Meeru Island Resort, North Male Atoll

Meeru Island Resort & Spa is well loved by its visitors for many reasons: its proximity to the airport means that a speedboat transfer takes just under an hour. The resort is divided into family and adult-only areas (an organisational stroke of genius) and there are wonderful facilities for both land-based and water activities. Decorated in a traditional wooden style and spread over seventy acres, you can be as active or as lazy as you like here.

Garden rooms and beach and water villas (with or without jacuzzis) are scattered across the sizable grounds and surrounded by palm trees. All rooms and villas (there are 284 in total) feature bright and cheery tropical decor, large comfortable beds, private porches and all the usual mod cons you’d expect of a four-star resort. The garden rooms are situated in an accommodation block near the pool. The spacious jacuzzi water villa is a particularly popular choice at Meeru Island Resort and situated in a secluded area on the lagoon accessible by a walkway. Here, you get truly magnificent views, as well as luxurious bathrooms, loads of space, lovely wooden floors, a private outdoor deck (with promised jacuzzi under the stars) and stairs that lead directly into the water. The jacuzzi beach villa is particularly popular with families bringing young children.

Accommodation packages here include full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner - and the food, served buffet style, is varied and tasty. There are two restaurants that cater for guests on either side of the resort.

The facilities on the island are incredibly extensive, and you can organise just about any sort of water or land-based activity, cruise or excursion you like while you’re there, for yourself, for the kids, or for everyone. What really makes this well-organised resort stand apart is the way it caters to all - honeymooners have access to adult-only swimming areas and won’t feel like the kids are cramping their styles, and kids have plenty to do. This resort comes highly recommended.