Chic villas, some overwater, in a posh resort with an infinity pool, a Japanese restaurant & a spa. On a private island in the Laccadive Sea, this posh beach resort is a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. Luxe villas have decks, beach access and sea views. All feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and iPod docks, as well as minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded villas add private pools and tropical outdoor showers. Some quarters are set overwater. Breakfast is complimentary. There's a Japanese restaurant and a beachside eatery, plus a chic cocktail bar and a poolside bar. Other amenities include an infinity pool, and a spa with hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. A dive center and a kids' club are also offered.
"Although the Maldives isn't exactly hurting for luxury properties, Taj's Exotica Resort and Spa still manages to set itself apart from the pack. Occupying its own private motu (small reef/island), it's ideal for those craving peace and quiet, where villages with palm-thatched roofs and wood finishes on the exteriors and floors all come with panoramic Indian Ocean views. If you're not content to stay in bed all day, though, there are plenty of lounge-ready hammocks hanging on the beach, and activities like the sunset dolphin-watching cruise to keep you feeling like you're actually doing something. Deep End Restaurant offers top-notch dishes, focusing mostly on the tastes of Europe."