Dreamland Unique Sea & Lake Resort/Spa

Baa Atoll holds this island, ringed by the Hirundhoo Reef and set a short boat ride from Hanifaru Bay, the UNESCO-listed feeding ground for manta rays and, in season, whale sharks. The island covers 52,886 square metres and carries 90 villas in two forms. Beach Bungalows open straight onto the sand, each 78 square metres with a private stretch of shore. Water Bungalows stand over the lagoon on stilts, decks facing open ocean, with steps down to the water for a swim or snorkel whenever the mood strikes. A freshwater lake sits inland, bordered by mangroves on one side and palms on the other, and holds a biotop pool, unusual for the region. The house reef has four marked entry points, and the wider atoll counts more than 60 dive sites reachable by boat. You can hear the sea from most rooms after dark. Snorkelling trips run to Hanifaru Bay itself on set days, weather allowing, while divers work the surrounding thilas year-round. On land, the Duny Thai Spa sits among mangrove planting, and the island runs two restaurants and two bars. Check-in and orientation dives are handled through the on-site dive centre, which also arranges night snorkelling and boat excursions to nearby local islands.