Kurumba Maldives *****

Kurumba was the very first Maldivian resort to open its ‘doors’, back in 1972. Its history and traditional style are evident but this compact village-like island also offers a host of more contemporary facilities.

The choice of dining here is superb – there’s a restaurant for every night of the week with a poolside café to spare. And the quality is excellent. It begins with the main restaurant, Vihamana, which serves up a variety of buffet dishes from hearty Italian to fiery curries. Of the seven speciality restaurants, Italian fine dining is perfectly executed at Duo, while Al Qasr (‘the Palace’) lives up to its name with decadent surrounds and delicious Middle Eastern flavours. And then there’s Thila, which extends out over the waters – this is the gourmet breakfast venue for higher room types and the ideal spot for seafood dinners.

Snorkelling on the house reef is just steps from the beach and diving packages are available to pre-book. Rooms sit in clusters around the network of paths, with traditional exteriors and more modern furnishings. Superior Rooms are in two-storey buildings with views of the coconut groves. Deluxe Rooms, though smaller, are ideal for couples seeking a more peaceful location. For direct beach views, opt for a Beachfront Deluxe Bungalow. There’s also a range of pool villas.