Taj Exotica Resort and Spa Maldives

Though they’re known primarily for big-city business hotels, Indian palace hotels, and their specialty, big-city Indian palace-style business hotels, the Taj group has a healthy side line, under their Exotica label, in decadent barefoot island escapes. And where better for that sort of thing than the Maldives?

It’s the sort of place that seems as though it could hardly be real, with its shallow lagoons and bright turquoise waters. Somehow the fragility of these islands only adds to their appeal. And there’s no saying no to the prospect of overwater accommodations, like the Taj Exotica’s lagoon villas, stood on pylons over the lapping waters of the lagoon, and connected to the island by a wooden walkway. Some have plunge pools, which is an impressive bit of engineering, and fantastically, charmingly redundant, a decadent folly, but one that must be experienced to be believed.

Of course the dry-land accommodations are no great letdown either. Among them are the beach villas, self-contained residences on the water, with private walled gardens. But even the suites are luxurious, and only steps from the lagoon.

Despite the Robinson Crusoe atmosphere, the Taj Exotica comes fully serviced, with a spa, two fine restaurants, and all manner of waterborne excursions. And though it may feel remote, the hotel’s own speedboat connects you with Malé International Airport in a matter of minutes.