Baros Maldives, Maldives, Indian Ocean

Small, yet perfectly formed, sums up Baros. Found on a picture-perfect semi-circle of an island floating in the North Malé Atoll, it was one the first three resorts in the Maldives when it opened in 1973 (the first was only opened a year earlier) and it has been wooing honeymooners and couples ever since. Baros has aged like a fine wine and stills feels first-day fresh from the moment you step onto its postcard-worthy beach, combining world-class comfort with island authenticity.

It was opened as one of the country's first luxury dive resorts and its wealth of marine magic remains a major drawcard for things to do, with its sapphire-tinged waters confounding the assumption that it could only be PhotoShopped. Its house reef, which you can snorkel straight from the beach, is teeming with fish, turtles and sharks while its five-star PADI-certified dive centre is suitable for all types of water baby.

One of the many reasons we love this intimate resort is the devotion of its staff – many have been with Baros for many years and we'd be hard pushed to find a resort that offers a more genuine service than the one awaits you here. If they adore it here then we know you will fall in love with Baros, too.