InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

The concept of the Maldivian overwater resort is a firmly established one; it’s hard to imagine a case where experimenting with the form results in any kind of improvement. Instead, it’s a genre that’s all about detail and implementation — areas where quite often the big chains are the ones with the relevant expertise. All of which is to say: the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a fine example of the type, and an eminently worthy option for connoisseurs of the overwater life.

Of course, not every unit, and certainly not every common space, is on stilts above the lagoon. But on this narrow sliver of an island, just about everything is within a few steps of the beach. Whether you’re on land or on stilts your villa comes with everything you’ll need, up to and including a plunge pool; the style is contemporary but thoughtfully tailored to the Maldivian setting.

Water sports obviously form the largest proportion of the leisure offerings; the reef and the lagoon are heaven for snorkeling, kayaking, and diving, and there’s a very fine swimming pool — and the kids’ club and adults-only Retreat have pools of their own. A spa and fitness center are among the on-land offerings, and the restaurants range from local seafood to Japanese and Mediterranean options.