Soneva Fushi, Maldives, Maldives, Indian Ocean

When Soneva Fushi Hotel opened its villas in 1995, it was the first castaway retreat of its kind in the Maldives. It showed that luxury and environmental sensitivity could be combined hand in hand for an unforgettable holiday experience. Those who visit haven't needed to wear shoes on the island since and you really do feel like you've been dropped in a hidden paradise – a feeling made even more unbelievable by the fact the resort is only a 30-minute seaplane hop from Malé.

The setting is spellbinding, with pure white beaches licked by a cerulean lagoon hiding a multicoloured house reef. What's even more remarkable is, in a bid to keep this blissful view exactly the way it is, Soneva Fushi has restricted its overwater bungalow count to just a handful, where you can face either the sunrise or sunset side of the island. The incredible standard and size of each beach villa (all built with natural materials to blend in with their surroundings) means, in our opinion, this resort doesn't need any more.

Even though it feels like a million miles away from anywhere else, both couples and families will be at home here from the moment they step onto the jetty. Come to think of it, do you know who else wouldn't look out of place at Soneva Fushi? Mr Robinson Crusoe himself.