Gangehi Island Resort

As its name implies, Gangehi Island Resort is set on its own private island with a beautiful lagoon and coral reef. The gorgeous grounds are dotted with quaint but luxe thatch-roofed villas, some set over the water on stilts. Wooden walkways weave through the grounds, which are rife with lush greenery, and the white-sand beach is dotted with palm trees. Unfortunately, there's no pool though. Interiors are simple and traditional with lots of rustic teak accents, but the natural scenery here takes center stage. Overall, the ambience is tranquil and romantic, making it a popular choice for couples, though kids are certainly welcome here, too. Be aware that a minimum three-night stay required during certain times.

The Gangehi Island Resort occupies its own private island which can only be accessed via a 90-minute speedboat ride or 25-minute seaplane trip from Male, the Maldivian capital. Its location is remote and best suited for those seeking an escape and who don't mind the journey. The seaplane departs from Male International Airport every morning, though travelers arriving in the afternoon or evening will not be able to catch a flight until the next day. The speedboat accommodates all arrival and departure times, including late evening, and hotel representatives greet guests at the airport for all transfers. 

The resort offers several types of rooms and villas, including Overwater Villas, Beach Villas with direct beach access, and Garden Villas and Club Rooms set in the lush grounds, plus a one-of-a-kind, two-bedroom Family Garden Villa. Club Rooms measure 366 square feet (34 square meters), while villas start at 689 square feet (64 square meters) and measure up to 1098 square feet (102 square meters). Villa decor is rustic and chic, consisting of thatched roofs, wooden floors, and lots of teak touches. Decor is pleasantly sparse, with beautifully carved furnishings, and most villas have outdoor areas with lots of seating. Guests staying in Overwater Villas can go swimming or snorkeling right from their verandas. Bathrooms are large and attractive, with double sink vanities and walk-in showers, plus toiletries, bathrobes, and hairdryers. Standard amenities found across units include flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Higher-category units, including the Overwater Villas, add extras such as Nespresso machines and electric kettles. 

The highlight here are the grounds themselves and the beautiful natural scenery unfolding all around, including sandy beaches ringing the island and crystal waters. For those who want to explore the aquatic side of the island, there's a diving center on-site that offers courses, as well as snorkeling and canoeing. There's even a resident marine biologist offering free daily snorkeling tours and free evening biology lectures. Other activities offered by the resort include yoga, volleyball, and weekly nature walks. Guests can also book a number of excursions through the hotel, including visits to a local Maldivian village, dolphin or whale shark trips, and romantic sunset cruises.Other features include Ginger Spa, which offers massages and Ayurvedic treatments and a basic, but adequate, gym with a couple of treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. There are a number of lovely spaces to relax in, including a charming little library that's stocked with books. Other features include a boutique selling souvenirs and sundries, including local textiles and handicrafts. There's even an infirmary on-site with a resident doctor. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms, lobby, and bar. 

Dining options include the main buffet-style eatery, Veli Restaurant, which serves international fare and has live cooking stations for all three meals. There's also Thari Lounge and Restaurant, an a la carte spot that serves international fare for dinner, as well as a bar with cocktails and juices. Food here gets great reviews from guests, though some say breakfast options are a bit lackluster. Note that the dress code states swimwear is not allowed at restaurants. Bed-and-breakfast, full-board, and all-inclusive packages are all available. The all-inclusive package covers buffet breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea, and dinners. Some, but not all, drinks are covered.