Best Beach Resort in the World. Winner of a Harper's Bazaar's Best Beach Resort in the World award, Huvafen Fushi is truly among the world's best. Set within its own protected and crystal clear lagoon, Huvafen Fushi by Per AQUUM is a naturalist's wonderland both above and below the waterline. Reached by luxury speedboat from Malé, the retreat is surrounded by tranquil waters brimming with sea life. For hedonists it is without parallel. There are incredible underwater glass spa treatment rooms, the world's first, with multicoloured fish gliding by. In addition there are over water yoga pavilions for relaxation and magnificent beach and ocean pavilions for romance and seclusion.

The beautiful accommodation includes island chic bungalows and villas along the beach, with private walled gardens leading out to bathrooms and private pools with oversized day beds. Families are well catered for in the three bedroom CUBE, the former owner's private residence, and four bedroom beach pavilions which come complete with private butler service. There are also overwater lagoon and ocean bungalows as well as sensational ocean pavilions 200 metres out to sea. With inviting freshwater pools, plasma screen TVs and Bose sound systems with personal iPods preloaded with a huge array of music, describing the bungalows and pavilions as luxurious is an understatement on a monumental scale.

Gloriously private sunbathing decks from which guests may step straight into the sea, outdoor showers and temple-like bathrooms, a 24 hour private butler service and a setting beyond compare; it is hard to imagine how life could be more indulgent or enjoyable. But it can: new floating rooms have arrived in the form of a 21 metre long sleek powerboat, the Sensuélle, with one huge master bedroom, full size bathtub, Jacuzzi, spa room, as well as all the amenities you expect from the accommodation on land. Slower and more traditional looking from the outside is the fleet of five luxury 20 metre wooden dhonis, which can be chartered with a full crew to explore the atolls under sail or motor. Inside there is a funky kitchen with a Smeg fridge, plasma TV, king size bed,  living area and Phillipe Starck bathroom.

Back on land unforgettable opportunities to eat and drink the finest food, wines, fresh juices and cocktails abound; the options include UMbar, the poolside bar; Celsius, the white sand floored gourmet restaurant; Salt, the over water and under stars seafood restaurant or Vinum, the underground wine cellar. Raw serves healthy lunches to complement the yoga and spa facilities offered at the LIME Spa, home to the underwater treatment rooms and intuitive therapies. With superb diving and water sports, big game fishing and expeditions to deserted islets also on offer, the only bad thing about Huvafen Fushi is having to leave.