W Maldives

"Fesdu has one of the best 'house reefs' of all the resort islands, which means spectacular dive and snorkel spots right off the beach, as opposed to the boat rides often required elsewhere. The groove here is younger than at other resorts, so water sports and other feats of athleticism by the beach are encouraged. Efforts to attract Russians (vodka bar, extensive caviar menu, chess by the pool) are working, because they're coming here in hordes. Service is outstanding, since the staff takes its ‘whatever/whenever’ policy very seriously, so if you have a special wish --plighting your troth with all the trimmings on a nearby desert isle, say -- they'll make it happen. The self-conscious aspiration to hipness here is unfortunate and decidedly not cool, but some may find such affectations quaint. There are decent dining options -- a seafood spot under-the-stars, a barbecue joint by the water, a bistro -- but unlike other resorts, there's also a game attempt at creating a club scene: a colorful underground grotto of neon and lounge booths, pulsing to DJ-spun trance and house. It is of course possible to completely avoid these and all other distractions at the spa, which is bigger and better than most with its spacious teak-floored treatment rooms on the water."