The World's Best Private Island Resorts

"A magical mélange of 80 design-rich accommodations–some floating, some rooted in the sand–Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is exactly what tropical dreams are made of. True, it’s a constant tug of war deciding between the highly romantic, thatched-roof overwater sanctuaries (each with a private pool) or the more residential-style, ultra-private beach villas (each with direct beach access). But in either case, dreamy amenities reign standard. To start, consider: fantasy bathtubs, either with glass bottoms or surrounded by reflection ponds, and swinging daybeds. You’ll likely never want to leave your posh digs, but greater Kihavah’s elevated enticements constitute some of the Maldives’ best–and merit your attention. On this far-flung paradise, find a world-class overwater spa with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the nation’s first Muay Thai boxing ring, astronomy-themed rooftop bar SKY (with the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean), and underwater restaurant SEA, where the likes of clown fish, grouper, and blacktip reef sharks put on the most memorable of dinner shows.Best of all? Kihavah is located in the thick of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve-designated Baa Atoll, and its house reef is a mind blowing underwater Eden. So much so that it's the subject of a pioneering research-based scientific publication and coffee table book, "Wonders of Kihavah," led by Australian Marine Conservation Society Director, Dr. Selina Ward and photographed by noted underwater photographer Alex Kydd." - Paul Rubio