The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Tucked away on a private island reachable by seaplane, The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort combines contemporary design with ecological conscientiousness. Designed by award-winning WOW architects, each building draws inspiration from the island’s natural treasures: over-water villas mimic the graceful manta ray; the distinctive pods of the Iridium Spa form a lobster shape; the library takes its sinuous lines from a spiral seashell and the shape of a whale shark juts out into the ocean to form the bar. There are a range of accommodation styles available, from garden villas to over-water suites. Step through floor-to-ceiling glass doors under lofty wood ceilings and into naturally lit spaces, awash in a palette of sand, turquoise, cream and gold.

Tour the culinary world by visiting the resort’s six restaurants and bars. Alba serves authentic Italian and Maldivian-inspired dishes throughout the day. Sample a five-course continental menu perfectly paired with wine by visiting elegant underground retreat Decanter. For a little live cooking, Orientale’s three show kitchens are energised by expert chefs developing the flavours of the region – South Asian curries, Japanese sushi and a selection of Chinese and Korean dishes fill the air with heady scents.

Rejuvenate in the 1,850-square-metre over-water spa, with holistic treatments, yoga and meditation, tennis and fitness classes. Children between four and 12 can benefit from R&R, too; the kids’ club provides yoga and meditation classes, a cooking course and a host of creative arts and crafts including origami and painting.