Pretty much every Maldivian resort claims to be the first to do something. But while others compete to add more and more shiny new amenities, Maalifushi by COMO really has gone out on a limb: earlier this year, it became the first luxury resort to open in the remote Thaa Atoll, meaning you can be among the first to explore the pristine waters stretching off in all directions. Hardcore surfers have long known that the nearby Farms break is world-class (the season runs from Apr-Oct), but the resident marine biologists and dive masters are still discovering new spots to explore every day. We finished our PADI at Maalifushi and such was the diversity of sealife that it basically ruined diving for us forever. The resort itself features 50 rooms and suites, 15 villas on land and over water, as well as three restaurants, including sunset views from Japanese fine-dining spot Tai. It’s stylish without being overbearing, and its sheer remoteness makes the whole thing feel like the best of adventures. Rates start from US$650/night (B21,327), including transfer by domestic airline (it’s an additional US$550 [B18,046] per person for the seaplane)—the airport is a 25-minute speedboat ride away, from where it’s 35 minutes back to Male. 

 

If uncomplicated luxe is what you’re after (and let’s face it that’s most visitors to the Maldives) then Huvafen Fushi is hard to beat. Just 30 minutes by private speedboat transfer from Male, it’s even feasible as a weekend break from Bangkok. It’s smaller (just 43 bungalows) than many of the bigger name resorts, meaning more personalized service and few people around to interrupt your tropical daydreaming (unsurprisingly, it’s a celebrity favorite). The big draw here is LIME, the world’s first underwater spa: both it and the resort have won their share of design awards, and Huvafen frequently tops the glossy magazine best-of lists. But it’s not all glitz and glamour—one of our most memorable experiences was feeding stingrays by hand as the sun went down. We also saw more sharks here than anywhere else (in the diving world that’s apparently a good thing). Rates start from US$1,048 (B34,385) for a double room, including breakfast for two. Book through Mr and Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) and you’ll also get Champagne and fruit on arrival. 

Don’t be fooled by the Maldives’ reputation as a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon destination—it’s cheaper than ever to get there, and there are a growing number of affordable accommodation options if you’re willing to forego extreme luxury (and, on the local islands, alcohol). Since 2009, locals have been allowed to open their own guesthouses, and now beach houses and homestays go for as little as US$50/night (B1,640) through Airbnb. We’ve heard good things about the Amazing Noovilu Guesthouse (US$163/night [B5,348], including three meals), which offers excursions like manta watching and dolphin spotting from US$50 (B1,640) and is accessible via a 1h 20min public speedboat ride (US$25/B820) from Male to Mahibadoo. Another option is to book with Secret Paradise who also offer local island-hopping packages (using public ferries) from US$450 (B14,765) for three days to US$1,099 (B36,058) for eight days.