The best luxury hotels off the beaten track

The pristine atolls of the Maldives are usually more associated with smooching honeymooners than adrenalin junkies, but this new opening is set to draw an adventure-hungry clientele to the island chain. Located in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili offers easy access to Chickens, one of the world’s top 10 surfing spots. First discovered when Australian surfers Tony Hussein Hinde and Mark Scanlon were shipwrecked nearby in the 1970s, this roping, high-performance “left” (a good wave, for those who don’t know the lingo) still attracts surfing aficionados from across the globe.

Back on dry land, the 16-hectare island’s resort, which was originally slated to open as a Chedi, does have some of the hallmarks of a traditional luxury property in the Maldives. At its heart sits a 150-metre pool encircled by palm trees and cream sun loungers, and its sprawling spa features eight overwater villas, with free-standing bathtubs filled with tropical flowers. However, Kuda Villingili’s ethos is deliberately different. The island’s bevy of activities – ranging from lobster and champagne nights to sunset DJ sessions – and millennial-friendly interiors (think local Maldivian textiles and rugs manufactured from recycled plastic bottles) are testimony to its intention to draw in a decidedly cooler crowd.

A petite private island lying in the baby-blue water of South Malé Atoll, Naladhu is home to 19 colonial-style villas. Step off the resort’s Sunseeker yacht, after a 30-minute blast from the airport and collect the key to your private paradise – complete with an infinity pool and house master (butler) to take care of your every whim. The star of the island is the Pool Residence: 600 square metres of seclusion spread over two floors, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean at dusk.

The resort’s promise of privacy lures castaways ranging from love-struck honeymooners to paparazzi-dodging celebrities – Kate Moss and Roger Federer are both rumoured to have been spotted on shore. But the island also has easy access (via a bridge and boat) to the amenities of its neighbours Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli. Their 10 restaurants, two spas and outdoor cinemas are just a quick paddle away – if you can be persuaded to leave your villa, that is.

Carved dramatically into the mountainside, the Barr Al Jissah complex promises to lure superyachts to the undiscovered Omani coastline. Moor in the naturally sheltered bay, guarded by rocky outcrops, and tender in to the marina to discover this Middle Eastern wonder.

The opulent complex, consisting of private homes designed by Bannenberg & Rowell and three Shangri-La hotels, offers 22 dining options – head to the Bait al Bahr fish restaurant for locally caught yellowfin tuna with white anchovy cappelletti and black olives.

For the adventurous, the rolling burnished sand dunes and mountain canyons are just a helicopter ride away, while the Chi spa is the perfect place to recover from expeditions – try the signature Traveller’s Retreat journey, which combines an aromatic bath, bio-energising body wrap and vitality massage.

To complete the Sultan-worthy experience, book the Royal Suite at the Al Husn hotel. Inspired by the 17th century Omani castle at Jabreen, the intricately decorated space offers spectacular views across the Gulf of Oman. Explorer yacht Itasca and Motor Yacht A have already been spotted off these shores and it won’t be long before other superyachts follow in their wake.

Offering unrivalled seclusion and space, Reethi Rah is an Eden hidden in North Malé Atoll. For the ultimate retreat stay in the Maldivian island’s recently renovated Grand Sunset Residence, nestled among tropical palm trees at the end of a private road.

The extravagant villa comes with its own slice of white powder beach and a 50 square metre swimming pool. With a butler and a world-class chef, there is no need to ever leave this peaceful residence, but if adventure calls, Reethi Rah has its own fleet of yachts on which to explore the surrounding azure waters. Afterwards, dine under hundreds of orchids at the resort’s new 100 per cent organic restaurant, Botanica – opt for the garden-to-table experience and enjoy dishes such as topinambour velouté and quail breast served with savoy cabbage and quail-herbs consommé.

A private island of Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa in North Malé Atoll is set amid 12 acres of exotic, fragrant gardens and has the intimate feel of a traditional yet distinctly upscale Maldivian village. Snorkel above thriving artificial coral frame reefs, including one that, from the air, resembles a sea turtle, then see real turtle hatchlings in the conservation program. Test your balance during a SUP yoga session in the lagoon or escalate your adrenaline levels by shooting several feet above the same blue waters on jet blades. Finally, travel less than a minute via dhoni to the only spa in the Maldives on its own isle. The Four Seasons also has a second private island resort in Baa Atoll, Landaa Giraavaru.