Sirru Fen Fushi - Private Lagoon Resort

Sirru Fen Fushi, meaning Secret Water Island in Dhivehi, lives up to its name. Set on a generously sized island in Shaviyani Atoll, it offers that rare combination of space, privacy and outstanding natural beauty. The journey here is a spectacle in itself, a 55-minute seaplane ride from Malé that skims over scattered atolls before arriving at a shoreline of soft white sand and intensely blue water.

The scale of this resort is immediately apparent. Its 200-metre infinity pool is one of the longest in the Maldives, with a dedicated family section and a separate adults-only area with jacuzzi, so no one misses out. The house reef stretches for nine kilometres, making this a superb choice for snorkellers and divers, and the underwater sculpture park by Jason deCaires Taylor adds an unexpected cultural dimension to the marine experience. Accommodation is unusually varied for the Maldives: 120 villas spread across beachfront, overwater and jungle settings, each with a private pool. There are even tented villas for those who fancy a different kind of castaway feel. Every villa comes with a personal host, indoor and outdoor showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining is well covered. Raha Market handles the buffet with daily theme nights, Kata serves Japanese on a rooftop terrace, and Azure focuses on seafood by the water. The Onu Onu bar sits beachfront by the main pool for sundowners that need little introduction.

Sirru Fen Fushi works exceptionally well for families who want space and variety, and for couples who want their own quiet corner of a larger island. It avoids feeling crowded despite its size, which is no small feat. A genuinely versatile Maldivian resort that deserves serious consideration.