More is more in the Maldives

From sky dives to submersibles, we explore the most extravagant experiences available in the Maldives

- LEE COBAJ

Made up of 1,192 coral islands looping around 26 shimmering atolls in the Indian remote Ocean, there are few destinations more closely associated with aspirational A-list-level travel than the Maldives. Unique experiences come as standard - hopping on seaplanes flown by barefoot pilots, swimming with four-metre-wide manta rays, jet-skiing across empty lagoons in shades of blue you didn't know existed - but that's just the start. In a bid to attract big spenders, luxury hotels across the country have invested millions of dollars into one-of-a-kind facilities, from zip-lines zooming through the jungle and underwater restaurants to cutting-edge spa facilities, award-winning wine cellars and research-grade observatories. Here's our pick of the most OTT things to do should your credit limit allow it.

VIP stays at the Private Reserve

All of Gili Lankanfushi's villas are set over the water, including six extra special 'Robinson Crusoe' villas that can only be reached by tender, leaving the jungly island and its luminous white beaches undisturbed. But the star of the show is Gili's Private Reserve, an over-water aqua-fantasy of multi-level rooms, floating walkways and sprawling sundeck. Aside from two enormous bedrooms (complete with glass panels in the floor) the Reserve also has an infinity pool, a waterslide into the ocean, a cinema, a gym, steam room, sauna and a private speedboat to use whenever you like. gili-lankanfushi.​com.

Zip-line to dine at Soneva Fushi