Adaaran Prestige Water Villas ★★★★★

The Maldives. Two words that conjure up tropical island bliss and unparalleled luxury. If you’ve never been to the Indian Ocean’s most alluring archipelago, made up of 1,190 slivers of sand and vegetation set above coral reefs and vibrant underwater life, your idea of the perfect beach holiday will be completely redefined.

After flying to Malé and being transported to our secluded island on a seaplane gliding over the turquoise water of the lagoon, any remnants of stress left in our bodies have been swapped for complete dreamlike serenity and a level of excitement that we didn’t even know existed.

The five-star service is immediately revealed through the kindness of staff who warmly welcome us with champagne and a seasonal fruit platter, before introducing us to our personal butler who guides us to our home for the next week. We walk along the wooden jetty to find our floating nest, and it’s even better than we had imagined. Stretching over 84 square metres and elegantly appointed with a wooden interior and a large glass wall looking out over the water, our villa is a haven of luxury. As well as boasting a range of high-quality facilities, we have our own glass-bottomed sundeck, complete with a hot tub and wooden ladder leading directly into the sparkling ocean.

After a quick dip where we catch our first glimpses of the multi-coloured underwater world that the Maldives are famous for, we venture back onto the mainland to explore our surroundings. Each pristine corner is an invitation relax: whether it’s under the shade of a palm tree on the sand, or on a lounger next to the infinity pool, where you can swim up to the bar and sip a refreshing cocktail. And if you’re still not relaxed enough, be soothed by the floral aromas and gentle music at Chavana Spa, where skilled massage therapists offer a selection of body treatments, facials and massages with aromatherapy oils, surrounded by the resort’s lush landscaping.

Our day ends with an explosion of mouth-watering flavours in the fine dining restaurant, where we indulge in Maldivian specialties whilst admiring the sun set over the water: a truly unforgettable scene.