OR a sybaritic escape into the blue there are few more exciting destinations than the Maldives. Exquisitely designed to barely ruffle a small, oval, sand-fringed island floating on an endless expanse of sea in a northern atoll, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives is a hideaway where privacy and pampering are the norm. And it is this unequivocal median that defines this escape as one of the best Maldives luxury resorts.

Blending in seamlessly with the landscape, the 83 villas all offer private pools set in timbered sun decks, villa hosts, and alfresco dining areas to take in blazing sunsets as only the Indian Ocean can serve up. Guests can pick from Beach Villas nested in a fringe of coconut trees, Water Villas discretely radiating out on stilts, Suites, all the way up to a 600sq m two-bedroom Grand Beach Pavilion and a spacious Grand Water Pavilion that can host six people.

Plunging into the water is delightfully uncomplicated. Leave your footprints in the powder-white sand and descend into the shallows to snorkel and gawp at marine life. Dive with a PADI team, head out for some deep sea fishing, swim in one of two infinity pools, or opt for further muscle-wearying action – canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing. Less taxing but equally entertaining is an 18-hole golf simulator. The Modun Spa offers a tranquil escape in a garden setting with ayurveda, aromatherapy and wellness rituals that help rank this among the best Maldives spa resorts.

If you’re planning a romantic Maldives wedding, Waldorf Astoria comes up spades. Get blessed or, if you wish to splash out, doff your pinstripes and bring your company over for a corporate meeting Maldives resort style. Gourmets will enjoy exclusive over-water dining, a heady stock of fine wines, and a range of dining options. The suntan is free.