Maldives

Meeru is one of the largest and most popular resorts in the archipelago, with 286 rooms scattered around the leafy interior of the island (‘gardne villas’) or facing the sea (‘beach’ and ‘water’ villas), in addition to a couple of exclusive honeymoon hideaways. Thanks to some serious sand pumping over the past few years, beaches extend all around the shoreline, the finest of them on the northern side.

Whether you want a secluded bolthole or accommodation in a more animated corner of the resort, there’s plenty of choice. A lively programme of entertainment is held in the evenings, with live bands, crab races and table tennis tournaments. Transfers to and from the airport are by speedboat.