Indulge yourself in the Maldives

With secluded villas, sunset cruises and the chance to get up close to an array of tropical sea creatures, this Indian Ocean paradise is the perfect place to lose yourself

The Maldives excel at a sense of indulgence, freedom and nature. Every resort is on its own self-contained island, meaning that adults can lose themselves in a sense of romance while children can explore without danger of getting lost.

Reached after a magical 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé, the lozenge-shaped island of Kanuhura is covered in trees, surrounded by gently-shelving sand and clear blue waters. On the Lhaviyani atoll, it reopened last year with a brace of new enticements. There are five restaurants, two bars and a deli that cover cuisines from Asian fusion to Italian; one is set up within the hotel’s herb garden, another is on the beach, while in mood they range from informal to special occasion dining.

Secluded villas

One of the Leading Hotels of the World, there are no rooms on Kanuhura. Instead, there are just 80 villas, many with their own private swimming pools. Choices include suites perched over the water and secluded beach villas, suitable for families, which sleep up to eight people. The water villa rooms have sunrise views, while the beach villa rooms tend to offer the chance to enjoy the sunset. All have decks, terraces and outdoor showers and guests have their own bicycles to allow them to explore.

Tucked away on its own part of the island is the secluded but luxurious Kokaa spa. There are nine treatment rooms, including three double ones for couples; massages are luxurious and careful. As well as a gym, there’s also a yoga studio and an outdoor spa area.

See the sealife

As well as floodlit tennis courts and a freeform infinity pool, Kanuhura’s atoll is one of the best destinations in the Maldives to see tropical fish and turtles. You can snorkel straight from the shore into the surrounding reef and lagoon (below), and PADI scuba diving lessons include ones geared to older children. Big game fishing is also on offer along with kitesurfing, paragliding and water-skiing, and the beach is a spectacular one, with white coral sand.

For younger children there’s a special club, while for older ones, sessions are more activity-based, taking advantage of the enormous variety of water sports.

Sunset cruises take place on the hotel’s own dhoni, a boat based on a traditional Indian Ocean design, but for those who want to take Kanuhura’s sense of privacy to the next level, the resort has its own private island, with the chance to be cast adrift for a meal under the stars... with your own butler.

British Airways flies direct to the Maldives up to three times a week from London Gatwick until late March (then indirect via Doha). Save 40 per cent on your hotel stay at the 5* Kanuhura Maldives and receive a free half board meal plan upgrade from B&B and a free sea plane transfer when you book by 28 February. Valid for travel until 24 March 2018. Terms apply. For more information visit ba.com/kanuhura