One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives lives up to its name: it sprawls across its own island, and has the Maldives’ first PADI National Geographic dive centre, sun spa and climbing wall. Did we mention the eight dining spots, the tennis courts and the 12 beaches? Keep reading.
‘No news, no shoes’: that’s the only rule at
Soneva Jani in the Maldives, though you could add ‘no blues’ (of the emotional kind) to the formula, too. Actual blues abound, from sky to sea, in every conceivable hue and semi-hue of enticing aqua. Sibling to Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani does the family proud: its considerable lures include an overwater cinema, star-gazing observatory, meditative labyrinth (uh huh), va-va-voom villas and the signature Soneva crowd-pleasers, including a lush, hushed spa, brilliant staff and So Cool ice-cream, cheese and chocolate rooms. This is the Maldives at its most magical.
Boutique hotel
Be Tulum in Riviera Maya, Mexico is fit for a stylish castaway. Tucked within a tropical forest by the Caribbean Sea, the hotel’s suites lie at the end of winding jungle paths illuminated by hanging lanterns. Inside, you’ll find cowhide rugs, leather butterfly chairs and stand-alone bath tubs. The nearby beach is scattered with day-beds and palm-thatched palapas that offer shade. At sunset, pull up a chair at one of the rustic wooden tables in the sand and dine on fresh-from-the-ocean fare.
#4 Gourmet Getaways
These are places you'd make a detour for (even if you weren't staying at the hotel); meals memorable enough to recall long after you leave. The Best Gourmet Getaway is about more than culinary stars: it's an experience to savour. The food is part and parcel of your stay, possibly even the highlight of your trip.