A Blissful Break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Experience barefoot luxury at Gili Lankanfushi, a resort nestled in a glistening lagoon above a coral island. Each of the 45 villas at Gili Lankanfushi are built overlooking the waters of the lagoon, and connected together by wooden jetties. All villas come standard with king-sized beds, sun decks and patios, wide-screen televisions, and bathrooms with separate shower areas. Dining options include an overwater dining area, where guests can savor fresh seafood and local produce over the lagoon’s waters; By-The-Sea, a fusion eatery which combines Peruvian and Japanese cuisines with a beautiful view of the surrounding ocean; as well as in-villa and beachside dining. Guests may also indulge themselves at the full-service Meera Spa, which offers a number of facials, massages, and organic treatments derived from ocean ingredients. In addition, Gili Lankanfushi is also home to a fully-equipped PADI center, where guests can dive on the corals and abundant marine life in the area. Gili Lankanfushi is a 20-minute speedboat ride from the international airport at Male.

In your villa at the One&Only Reethi Rah, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a far corner of the earth. The resort, which first opened in 2005, makes the most of the Maldives’ reputation as a perfect palm-trees-and-beaches tropical escape. Each villa is situated for maximum privacy and comes with an overwater perch or private beach access. There are four restaurants and bars with world-class menus and drink lists, as well as 24-hour in-villa dining. The excellent ESPA offers a wide range of holistic healing and beauty treatments, and includes underwater treatment rooms, couples’ rooms, a relaxation lounge, saunas, steam rooms and a Japanese-style onsen. There is a full service fitness center, every imaginable type of water sport, including big-game fishing and private sailing cruises on a fleet of beautifully maintained wooden Maldivian dhonis, and an open-air, overwater yoga pavilion. If in the midst of all this, you still must stay connected to the outside world, all villas are equipped with high-speed broadband Internet access.

Huvafen Fushi describes itself as a "living dream," and this is a title that is indeed hard to argue with. Occupying a private resort island in the Maldives, the resort’s 40-some private bungalows and pavilions offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, and all are fitted with private plunge pools. It goes without saying that the beds and furnishings are top quality, and luxurious bathing facilities, such as oversized tubs, rainforest showers, and even Jacuzzis, are the norm in this tropical paradise. Many of the accommodations are located directly above water, as are a number of its restaurants, which serve fresh seafood and flavors of both Western and Asian inspiration. There is also an underground wine cellar cum restaurant on the island that boasts over 6,000 different wines. Of course, a sommelier is on hand to help guests make sense of it all. In terms of activities, there is a surreal spa that features two underwater treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy looking out upon a marine landscape as treatments are administered, though there are also aboveground treatment rooms. Naturally, water activities abound here, and the aquatic center provides equipment and guides for scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions alike. There is also an overwater water gym, and yoga classes are held daily.

The award-winning Baros Maldives is heralded as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, noted for its tranquility, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches, situated in a sparkling turquoise lagoon. The property's 75 luxury villas are available over seven categories, all of which are appointed with open-air bathrooms, outdoor rain showers, and private balconies, from which guests can enjoy either sunrise or sunset views. Many villas are overwater, though some are located on the island, while upgraded villas add private pools or gardens. Resort facilities include an infinity swimming pool, a gym (yoga sessions are complimentary), a spa, a dive center, and an on-site marine center with a resident marine biologist. For dining, guests can enjoy international dishes with a superb horizon view at The Lighthouse Restaurant, al fresco barbecue by the sea at Cayenne Grill, Asian plates at Lime Restaurant, or sundowners at Sails Bar or The Lighthouse Lounge. Destination dining is also available. The Baros Maldives Resort and Spa is a 25-minute boat ride from Malé's international airport.