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There’s something about a desert island experience which strikes a deep chord within our nature.

Whether you choose the Maldives to live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasy, or as a welcome antidote to a hectic modern life, it has to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful and romantic places on earth. But going barefoot is where the similarities to Crusoe end, as the many superb resorts will pamper you with luxury accommodation, magnificent spas and divine cuisine.

Out and About
Diving
What better place to get your PADI dive certificate than in warm waters which boast spectacular coral reefs and atoll passes teeming with a huge variety of fish, rays and sharks. We particularly recommend Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru where you can explore the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and dive with the commanding whale shark. Or try Constance Moofushi, which has one of the best house reefs we’ve experienced.

Subsix at NIYAMA
The Maldives offers more under the waves than just amazing sea life with Subsix, the world’s first underwater nightclub, at NIYAMA. Attracting DJs from across the globe, this über-trendy venue has glass walls so you can look out to a spotlit sea as you dance the night away.

Sandbank Sundowners
We all look for that truly magical moment when we’re away, the one that will encapsulate everything you want to remember about the trip. Well, in the Maldives it has to be heading out to a deserted sandbank for sundowners. We think the best place to do this is at Constance Halaveli, where you’ll be served Champagne whilst in your own private slice of paradise.

Surfing
The Maldives might not be the first place you think of for surfing, but the Surf School at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa host’s competitions that attract some of the best surfers in the world. It also has plenty to offer beginners, so you can learn the basics in the calm waters of the resort’s bay before venturing onto the breaks to catch your first wave.

Food and Drink
Made up of over 1,190 islands it’s not surprising that seafood plays a prominent role in the menus here. However, with visitors and influences from around the world, Maldivian cuisine blends Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental flavours to create a unique culinary identity of its own. The resort restaurants are nothing short of superb, but we particularly recommend Tapasake, the over-water Japanese restaurant at One&Only Reethi Rah, where the sushi and sashimi are out of this world and there is a fantastic selection of premium sakes. For a unique experience try Fresh in the Garden at Soneva Fushi, which uses the freshest ingredients and looks out over the organic fruit and herb garden. Or if you prefer to go All-Inclusive, look no further than Lily Beach, where the main restaurant will delight you with its live cooking stations and there is even a children’s buffet counter especially for little ones.

Getting There
Flying time from the UK is approximately 10 hours 15 minutes direct, 13 hours 45 minutes via Colombo and 13 hours 40 minutes via Dubai.

British Airways Departures from Gatwick 3 times a week direct.
Sri Lankan Airlines Departures from Heathrow daily via Colombo.
Emirates Departures from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow daily via Dubai.