva Jani promises guests a secluded vacation that transcends the imagination. The resort is divided into the Chapter 1 (north) and Chapter 2 (south) branches of overwater villas, with the main island and some select land-based accommodations - plus facilities and dining venues - as a connector. Retreats, Reserves, and Residences come with one to four bedrooms, as well as superlative features such as private pools with catamaran nets, retractable roofs, and water slides that splash into the lagoon. Spectacular scenery sets the stage for a wide range of activities - experiences such as movie nights at the overwater cinema, dinner cruises beneath starlit skies and snorkel tours with sea turtles ensure that guests will certainly not be wanting for entertainment, and nor for exciting dining options - from freshly-caught fish to wood-fired pizzas, the resort is home to array of restaurants with cuisine to suit all palettes.

Located in the idyllic Baa Atoll, the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers superlative levels of luxury, surrounded by the Maldives’ stunning blue ocean. With 103 villas and bungalows scattered over the island and its the waters, it provides a breathtaking setting for romantic getaways and action-packed family vacations. As part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there’s a Marine Discovery Center on site where guests can get to know their environment better and even help conserve it by taking part in one of its projects. There are also extensive dive services available with daily excursions and the chance to organise private charters on the Four Season’s luxury catamaran. Accommodation includes beach villas, bungalows and overwater villas, with the choice of a sunrise or sunset outlook. Each villa has a timber loft with a daybed to maximize views and most come with a private pool. Dining on the island covers everything from Arabian food to Italian to Western fare. Guests can dine in-villa, set up a romantic dinner on the beach, or enjoy a shisha pipe while watching the sunset. For an even more thorough Maldives experience, guests can take the Four Season’s Explorer to sister property, Kuda Huraa or on a diving tour of local hotspots.