HE toughest thing about tropical idylls is access. Toil and travel make unwilling bedfellows. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives deftly takes the tedium out of transfers with a stunning blue-water location on Emboodhu Finolhu (or Three Coconut Island) just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. The island is strung out in a long slim exclamation mark fringed by white sand and twin boardwalks jutting out over the water, linked at an ”arrow-tip” point with water villas radiating outwards.

The 20 Lagoon Villas serve up 71sq m of space with a sun deck, loungers, and twin vanities in the bathroom. Deluxe Lagoon Villas with Pool stretch the fun to 91 sq m with a freshwater playground and limitless views. Villa categories climb up culminating in the two-bedroom Villa Suites measuring 365sq m and one Presidential Villa Suite at a staggering 500sq m, a mini-destination with a living room, huge master bedroom, a glass-partition bathroom, a 15ft pool, and hammock.

Need more? Think water sports galore, football, volleyball, billiards and a PADI dive centre. Sunset cruises and fishing expeditions are available for incurable romantics and sports enthusiasts. After all that snorkelling and diving in gin-clear seas that immodestly blend every shade from stunning emerald to deep turquoise, a popular rejuvenation spot is the Jiva Grande Spa, a secluded wellness sanctuary. Expect holistic therapies, yoga, meditation, mud treatments, and assorted massage suites.

A range of dining options is on hand to cater for puckish palates. Dive in The Deep End (for European a la carte and wines), visit 24 Degrees for all day dining, The Equator Bar for a sundowner and leisurely cigar, order in, or head out to a private island for that special moment where any flubbed lines can be compensated by the flamboyant accompaniment of ocean breezes and the lapping of the waves. You can’t go wrong here at what is one of the best Maldives resorts for all tastes. Friendly vibes and a laid back atmosphere.