Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Forty-eight thatched villas ring a small circular island in North Male Atoll, which means the ratio of plunge pool to guest stays pleasingly high at this Forbes Four Star resort. The onsite marine lab and PADI dive center give the reef a name and a face, and the overwater dining feels less like a gimmick than it usually does. Arrival comes with drums and cocktails, which sets a tone most hotels only promise.