Six Senses Laamu

The Six Senses eco-resorts are consistently ranked among the very best in southeast Asia, and Six Senses Laamu is the undisputed champion of its particular location. Sure, it happens to be the only five-star resort on the Laamu atoll — an extremely secluded and unspoiled place, even by Maldivian standards — but that doesn’t means it triumphs solely through lack of competition. When it comes to bringing impossibly high-end hospitality experiences to the white sands and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the Six Senses group isn’t known for doing things halfway.

Laamu is about as far from the rat race as you can get, and if you’re seeking total solitude, it’s perfectly acceptable to hole up in your spacious bungalow, where modern conveniences never overshadow the classic blond wood and thatched-roof aesthetic. Larger two-bedroom villas feature a private pool and outdoor shower, and each villa is encircled by enough greenery to blot out the presence of your fellow guests without obstructing your view of the ocean. And in the picture-perfect overwater bungalows, bamboo enclosures protect your privacy while the rooftop decks offer 360-degree panoramic views.

If you don’t mind leaving your quarters for a bit of socialization and adventure, the Six Senses experience includes all the surfing and snorkeling you can handle, a small army of instructors and guides including a resident marine biologist, and the dining and drinking options of a small village. End your day with a wine tasting at the Altitude wine tower and watch the sun dip into the sea. Now the name starts to make sense — it’s almost too much stimulation for five senses to cope with.

How to get there: Domestic flights (35 minutes) from Malé International Airport to the local Kadhdhoo Airport can be arranged for guests. From the local airport, there is a 15-minute speedboat ride to reach Six Senses Laamu.