Angsana Ihuru Resort, Maldives

The fabulous, idyllic Angsana Ihuru, famed for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Maldives, must be on your shortlist if you are looking for a resort that is peaceful and quiet and in total harmony with the surroundings. The privacy and tranquility at the Angsana retreat allows you to rediscover your sensory pleasures, while the house reef is one of the very best in the Maldives, and unparalleled in the Male Atolls.

Underwater Angsana has extensive and exceptional fish and marine life, which are easily accessible only metres from the beach, encircling the entire island. This makes the reef ideal for beginners or nervous snorkellers as you are never far from the shore while those more experienced will marvel at what is on offer on your doorstep - we all agree it's utterly addictive!! It is this factor that earns Ihuru a place on our recommended list.

The addition of a seating area in the rooms (which can now take up to 4 adults) works well, and the new, king-sized beds are incredibly comfortable.

The modern Asian styling of the resort may not be to everyone's taste, but all areas are clean, tidy and well-designed, especially the sand-floored bar, and service is excellent for this level of resort.

Angsana is highly recommended and is an excellent setting for a getaway holiday, enjoying the wonderful spa, and of course the amazing underwater experience!

Take a 360 degree interactive tour

The picturesque getaway island of Ihuru (meaning 'old palm trees' in Dhivehi, Maldivian language) is located in North Male Atoll, a 20 minute speedboat ride from Hulhule International Airport. The island spans an area of 25,000 sq metres of lush greenery covering 590 metres of beautiful palm fringed beaches with crystal waters and kaleidoscopic reefs.

The environmentally-conscious resort is continuing with a variety of projects such as turtle breeding, reef clearing, barnacle building and sand bags to protect against sand erosion. The resort also offers interesting biology classes and escorted snorkelling safaris to encourage guest participation.

The Angsana Spa offers many treatments, including a Fresh Coconut Body Polish, Mud Pie Body Conditioner and Couples' Massages.

The Riveli Restaurant and The Velaavani Bar are situated on the beach, offering a good view of the lagoon and house reef.

The house reef - just 5 metres from the Dive Centre - rates as one of the best in the Maldives in our opinion. There are a couple of overhangs of 4-7 metres, where lobsters, nurse sharks and sting rays can be spotted. Sharks, eagle rays, moray eels, turtles and trevallies are also spotted regularly. The resort's shipwreck can be easily accessed from the shore and there are also a substantial number of dive sites within a few hours' boat ride of the resort.