Positioned on the edge of its own lagoon on the North Malé Atoll, the newly opened Huvafen Fushi resort does exactly that. It defies the standard. You arrive either by speed boat or seaplane, and must then choose one of 43 land based or over-water bungalows. Each one is decorated combining a minimalist contemporary design with Maldivian style; and each comes with its own pool or fresh water plunge pool, plasma screen TV and Bose Surround Sound system. Taking in views of the dazzling Indian Ocean, both above and below the waterline, it is the first hotel in the world to boast an underwater spa. There is also a Yoga pavilion, a butler service, three restaurants and just about any water sport imaginable. Huvafen Fushi means Dream Island - that says it all.