Dive into THE INDIAN OCEAN

With turquoise waters and sublime beaches, the Indian Ocean feels like paradise. Our writers test-drive resorts to help you find your dream break

CASTAWAY MALDIVES

Rose Goodman plays Robinson Crusoe at a resort offering innovative fun

As I'm whisked away on a speedboat from the hustle and bustle of Malé International airport through the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, the first thought I have is, 'Is this a dream?' The second is, 'I'm never going to want to leave.' A scattering of more than 1,000 palm-studded coral islands - many of them with private resorts - there's a reason why the Maldives draws celebrities, honeymooners and chic travellers after a once-in-a-lifetime break.

A mere 30-minutes later, I reach my archipelago oasis for the next five nights - Kuda Villingili, nestled in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. And from the moment I arrive, the Maldives' famous world-class hospitality is present; I feel like I could be the only guest. I'm shown the impressive 150m pool - and the seven restaurants, each offering a different dining experience - but during my stay, I never see more than a handful of other guests. It's clear the resort was built with privacy in mind.

Kuda Villingili is located just off Chicken's Break - one of the finest surfing spots in the world, with mighty 500m-long breaks and waves towering well over 10ft. And you don't need to be an advanced surfer to enjoy the swells. Partnering with UK-based charity the Wave Project, Kuda Villingili offers a three-day surf programme suited for beginners.