Firmly established as one of the world’s most exclusive resorts, the iconic One&Only Reethi Rah more than lives up to its billing. The villas are some of the largest in the world, the service is impeccable and the cuisine is world-class. A jewel amongst a string of coral atolls, and with a name meaning ‘beautiful island’, this gloriously secluded private island hideaway offers an Indian Ocean experience unlike any other.

Reached by a 45-minute luxury boat transfer, or a 20-minute seaplane flight.

22 miles from Malé in the North Malé Atoll.

Each of the 122 villas is either set on its own secluded patch of sandy shore or on stilts over the water. Beach Villas have one or two bedrooms and are a good choice for families, while Water Villas exude romance and are perfect for couples. All feature stylish natural furnishings, a flat screen satellite TV with surround sound, an iPod docking station, DVD/CD player and a personal 24-hour Villa Concierge to attend to your every need. As well as a large soaking bath and cascading shower, each villa also has its own verandah or over-water deck. The popular Water Villas with Pool are a great choice for their generous outdoor living space, including a private infinity pool hovering over the lagoon. Grand Water Villas with Pool are larger and feature a separate indoor living room as well as extensive outdoor living/dining space and private pool. For those seeking the ultimate One&Only experience, there’s the exceptional three bedroom Grand Residence, or the lavish Grand Sunset Residence, with its own private beachfront, two swimming pools, fully-fitted kitchen and personal chef.

The resort’s six restaurants are all superb, and imaginative menus include fresh seafood, chargrills and sushi. Reethi Restaurant fuses Mediterranean and Far Eastern flavours, while Tapasake offers first-class Japanese cuisine. Fanditha is a feet-in-the sand Middle Eastern themed affair with a laid-back ambience, and the Beach Club serves delicious Latin American-style snacks, salads and ice cream. We can highly recommend Botanica, which offers al fresco dining under the Banyan tree, utilising island-grown produce, and Rabarbaro for authentic Italian cuisine in the most picturesque spot on the island. There is also the option to enjoy a candlelit dinner in the privacy of your own villa.

Bed & Breakfast

Gain your PADI qualification at the resort’s dive centre and explore some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Deep sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling are all available, as are gentler pursuits such as dolphin watching and desert island picnics. The resort has three swimming pools, two floodlit tennis courts and dedicated KidsOnly and OneTribe Clubs for 4-11 year olds, as well as ClubOne for teens. The sublime One&Only Spa offers Ayurvedic treatments and a range of other restorative therapies and includes saunas, steam rooms, vitality pools and a beauty centre offering manicures and pedicures; there is also a Chi Pavilion for Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates.