Although a tiny island - you can walk from one end to the other in under 10 minutes - Milaidhoo is serious about food and there are four fabulous restaurants to choose from, including the unique and utterly brilliant Ba'theli. Over 5,000 years ago, the Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with cargoes of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. The Maldivians bartered coconuts, shells and sails woven from coconut fibre for spice, rice, ceramics and silks. Locally made cargo boats, called ba'theli in the local language (hence the restaurant's name), sailed throughout the archipelago with these goods, spreading knowledge about different lands, their customs and cuisine. Fast forward to today, Ba'theli - which is uniquely shaped just like a traditional boat - celebrates this culinary history, serving memorable locally inspired dishes elevated with herbs, spices and only the finest ingredients. Complementing the stunning surroundings and incredible cuisine is an impressive wine list, offer sommelier-selected labels from around the world.
There's nowhere in the world quite as romantic as the Maldives. Exclusively comprising secluded one-bedroom villas and not allowing young children, this resort is ideal for an unforgettable trip for two. Whether you choose to stay in a villa on the beach or suspended above the lagoon, you'll soon be selecting a bottle from your private wine fridge, cooling off in your freshwater infinity pool or sharing stories as you sit on your Maldivian-style swing chair enjoying 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean. From candlelit dinners to scented baths, there's a huge choice of wonderful excursions and experiences to tick off your joint bucket-lists. Forget about the outside world and take a boat to an uninhabited and utterly mesmerising private island for a day of romance in paradise, or sail across the Indian Ocean by traditional dhoni boat (fizz in hand) while admiring the sensational sunset. You can even sleep under the stars on an isolated sandbank, enjoying a private dinner and sunrise breakfast.
A stay Milaidhoo is all about taking off your shoes, turning off your phone and truly embracing the spellbinding serenity of the Maldives. Whether you're lying back with a book on the sandy beach, gliding across the waves by luxury yacht or chilling with a cocktail as you watch the sun sink behind the sea, you're guaranteed to feel a sense of calm that's hard to describe. Of course, the ultimate place for relaxation is the spa, made up of four treatment rooms suspended over turquoise water. The treatments here embrace traditional African healing traditions and local herbs and plants, while using organic products from renowned wellness brands Elemeis, TheraNaka and Coola. The menu includes a massage that uses to wood to mimic the rhythmical patterns of an African dance, a coconut sand body scrub and a muscle-easing mud wrap. You can also enjoy complimentary meditation and yoga sessions at the over-water pavilion, admiring views of endless blue and backed by the soft sound of waves - bliss.
Thanks to the on-site PADI centre, you can dive headfirst into the magical marine life of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that surrounds the resort - from dolphins to seemingly countless tropical fish. The experts can arrange a host of adventures tailored to your interest and experience level - including house reef diving, boat diving, private diving and night diving. The world-famous Hanifaru Bay is also on your doorstep here, perhaps best known for being a breeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks, giving you an excellent chance of seeing these mesmerising sea giants while snorkelling or diving here. You can learn more about the wonderful wildlife from the two resident marine biologists, as well as the practices in place to protect the reef and its incredible inhabitants. Other water-based adventures include a cruise through the atoll to spot schools of local dolphins or fishing in the traditional Maldivian method alongside a local. Closer to the resort, choose from various complimentary non-motorised watersports - including transparent kayaks, windsurfers, catamarans, stand up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment.