Maldives
Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa

The resort takes full advantage of its proximity to some of the best, and warmest, surf in the world with its own dedicated surf school; professional instructors will escort experienced surfers as well as providing lessons for beginners aged six and upwards. Adrenaline junkies can even have the superhero experience by using X-Jetpacks to throw them up into the air whilst on their Hydrofoil boards! Or they can ride a seaplane into the heart of the Indian Ocean to find the very best waves. When you’ve made the most of some of the world’s most consistent swells, you can head back to the Surf Shack to store your board, watch the latest surf movie or just hang out.

If surfing‘s not your thing, there are plenty more water-based activities available in the Island’s Watersports Centre; non-motorised activities such as kayaking and windsurfing are complimentary. Motorised activities such as water skiing and parasailing are available for a charge. There is also a fantastic PADI licensed Dive Centre where you can arrange scuba diving or snorkelling and enjoy a variety of tropical sea life. If you’re interested in learning more about the local and global marine ecosystem, there is the Marine Discovery Centre, which is an interactive research and education centre that gives you an amazing insight into this incredible area – well worth a visit.

Back on dry land, there are plenty more diversions. There is a great state-of-the-art gym, plenty of jogging routes around the island, yoga, cooking classes, marine talks, and excursions which include dolphin-watching cruises, fishing, shopping tours to Malé; and a very popular highlight is the cruise on the Four Seasons Explorer, a private three-deck, 11-cabin catamaran that takes guests island-hopping, stargazing and diving – a fabulous way to explore the area. If you fancy a game of tennis, the resort’s court is on a neighbouring island, accessed by a one-minute sail on a dhoni (traditional Maldivian wooden boat) across the lagoon; an adventure in itself!

Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to sit back and relax; you can simply enjoy the outstanding Four Seasons service around the stunning freshwater infinity pool; recline on one of the chaise longues and relish the views of the blue horizon, or take advantage of the pool service and swim-up bar and enjoy some refreshments. If you want to borrow a book or magazine to take down to the pool, or a DVD/CD for your room, there is a great library that also has games and internet access.

The Spa, situated on its own secluded isle, is an experience not to be missed. You are hosted in one of the seven thatched treatment pavilions set over the water, so you can watch the fish through the glass bottom while you’re enjoying a massage: truly sublime. Reached by dhoni, there are a range of innovative Asian-inspired treatments, from healing massages and luxurious manicures, to revitalising body scrubs. For a really unique experience, try the night spa – magical!