The Luxe List 2015: Amilla Fushi, Baa Atoll, Maldives

A singular newcomer to the Maldives, Amilla Fushi offers a welcome mix of high and low—lodgings, that is. Contemporary white villas are staked out in the cerulean waters like oblong sugar cubes or nestled into the sand, while five two-bedroom villas are set 12 meters high at eye-level with the fronds of the surrounding coconut trees. And while the views may vary, the comforts here are never below top-level. Nautical-chic designs aside, each villa is stocked with Aesop amenities; tech from Bose, Blu-Ray, and Samsung; a wine fridge of selections from the resort’s 8,000-bottle cellar; and iPads pre-loaded with menus from the three restaurants created by Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan. One could easily imagine lingering forever beside their private pool—which even the tree houses have—if it weren’t for all the other appeals. There’s a beanbag-lined infinity pool, an ocean-facing yoga pavilion, and the Javvu Spa with all-organic body treatments. Snorkeling and diving in this UNESCO-protected area is always spectacular, but between November and March, an excursion to nearby Hanirafu Bay could very well include the company of manta rays and whale sharks.

960/660-6444; Amilla Fushi; doubles from US$1,300