7 Maldives Resorts That Are Redefining the Islands

"There isn't a hibiscus plant out of place at this Indian Ocean escape set in the far-northern Shaviyani atoll. The neighboring islands are mostly undeveloped, so the seaplane transfer, at about an hour, is a little longer than most, but the payoff comes in the form of never-ending horizons, uninterrupted expanses of sea, and crystal-clear night skies. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other—which makes it medium-size by Maldivian standards. Offshore, there's a large house reef where you can see large white-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and clouds of shoaling fish. For bigger marine thrills, a dolphin cruise yields sightings in the thousands, and a fishing expedition turns up sailfish the size of small children. Back on dry land there are two main swimming pools, a glass-encased spa, and a gigantic kids' club, not to mention 60 pool villas shaped like upturned galleons. There are overwater and land options; skip the former in favor of a spacious, bougainvillea-veiled plot of sand just feet from the ocean. The duplexes, with their upstairs living rooms, are excellent for families. Inside, the decor strays from the usual Maldivian teak chic toward muted shades of blue and amethyst. Among the five superb restaurants, the lunch-only Kaashi is a standout for authentic Thai. There are also three bars, including one by the pool with the Missoni stripes along the bottom, and another serving 98 types of rum inside a tree house overlooking the beach. While there aren't many surprises, this is a polished take on the tropical-paradise blueprint."