Huvafen Fushi
Maldives, Indian Ocean[view map]
Worth getting out of bed for
Underwater's where it's at here: not only can you snorkel above bannerfish, fairy basslets and other colourfully named sea creatures on Huvafen Fushi's house reef, you can have premier pampering underwater at Lime spa: two of the eight treatment rooms have glass walls looking out across the ocean floor. The treatment menu ranges from iridology and reiki to wellness rituals and salt scrubs.
Book a guided snorkelling trip with Huvafen Fushi's resident marine biologist will guide you to the best spots on the coral garden and explain what you're going to see. There's a PADI-standard diving centre, too. Undo all that great fresh-air frolicking at UMbar, where cigar aficionados can try a totally smokin' selection of superior Cuban and Dominican cigars.
If you're feeling the need for a little more stimulation, other activities on offer include excursions to the Maldivian capital Malé, sunset cruises, curry-cooking classes, wine-tasting at Vinum, fishing trips, yoga, windsurfing, sailing and wakeboarding… let's just say you'd need to stay at Huvafen for a ridiculously long time to get bored.
Diary
Huvafen Fushi has a 'Dream Calendar' of year-round one-off events, including visits from top-name DJs such as Ravin and Claude Challe of Buddha-bar fame, José Padilla from Café del Mar, French spin-star Charles Shillings and Stéphane Pompougnac of Hotel Costes. There are also visits from training gurus and guest beauty experts, including Gisele's facialist, Anastasia Achilleos.