Ifuru Island Resort, Maldives

Ifuru Island Maldives does things its own way. Independently owned and proudly different, this is not a hushed, minimalist escape. It is social, playful, and knowingly cheeky, built around the idea that a Maldivian holiday can be as lively as you want it to be. With 147 suites and villas, six dining options, four bars, and a 24-hour all-inclusive plan, the emphasis is on freedom and fun.

The accommodation spans suites and villas across the island, all designed with a fresh, contemporary feel. The all-inclusive plan is proper, not a stripped-back affair, and the range of dining keeps things interesting across the stay. The four bars give plenty of options for sundowners and late night drinks, and the atmosphere is noticeably more sociable than the average resort.

Where Ifuru really stands out is its private airstrip. The resort has its own runway, which means direct domestic flights and a genuinely seamless arrival experience. It also means Ifuru can offer skydiving over the Maldives, which is as rare as it sounds. For anyone who has ever wanted to see the atolls from a few thousand feet up before splashing down in the ocean, this is the place. For calmer pursuits, there is snorkelling and diving in the surrounding waters, and the usual kit of water sports and excursions.

Ifuru is best for groups of friends, couples who want action alongside their relaxation, and anyone who finds the traditional quiet island a little too sedate. It is not aiming for hushed luxury, and that is precisely the point. A welcome dose of personality in the Maldivian resort scene.