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One such place is Kani. From a distance, Kani emerges like a garden island poised on turquoise waters. This little paradise in the Maldives, exclusively reserved for Club Med guests, has 75 suites on stilts which, viewed from above, resemble a giant palm tree straddling the lagoon.

In the heart of luxuriant nature inhabited by multi-coloured birds, Kani’s rooms offer tailor-made services for demanding Robinson Crusoes. Between diving in the underwater depths and the pleasure of sampling the exquisite flavours of Asia, Kani is an Eden for all lovers of discovery.

For those who decide to take the plunge, a glittering array of undersea treasures await. Kani’s rich coral-rich waters are home to turtles, Napoleon fish, stingrays, lionfish and much more.

Elsewhere, one of the best dive sites in the archipelago is at Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila) in Ari Atoll, renowned for its grey reef sharks, giant snappers and clouds of tropical reef fish. Warm, clear waters also make the Maldives a fantastic destination for whale- and dolphin-watching excursions.

When it comes to other water sports, take your pick: there’s everything from canoeing to windsurfing and fishing. If you’re a keen angler, you can round off your trip with a barbecue and feast on the day's catch.

Seafood features heavily on the menus around the Maldives - tuna and swordfish are highly recommended. Delicately-spiced curries from Thailand and India are available alongside a wide range of mouth-watering international cuisine.

So whether you want to get active in the Indian Ocean, or prefer to simply unwind with your other half amidst some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, then the Maldives is for you.