The phrase "island time" is very much a reality at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, a hotel in Raa Atoll that keeps clocks an hour ahead of the capital Malé to maximise daylight for guests. But that's just the start of the surreal experience of staying here. Within minutes, you'll have kicked off your shoes and traded for the resort's branded flip-flops. Then you might hop on a bike -- everyone has one, the staff included -- to pedal to the Lighthouse restaurant on the tail end of the manatee-shaped island from the overwater villas stretching from its head. Though most likely you'll have sought out one of the many sunbeds facing the water, whose crystal clarity allows you to spot reef fish right from the shore. This is a place that epitomises barefoot luxury, and does it with aplomb.
This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue
Score 8/10
The 81 generously proportioned one-bedroom villas and multi-bedroom residences here -- each with its own plunge pool and deep soaking tub -- all share the same beach-house aesthetic; dark wood and rattan furnishings, with giant throw cushions and shallow-pile rugs adding pops of colour.
Choose your location carefully, especially if you're booking a villa rather than residence. The overwater villas are the smallest and furthest from the main hub. They maximise sea views and privacy, with beds facing the infinity-edge plunge pool and steps leading down to the sea.
The two-storey Lagoon villas enjoy views of both the sea and a man-made lagoon, but can at times feel cramped because of the layout. As for the spacious Beach villas, these are proper bungalow homes. Mature mangroves surround each property, affording greater privacy while still allowing direct access to the sandy shore. Go for the sunrise side for the best snorkelling off the beach.
Score 9/10
Food is taken very seriously here, with attentive but never overbearing service catering to a well-heeled international crowd. Café Umi is the laid-back main restaurant, offering a gourmet buffet at breakfast (the pastries are top-tier) and Michelin-quality lunch and dinner covering the gamut from yellowfin tuna sashimi to sourdough pizzas.
The two other restaurants are open for dinner only. The Lighthouse showcases Mediterranean flavours against ocean views, with options such as oxtail tortellini in a garlic cream sauce. Seafood-centric Fish Market, with its own fish counter, infuses Far East and southeast Asian flavours into dishes such as crispy grouper with XO sauce. There is also the option to "Dine by Design" in a range of idyllic locations around the resort, from a secluded beach to your own villa.
Elsewhere, the Sunset Bar does a great champagne cocktail -- bottles are opened à la sabrage, adding extra flair to the experience -- while the Retreat provides an adults-only space for sundowners.
Note that while packages range from B&B to all inclusive, the generous portions and complimentary afternoon tea means half-board is more than enough to suit most people.
* Best family hotels in the Maldives
* More great island resorts in the Maldives
Score 10/10
Billed as a private island resort, this hotel is a snorkeller's paradise. The house reef is a coral garden teeming with life, and you'll easily spot triggerfish, rainbow parrot fish and butterflyfish from the shore. Borrow snorkelling equipment for free from the hotel's Marine Centre, as well as kayaks and paddleboards. Extra-fee activities include jet-skiing and wakeboarding, or choose from daily excursions such as dolphin cruises and turtle safaris on board the hotel's yacht (exclusive-use only) or fleet of speedboats.
Parents can drop their children off at the Planet Trekkers kids' club (from age four), whose roster of crafts and citizen science activities are tempting even for grown ups, but your little ones are just as welcome around the resort. Staff here have a genuine love for children and will think nothing of keeping them entertained while you're enjoying a long lunch. Small bikes, cots and high chairs are available on request.
Meanwhile, if relaxation is top of your agenda, check in at the spa. The overwater treatment rooms overlook the liveliest bit of reef, while an extensive menu includes massage styles ranging from Balinese to Thai. Book these and all other activities with your "island curator", a villa butler to help you make the most of your stay.
Score 10/10
In the Raa Atoll in northern Maldives, this secluded resort is a 35-minute seaplane ride away from the capital Malé. The water clarity here is incredible, and there's abundant coral and marine life. The reason this resort trumps others is its proximity to juvenile manta ray feeding grounds -- just ten minutes by speedboat and you're ready to dive in and swim with these gentle giants. Nearby there's also the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, which is one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving in the Maldives.
Price B&B bungalows from £846
Restaurant mains from £26
Family-friendly Y
Accessible N