Located a mere 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, where it has an exclusive arrivals lounge for guests, Soneva Fushi welcomes you with its impressive castaway-style villas (only 69 of them). Some come with up to nine bedrooms, making them perfect for extended-family getaways and multigenerational holidays, and lavish add-ons include private gardens and butlers.

In the realm of exclusivity, Once Upon A Table elevates dining to the realm of theatre — an intimate stage for eight, hosting a rotating cast of visiting chefs who weave tales of gastronomy in tasting experiences destined to captivate. Meanwhile, So Bespoke beckons under the starlit sky, an open-air teppanyaki grill where the sizzle of each culinary creation unfolds before your eyes. For something a little different, head to Shades of Green, where plant-based cuisine meets culinary innovation, embracing both Maldivian roots and Southeast Asian zest, all while honouring the bounty of the garden with five-course sagas.

You can continue the communion with nature (the mantra here is ‘No news, no shoes’) by stargazing from the resort’s observatory and camping Bedouin-style on a sandbank. Even The Den kids’ club is tech-free, to encourage younger visitors to run wild and take part in eco-friendly activities such as collecting coconuts and palm leaves to create locally inspired artwork. There are even fascinating educational courses introducing children and teens to the marvels of the natural world, including the night skies, the marine life of the Maldives, and an immersive quest for an ancient treasure galleon.