Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is an intimate island resort, surrounded by spectacular turquoise water bursting with sea life. Even its name is perfect – in Maldivian, Vabbinfaru means a round island circled by a round coral reef.

Each of the 48 all-pool villas on the island are dotted across lush green gardens of coconut trees and tropical blooms. The villas rare shaped like a seashell and topped with a conical thatched roof in a traditional style.

There are three styles of villas, each just as beautiful as the next and all with pools. The Ocean View Pool villas features indoor and outdoor showers and the patio off the bedroom leads down to the pure white sand and the aqua-hued lagoon. The Beachfront Pool Villas are stunning with wooden slatted paths connecting guests to sea and sand. The private poolside cabana and sheltered outdoor terrace are tranquil spaces for resting and reading. The Spa Sanctuary Pool villas are the pick for lovers of pampering with unlimited spa treatments available. The Resort’s spa is exceptional.

While the villas are almost too exquisite to leave, there is so much to do on and off the island. Swim with the majestic Manta rays, go cruising on board one of the island’s two private yachts, go snorkelling, diving or go on a dolphin cruise. Better still, guests of all ages will love the Marine Lab, where they can join in-house divers to carry out reef and species inventory checks. Guests can also sponsor their own coral gardens and can help conduct research in coral biology and ecology as well as green sea turtle conservation.

The Resort outdoes itself with culinary offerings. Venture out onto the sandbanks for a romantic dinner under the stars or choose a dinner for two on a secret stretch of beachfront. For more social evenings, choose to dine in Ilaafathi with its shaded rustic wooden tables on the beach, in Sangu with its themed dinners in the sea air or in Naiboli bar with its all dining options and cocktails.