Having its own fleet of yachts means no waiting around in Male on arrival. You’ll be whisked off in style, whatever time you step off the plane, for this luxurious champagne-assisted final part of your journey.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives spans 3 islands connected by slatted bridges and surrounded by crystal waters. Each space has been well thought through – elegance and beach chic combine with Maldivian influences to make this family friendly resort a fabulous example of luxury at its finest.

119 villas – Beach, Reef and Overwater, complete with signature concierge service, are your own private retreat. Sandy pathways, thatched roofs, frangipani, palms, hibiscus and turquoise doorways set the scene whilst on the inside all rooms boast wow factor tall ceilings and walls of glass adding a sense of space and light in the already generously large and contemporary interiors, king size baths, outdoor showers and immaculate décor. Beach villas are framed within lush foliage and give direct access to beach. Hybrid Reef Villas have their entrance via the beach and terrace over water allowing you to gaze at the ocean from your pool or the overwater hammocks. The Overwater Villas have the addition of glass floors connecting you to the turquoise waters. Each accommodation has extraordinary outdoor spaces featuring expansive private pools with loungers in the shallows, large terraces, dining areas, swinging daybeds under thatched canopies, hammocks over the ocean and sweeping ocean views. Spacious 2 and 3 bedroomed villas provide luxury for larger groups and families and the 2 double storey Stella Maris offshore villas provide privacy and contemporary luxury for couples or honeymooners.

Younger guests will discover endless fun at The Stars Club. There’s a water recreation park with a family pool and interactive activities for kids and teens, including a games room and playroom. Whilst the kids are entertained the adults can relax in The Waldorf Astoria Spa. Shrouded by palm trees, this botanical oasis has garden and glass floored treatment rooms which hover above the water. There’s a sauna, steam room and a 30-meter Aqua Therapy pool with different jets and massage lounges to ease muscle tension, boost the immune system, increase blood circulation, speed up metabolism and improve deep sleep quality. Home to the yoga pavilion with its ocean views, the spa is a true oasis for holistic treatments and wellness-minded travellers. If you are wanting to maintain your workout regime, then head to the gym and fitness centre with personal trainers on hand.

For anyone wanting more activity, then snorkelling from your beach or deck is just the start. Kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis, surf lessons, catamaran sailing, and kitesurfing are all available. Diving excursions, sunset cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and fishing expeditions can all be arranged. There’s a paddle court, tennis court, volleyball net, games and a DJ at the beach club and unforgettable adventures like sailing to a sandbar for snorkelling and a picnic and scheduled daily activities are on offer should you wish to participate. Music, paint-and-sip parties, movie nights, and silent discos will liven up the evenings if you so desire.

With 11 dining options, the choice is exceptional. For breakfast head to Tasting Table for an international buffet and live show kitchens. There’s a touch of Michelin-starred excellence with Australian chef Dave Pynt’s cool barbeque beach shack style - The Ledge. Perched among the treetops, climb into hand crafted bamboo pods at Terra for a tasting menu. The chefs at Chinese Li Long whip up authentic meals complete with Peking duck. There’s the Arabian village of Yasmeen serving sublime Middle eastern fair and newly opened world-renowned Zuma, with a high-energy vibe. The limestone cave wine cellar of The Rock where 2400 wine bottle sit on display and at Glow, the concept is garden to table with a rich plant-based menu. By day, Nava serves wood-fired pizza and unmissable tacos. Head to alfresco oceanfront Amber, perfectly positioned for sunset views with bubbles or cocktail in hand while sampling fresh oysters and avocado bruschetta.

Reserved for one-of-a-kind celebrations or reunions and surrounded by coral reef and clear waters there’s Ithaafushi -The Private Island. At almost eight acres, it is the largest exclusive-use private island of its kind in the region, sleeping up to 24 guests in its 3-bedroom Beach Villa, 2-bedroom Overwater Villa and 4-bedroom Residence. This private resort has its own overwater spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, gym, yoga pavilion, paddle, tennis and volleyball court, a play area for kids and a beach cabana. There’s even an entertainment clubhouse that boasts a pair of side-by-side pools with a swim-up bar, billiards, table football, a cinema room, ping pong table, and plenty of space for a DJ or live entertainment should you want to throw a party! The dedicated on-island chefs are on hand to create bespoke menus with a “dine when you like” policy.