Sonevafushi Island Resort & SPA****

Brushing our hands on more than 90 island resorts of Maldives; Sonevafushi should be straightaway said as the finest and the most unique island-resort of the Maldives. Infact the resort has gained an enviable reputation in the South and South-East Asia region. IT IS THAT GOOD. And Sonevafushi is expensive as you would expect such a place to be. But if you really wish to experience the best of nature combined with excellence in design, this is it.

Just 62 rooms are built on this the largest resort island in the country. And what an island. Few, if any, other islands equal the growth and variety of vegetation. Probably most native palms, trees and bushes are here. It is an education and pleasure to explore along the few sandy paths that cut through it. And bicycles are provided to do just that.

If that wasn't enough, this enormous island has sand all the way around it, narrowing in a few spots and broadening at the two ends. With the rooms on one side and only the Dive Centre on the other, you can pretend to be Robinson Crusoe all day, and be just as shocked when you find some other footprints.

In fact, it's as if Robinson Crusoe came to the Maldives and opened a resort. Everything here has a handmade look, it is all beautifully finished but not varnished. Many things appear to be "found", such as the bamboo strapped together to make armchairs and tables or the slices of branch for coasters. And all the materials are from nature: coir, cotton, coral, cad Jan and clay. A simple but telling example is the absence of the ubiquitous white plastic sun lounger; here it is solid wood with a cotton filled and covered mattress.

Holidays are all on bed and breakfast basis, though meal deals are easily arranged and good value if you eat three full meals a day. Lunch is either a delicious buffet in the restaurant or a choice of dishes served around the bar/lounge. The evening meal is an A La Carte. A clever blend of European and Asian, the dishes are individual and perfectly prepared. Haute cuisine is truly haute cuisine only when it is served with a selection of fine wine such as Sonevafushi offers - at reasonable prices.

After dinner, guests are left to their own devices; during the day the full array of activities are available. And, once again, first class. When you go diving your equipment is put on the boat for you and later taken off and rinsed. Introduction dives and mini courses are offered, as well as full certification. As for the sites, they are numerous and in pristine condition, as this is, at the moment, the only resort in the Atoll.

Sonevafushi's lagoon is terrific for snorkeling and always close to shore. The windsurfers and catamarans are free of charge. Big game fishing is offered and run by the former captain of the British Game Fishing Team. The catches are barbecued that evening. And champagne breakfasts, picnics and romantic sundowners on desert islands are there for the asking.