Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a 45-minute seaplane from Male, this island idyll with a chilled vibe and a pool in every villa couldn’t be more suited to couples of all ages looking for a taste of barefoot luxury with one of the best all-inclusive indulgences in the Maldives.

An all-inclusive resort that covers diving or spa credits, excursions, activities and a free minibar is hard to find. You get all these at Iru Veli as well as the option of eating a la carte in the overwater Italian restaurant Roma, or beachfront Grouper Grill whilst the buffet is excellent too. You know this is a ‘more inclusive’ rather than a standard all-inclusive offering before you even get to Sun Siyam Iru Veli while waiting for your seaplane flight, you can indulge in a head and shoulders massage and food and drinks in Sun Siyam Resorts’ comfortable airport lounge.

Once on the island, divers can join three dives a week without having to pay extra, while non-divers receive spa credit. See how Maldivians live on a local island tour, enjoy a sunset cruise to spot pods of dolphins, and go snorkelling with a guide. You can also take a half-hour windsurfing lesson and try jetskiing too.

And for those wanting to see how the local farming community works, farm-to-fork dining takes on a whole new meaning at Iru Veli, which is supplied by two island farms owned by the Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts group. Visit Udhdhoo farm island, a 10-minute boat ride away, to see how the company makes food miles shrink. Some 38 different types of fruit and veg are cultivated by a team of gardeners, supplying about a third of Iru Veli’s fresh produce.

Luxury abounds here, but there’s also plenty of rest and recreation to choose from. Enjoy villas that cater to adventurous visitors or kick back in style in one of the over-the-water studios on one of two private islands: Play and Chill. Hop back and forth between the two islands for alternating thrills and adventure and tranquillity and relaxation. An exclusive spa and premier dining are ideal for after a day of water sports, biking, or reef diving.

Translating as “Turtle Island” in the local Dhivehi language, Angsana Velavaru is a wonderful place to snorkel and dive if you’re dreaming of coming up close to Maldivian marine life. It has its own PADI 5-star Gold Dive Centre and a Marine Lab (dedicated to protecting coral reef ecosystems through research and conservation) where you can join a class or a snorkelling safari. Those preferring to take it easy can visit the outdoor treatment pavilions of the award-winning Angsana Spa, or bliss out at the infinity pool with a design cocktail from the bar. Meanwhile, kids are catered for with activities at the Rangers’ Club.