The Nautilus Maldives

The lagoon here runs turquoise against white sand, and the overwater houses sit right above it on stilts. The Nautilus occupies Thiladhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where manta rays gather at nearby Hanifaru Bay in season. Just 26 beach and ocean houses line the shore, each with its own living room, private pool and dedicated House Master rather than a shared front desk. There are no set mealtimes. The Nautilus Mansion, the resort's signature three-bedroom residence, gives larger groups a full private beachfront home with its own pool and bohemian-leaning décor. The Nautilus Retreat, an overwater villa with a glass floor panel and its own infinity pool, looks straight down into the lagoon below. Solasta Spa works from three glass-bottomed treatment pavilions built out over the water, alongside an overwater yoga deck running free sessions at dawn and dusk. You can hear the tide under the floorboards from the pavilion loungers. Getting there takes a seaplane transfer of about 30 minutes from Velana International Airport. Snorkelling gear comes standard in every house, and the island runs no dress code and no closing hours at any of its venues.