Just 45 minutes by luxury yacht from the capital, Malé, this family-friendly resort is made up of three interconnected islands, and there’s not one spot that doesn’t evoke paradise…

Pinch-me villas
Overwater villa or beach villa is a popular (and most pleasant) debate for those travelling to the Maldives, and, at Waldorf Astoria, there’s a tempting third option: the reef villa, which fortuitously combines both. Every villa has its own private plunge pool and butler and blends traditional Maldivian charm – such as thatched roofs and local art – with modern grandeur, including large, standalone bathtubs overlooking turquoise waters. Now for the hard part: do you prefer a backyard of palms soaring over pearl-perfect sand, or one of sparkling sea stretching into the sky? Your choice.

Dreamy dining
Deciding where to eat is just as hard as deciding where to sleep. But, as with the rooms, the food at Waldorf Astoria is every bit as good as the vistas. And with 11 restaurants to pick from, you’re just as spoiled for choice. There’s Izakaya-style overwater Zuma, garden-to-table Glow and The Ledge, curated by Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt. But if there’s one restaurant you can’t miss, it’s romantic treetop Terra, where a seven-course tasting menu (featuring Hokkaido scallop and Parmesan cappuccino gnocchi) is dished out in your own private bamboo pod.

Palatial-style pampering
An ocean-facing yoga pavilion and overwater, glass-floor treatment rooms set the spa scene, whose highlights include parent-child pampering sessions and a signature massage in the garden under the stars. For something a little more daring, brave the ‘Fire of the Sun’ therapy, featuring lava rocks wrapped in leaves that help release pain and restore energy levels. Add the Maldives’ first-ever wellness concierge service, and you have unbreakable bliss (specialist-led programmes include everything from holistic medicine to meditation and Ayurveda).

Healing H20
You’ll likely barely make a (dreamy) dent at the resort’s 750sqm Aqua Wellness Centre, but even a lap in its 30m hydrotherapy pool is a gamechanger, as is a momentary jet massage and short session in the sauna, which you’ll find dedicated to different parts of the body. The various temperatures and pressures of the jets help to improve circulation, boost your immune system (is there a better time than on holiday?), and can even help you catch more zzzs.

Active adventures
In a place where crystal-clear lagoons reign supreme, it’s not enough to just admire the water: it’s best – essential even – to go out and experience it. Waldorf Astoria gives you the chance to get your close-up, with aquaphile activities such as windsurfing, paddleboarding and diving all, literally, on your doorstep. If deep water isn’t your thing, the snorkelling sights are just as stunning, and the marine life as abundant. Prefer dry land? There’s always a friendly game of tennis or padel, with a view that can’t be beaten.

Big fun for little jet-setters
The excitement begins before you even arrive at the resort, with cupcake decorating kits (don’t worry, adults get Champagne) as part of the yacht transfer on arrival. Then, after touchdown, it’s a sprint to the outdoor waterpark and splash pad, featuring a towering ‘raining’ tree and two-lane slides that are perfect for racing. Meanwhile, the Stars Club has a schedule of activities such as scavenger hunts in the adventure playground and painting in the crafts and arts area, bringing something new each day.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include 23kg baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Maldives holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits

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