Filitheyo

The operator’s guide for the Filitheyo island resort describes it as “barefoot luxury retreat”, and we couldn’t agree more. The only resort in the group of islands that make up the Faafu Atoll, this islands beaches are special for even Maldivian standards.

The resort’s 125 villas integrate nicely with impressive coconut palms and other exotic indigenous vegetation and, unusually for most islands, Filitheyo has paths that allow you to walk through the island as well as around it with a network of interior trails. The wooden walkway through the public area is the only change in surface from the smooth sandy floors, so you are positively encouraged to spend your whole vacation barefoot.

Not so long ago, this resort was once predominantly German-speaking in the visitors it attracted but now has a more cosmopolitan flavor with other European and Japanese visitors adding to the mix. Although the resort does not advertise itself as a family center, it is popular with families and has 10 Family Villas (these are actually Superior Villas with interconnecting doors).

The dining here is probably the best to be found in a resort in this class. A wide range of meal options in the main bar and the a la carte restaurant, from where, of course, you can watch the sunset as you eat. You can also choose villa or beach dining, and half-board is a good option here since the resort allows guests to choose lunch or dinner as the included meal.