Maldives

Elect's take

"The Maldives delivers a level of natural beauty that is genuinely difficult to prepare for. The clarity of the water, the quality of light and the sense of remoteness create an experience that feels entirely removed from everyday life."

What makes the Maldives so special is the way each resort creates its own private world. The overwater villa concept originated here and it remains the definitive luxury experience in the Indian Ocean. Waking above turquoise water, stepping directly into a lagoon and snorkelling over pristine coral are simple pleasures that stay with you long after returning home. The marine life here is exceptional. The Maldives sits within the Coral Triangle and the diversity of species visible even from the shore is remarkable. Diving and snorkelling with manta rays, whale sharks and reef fish is a regular experience rather than a rare one. The Maldives is best suited to travellers seeking relaxation, natural beauty and outstanding hospitality in a genuinely remote setting.