Coco Palm Bodu Hithi sits on its own private island a relaxing 40-minute motor cruiser ride from Malé. And whilst this 100-villa sanctuary invites its pleasure-seeking guests to chill-out by their private pools in contemporary luxury, thankfully the high modern design also comes with plenty of authentic local craftsmanship.

Nowhere is this better expressed than in the luxurious villas, just under half of them nestled amidst the island’s lush vegetation and the remainder stilted over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The 188 square-metre Island Villas are not only distinguished by their chic neutral colour schemes and private swimming pools, for example, but also by their timber flooring and thatched roofs. Their central ‘feature’ bathtubs are very 21st century and their breathtaking views are definitely of the tropical variety.

Of course, you may prefer to stay right over the lagoon, the thatchedWater Villas and Residences boasting everything from kingsize beds and designer bathrooms to spacious outdoor decks with their own pools. The EscapeWater Villas are positioned further out in the water and feature direct lagoon access and amazing views, whilst the expansive Escape Water Residences are located on their own pier and offer maximum privacy, outdoor showers, 24-hour butlers and exclusive access to the Stars restaurant, lounge and bar.

Other dining options here include the fusion cuisine of Air, the buffets and à la carte choices served either indoors or out on the deck overlooking the island-studded ocean. Aqua is an over-water venue showcasing freshly-caught seafood, whilst the beach-set Breeze is where guests are invited to cook their own catch-of-the-day or leave it to the tender mercies of their personal chef. Showstoppers include private dining platforms designed for romanticmeals à deux and a glass-walled wine roomwhere you can enjoy old and new world wines accompanied by pink-tinged sunsets.

And when it comes to leisure activities, anything from private catamaran cruises and a PADI dive centre to a full range of water sports are available, not to mention tennis, an infinity-edge swimming pool and an over-water fitness space. The Asian-inspired Coco Spa featuring Ayurvedic treatments combines with the Yoga and Tai Chi Pavilions to emphasise the resort’s emphasis on living as well, yet as healthily as possible. A well-deserved member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’.

ACCOMMODATION: 44 ISLAND VILLAS, 16WATER VILLAS, 16 ESCAPEWATER VILLAS & 24 ESCAPEWATER RESIDENCES.
ACCESS: 40MINUTES BYMOTOR CRUISER FROMMALÉ.
CHILDREN: WELCOME.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £2,360 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£180 P.P.P.N.) & £1,760 P.P. IN THE LOW-SEASON (£145 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST INCLUDED. VARIOUS MEAL PLANS AVAILABLE.
SPECIAL OFFERS: FREE NIGHTS, HONEYMOON.