The Maldives is a captivating chain of atolls surrounded by a turquoise ocean, they epitomise pure escapism. The islands have reached an extraordinary level of refinement and are home to some of the most beautiful, chic and relaxing hotels on earth.

The Maldives consist of a group of 1,200 islands lying in the Indian Ocean, they stretch from the south-western tip of India all the way to the Equator. They cover an area of 90,000 square kilometres (about 36,000 square miles) yet less than 0.5 percent of this is dry land. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited. Until the arrival of tourism, fishing was the main occupation in this nation of seafarers.

Today the Maldives offers a wonderful selection of world class luxury resorts with sensational service. Choose between rustic hideaways that are the very definition of barefoot luxury or international resorts with plenty of experiences. Many properties boast suites that are stilted above the lagoons, most include world-class scuba diving and spa treatments on their menus, and all serve a delightful blend of east-meets-west cuisine, enhanced by discreet but friendly service.

The weather is at its driest and hottest in the Maldives from January to April.