Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has recently won awards for everything from the beauty of its beach to the quality of its overwater bungalows. And that’s no mean feat in the Maldives nowadays! Of course, you’ll first see it from the air and it’s from this unique vantage point that you’re sure to see why everyone is so impressed with this member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’.

First of all, the island itself is a castaway’s fantasy complete with lush vegetation, talcum powder sands and the kind of turquoise lagoon you hoped (but never actually believed!) existed. The 98 thatched-roof villas only add to its allure, most of them beach-facing, but fourteen of them stilted above the water. Almost all are a spacious 87 squaremetres in size and romantically conceived with due deference to their surroundings. The Beach Villas are set slightly back from the beach for privacy, the Deluxe Villas overlook the house reef and come with spa baths and plunge pools, whilst the Lagoon Villas also boast splash pools, as well as lagoon access and bathrooms open to glorious ocean views. Yet life doesn’t get much better than in the very private and aptly-titled Sunset Lagoon Villa which boasts a personal butler and the option of in-villa spa treatments, not forgetting a private terrace positioned for the most stunning views.

Of course, the Indian Ocean is never far away wherever you stay, the PADI dive centre combining with the sailing, waterskiing, dolphin-watching, fishing trips and private catamaran cruises to satisfy most water babes - and if you do overdo it you can always overnight on Robinson Crusoe Island or be pampered in the Asian-style Ayurvedic spa.Who wouldn’t feel on top form after the resort’s 80-minute signature treatment based upon Shiatsu, Balinese, Swedish and Reflexology techniques?

And when it comes to dining, you can stick with the aquatic theme and enjoy freshly grilled fish and seafood at the open-air Cornus Grill, although you are also invited to go on a bit of a culinary journey at the Cornus Restaurant; the Thai, Indian, Maldivian and other Asian specialities going very well with the sound of the surf. Of course, if you want to get that bit closer to it you can always organise a cosy picnic right on the beach.

ACCOMMODATION: 57 BEACH VILLAS, 27 DELUXE VILLAS, 12 LAGOON VILLAS & 2 SUNSET LAGOON VILLAS.
ACCESS: 30 MINUTES BY SEAPLANE FROM MALÉ.
CHILDREN: WELCOME.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £1,875 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£95 P.P.P.N.) & £1,445 P.P.
IN THE LOW-SEASON (£60 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST INCLUDED. VARIOUS MEAL PLANS AVAILABLE.
SPECIAL OFFERS: FREE NIGHTS, HONEYMOON, ANNIVERSARY.