Vakkaru, Baa Atoll

Vakkaru lies in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll and provides the setting for an idyllic island getaway with its lush jungle interior fringed by white sand. With its incredible house reef, it’s the perfect luxury destination for those who particularly want to snorkel and dive.

You’ll really feel as though you’re quite remote here despite being only a 30-minute seaplane ride away from Male. The laidback design is thoughtful and contemporary, combining traditional Maldivian style with natural materials and colours. It’s quite a large island by Maldives standards, though there are bikes and buggies to get around.

Plenty of top-notch facilities are available, with an overwater spa providing indulgent treatments, a gym, a large pool and a choice of four restaurants and two bars. Fresh, organic meals are served, and you can start your morning with a breakfast buffet out on the sand. In the evenings, choose between freshly grilled meals, Asian fusion dishes and Italian by the pool. As for activities, your stay can be as relaxed or active as you like, if you can peel yourself away from your lovely villa. There are water-sports, snorkelling, a dive centre, jet-skis, dolphin cruises, tennis and badminton courts and excursions to see the manta rays and whale sharks. For the kids, there is the Parrotfish Club where activities are provided as well as an outdoor space with kids pool.

There are 125 rooms and suites, with either beach or overwater bungalows to choose from. One to four bedrooms are available, so couples, groups and families can all be accommodated. They’re particularly great for families as they have interconnecting rooms, while some have small bedrooms with twin beds, perfect for younger children. Overwater bungalows are particularly special, with their overwater sundecks, direct lagoon access and spectacular views out to the clear blue water. You can even swim out house reef from some of the jetties of the ocean villas!

In all, Vakkaru provides absolute luxury, with its top quality bungalows, facilities and incredible house reef. It is on the larger scale, so if you would prefer a smaller, more intimate resort, it may not be the best choice for you, though it is quite special.