Dusit Thani Resort, Maldives

A beautifully lush island in the Baa Atoll, encircled by a vibrant house reef, Dusit Thani Maldives is a resort that keeps getting better. The landscaping is noticeably well-tended, the pathways meander through dense tropical greenery alive with fruit bats swooping between the trees, and the whole place feels spacious, tranquil and thoroughly well-maintained.

The recently renovated villas are a genuine highlight. The two-bedroom beach residences are astonishingly spacious, with huge private gardens, generous beachfront, and a master bedroom upstairs with lovely views across the island. The water villas are looking very smart too, and the deluxe beachfront villa also impressed. For families: the two-bed family villas offer loads of space, though rooms don't connect internally so less ideal for little ones who need parents close by.

Dining is a real strength. Breakfast at The Market is excellent, noticeably expanded from previous visits with a welcome air-conditioned indoor section alongside an outdoor live station that switches its offering between breakfast and dinner. The tuna curry was phenomenal. Sea Grill provides a lovely evening setting with an impressive wine cellar and sand underfoot, part of an extended decked area that also includes the Sand Bar and Wine Cellar, all with the same relaxed sandy-floor feel. Benjarong remains a beautiful setting over the lagoon, and the newly opened Sala is an upstairs bar and vegetarian restaurant above it that's been done very nicely.

The treetop "Garden in Heaven" spa remains in excellent shape, feeling almost brand new. The signature massage was superb, and the tree-top setting — a peaceful sanctuary perched over the island — perfectly complements the relaxed rhythm of the resort.

For active guests, the dive and watersports centre is in really impressive condition. The house reef itself is glorious: absolute fish soup, with numerous turtles and some of the biggest schools of blue triggerfish and longfin bannerfish we've ever seen. A drift snorkel from the dive centre to Benjarong is a delight, though the currents can be strong and the entrance at Benjarong is shallow at low tide, so guests should take advice from the dive team on where and when to go. There's a brand new padel court and freshly resurfaced tennis courts, plus a decent small gym and an 800-metre jogging trail through the centre of the island.

A special highlight was the sandbank cocktail event for return and VIP guests, far more generous and convivial than the typical weekly management drinks, with champagne, canapés, a photographer and staff mingling throughout.

This is a resort for couples and families who want a genuinely natural Maldivian island feel with excellent facilities, warm Thai hospitality, and enough space to find your own quiet corner. The team are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxed rather than lively, and the whole experience feels genuinely well-cared-for. Bring mosquito repellent and you'll have a wonderful time.