Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives ★★★★★

The Maldives. Even the mere uttering of it conjures up daydreams of digging one’s toes into the soft sand of deserted white-sand beaches, or swimming peacefully in crystal clear sapphire water amongst schools of vibrant tropical fish. There are over a thousand coral islands that make up the paradise of the Maldives, yet as we touched down on beautiful Kanifushi, just a half-an-hour journey from Malé airport, we were sure we’d chosen the right one. On its sandy shoes it harbours the luxurious world of the Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives *****, where they succeed at providing an incredible level of five-star holiday luxury.

Our wonderful Junior Suite was blessed with one of the best locations on the whole island; like the rest of the rooms, it was just steps away from the flawless beach, but its prime spot meant we could feast our eyes on the stunning sunsets from the privacy of our own veranda. Inside, the vast space was furnished in typical Maldivian style with natural wood and stone flooring, but with such luxurious contemporary touches as a whirlpool bathtub in the bathroom.

The Platinum Plus package meant that everything was included: no worries, no hassle. There was enough dining choice to satisfy every appetite, with a delightful assortment of eateries ranging from the buffet-style “The Spice” to the vegetarian dishes of “Just Veg”. Although it wasn’t included in our package, we both loved the authentic experience of the Japanese “Teppenyaki Grill”, where we watched a chef turn raw ingredients into a delicious dinner before our very eyes. And there was no chance of us going thirsty, either: soft drinks, cocktails and premium alcohols were all unlimited, so no matter what the time of day, we helped ourselves to a little of what we fancied.

And I haven’t even started on the entertainment and activities…along with the diving, snorkelling and sports facilities available, a gorgeous spa sat nestled in the beautifully-landscaped gardens, complete with sauna, steam room and hot tub. But without a doubt my favourite thing to do on the island was let my cares float away in “The Sunset” pool as the sun lowered to meet the glimmering horizon in an awe-inspiring spectacle of glorious reds, oranges and pinks: at the Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives *****, we’d truly found our piece of paradise.