Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort in the Maldives south of the equator - which is more impressive than just a geographical statistic. The property offers guests a stylish experience in a natural environment, the boutique resort encompassing lush vegetation including 17,000 coconut trees, over six kilometres of picturesque coastline and nearly two kilometres of white sandy beaches. Yet the journey is still straightforward: a 70-minute flight from Male international airport to Gan on Addu Atoll, then just an easy eight-minute speedboat ride to the resort. Accommodation ranges from private ocean retreats to tropical treehouse villas - unique to the Maldives - with panoramic views. The more adventuresome guest can explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands and their rich Maldivian culture; they are connected by a road.

Quintessentially Insider
Addu Atoll's impressive reefs make this a popular area with scuba divers (the 'British Loyalty' shipwreck is just a half-hour boat ride away). You can otherwise just hop on a bicycle and picnic beneath the palms, the resort allowing for that perfect mix of action and repose.