Maldives

The Maldives is 26 atolls and around 1,200 islands, of which roughly 170 are resort islands operating on the one-island-one-resort model. Overwater villas, house reefs and butler service are the standard at the top end; the difference between properties is in privacy, dining depth, reef quality and transfer time from Malé (speedboat for the nearby atolls, seaplane or domestic flight for Baa, Noonu, Raa and beyond — seaplanes fly daylight hours only, which shapes arrival planning). The dry northeast monsoon from November to April brings the calmest seas and clearest water; May to October is wetter with occasional storms but lower rates. Alcohol is available only on resort islands, and local islands observe modest dress. It is a diver's and snorkeller's destination first, a beach destination second.