The journey to Cheval Blanc Randheli, an LVMH-owned hotel, starts off with a 40-minute panoramic voyage aboard a specially designed seaplane. Once on the islands, be awed by the resort’s contemporary design with indigenous touches throughout, designed by famed architect, Jean-Michel Gathy. The hotels’ Alchemists (their version of concierges) are on hand to prepare a wide array of tailor-made activities ranging from diving, pampering at the spa and perfectly chilled champagne for sunset. And if this is good enough for Will and Kate, it’s good enough for us.

Velaa Private Island is a heavenly retreat that is truly at one with nature and offers the utmost privacy and comfort. Dining is an incredible experience with three outstanding restaurants with Michelin-star chef Adeline Grattard at the helm and the largest wine and champagne collection in the Maldives. You’ll not want for activities here as it has thought of everything: cruises, water sports activities aplenty, tennis and squash courts, a golf course, yoga and fitness classes, a lovely library with a wide selection of books to chill in at the end of the day, an incredible spa and a superb kids club. Who would want to leave this little piece of heaven?

Boasting the Maldives’ biggest overwater villas, Gili Lankanfushi promises a romantic holiday like no other. Cut yourself off from the rest of the world and lock yourself up in one of their Crusoe Residences, a 250 sq m haven of tranquillity, accessible only by rowing boat. The villa comes decked with all the necessities such as kitchenette, rooftop deck, mini wine cellar, and of course sea access for the ultimate romantic getaway.

Not only does Cocoa Island exude romance, it also boasts dhoni-shaped overwater bungalows, unique to the Maldives. The intimate resort of just 33 suites and villas all have direct access to crystal clear waters and come with a private terrace – perfect for romantic sundowners. The renowned COMO Shambhala Spa will have you both feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in next to no time.

As the only resort on the unchartered Laamu atoll, chances are you’ll instantly be feeling like Robinson Crusoe when you arrive – but with all the modern conveniences you could wish for. There are a profuse number of reasons for which Six Senses Laamu is incredible, and if you’re an avid surfer, the fact that it’s located right by the Yin Yang break (Maldives’ most famous) is absolute heaven. Not enough? Take your board out to Maabaidhoo Kandu, Fushi Kandu, Hothadhoo Corner and Gadhoo Kandu, all of which also offer great swells.

Looking for something beyond a traditional surf holiday? Then Maalifushi by COMO is the resort for you. Partnering up with TropicSurf, the hotel offers surfing retreats for beginners and advanced surfers in some of the most pristine waters with excellent waves and variety. The added bonus of having the breaks to yourself makes it a superb treat. And if you need a break from surfing, the diving in this area is phenomenal.

If it’s manta rays you want to see, then there is only one dive spot for you: Manta Point. The Conrad Maldives Rangali is located near this famed dive site, where whale sharks also glide elegantly through. In addition to Manta Point, there are over 40 great dive sites which are just waiting to be explored. After a day out at sea, enjoy dinner in their underwater restaurant (the first of its kind) where you can watch sharks and fish going about their day.

Dusit Thani is located in the Baa Atoll, which is renowned for its legendary diving sites. Prepare for a dizzying array of colourful fish, big and small, and beautifully ever-changing topography. If you want to explore the abundant marine life that call the Maldives home in a more original way, try free-diving – Dusit Thani is the first, and thus far the only resort to offer this incredibly unique activity.

The Den at Soneva Fushi is what kids’ dreams are made of: a pirate ship, two pools, a mocktail bar, Lego room, dress-up area, cinema, and a sound-proof music room with instruments. If family play time is important, then indulge in one of the many activities that the hotel offers such as a father-and-son picnic, mother-and-daughter spa, cooking classes for the family, a picnic on a deserted island, dolphin-gazing cruises and of course all the watersports options. Do you have stargazers in the family? Head out to Soneva Fushi’s observatory where you can count Jupiter’s moons and spot Saturn’s rings.

Two islands linked by a bridge make up Niyama. On the ‘Play’ island, families are very well catered for with a kids club catering for children under three. Kids are split into four age groups and mingle with others at the Explorers Kids Club. Whilst older children can enjoy snorkelling safaris or a game of football, children under three will have age-appropriate activities and a sleeping room for siestas. Cooking classes, a splash park, a climbing wall, trampoline, cat-walk and a stage for acting are just a few of the ways kids can keep themselves entertained. Tech-obsessed teenagers will go crazy for the hotel’s games room decked with Xboxes, simulator rooms and computers. If all that fails to impress them, the beaches, banana boats and dhoni cruises should do the trick.

An adapted version first appeared in Silverkris.

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