Adaaran Club Rannalhi, set in South Male’ Atoll, it has to be one of the best resort locations in the Maldives. Not only does it boast a large, white sandy beach but also an extensive coral reef, populated by angel fish, moorish idols, oriental sweetlips, baby sharks and more – one of the biggest highlights of the resort.

Guests are greeted on the jetty by the enthusiastic and friendly staff with cool, refreshing flannels and chilled ice tea. As I walked along the jetty I could see the iconic Maldivian water villas arching out into the ocean. The resort captures traditional Maldivian culture and charm, with buildings topped with dried palm leaves and large, airy communal spaces. One of the most striking examples is the bar area next to the beach, which serves both cocktails and food. The central focus of the open-walled bar is a Maldivian wooden dhoni boat, which has been converted into the bar’s serving area. A dhoni is a traditional hand-made Maldivian fishing boat. The graceful arch of the bow of the boat points towards the centre of the room, its tip decorated with flowers. Honeymooners and other couples sat at tables, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of the bar whilst they sipped on chilled drinks and tucked into the delicious bar food.

There is also a large restaurant area serving a wide variety of food and an extensive buffet selection. The airy restaurant has no walls but a beautiful, high, steeped wooden roof. To one side, a quiet fountain gently bubbles away.

The accommodation at Adaaran Club Rannalhi is divided into three categories – there are two-storey beach bungalows, water villas with glass floors, and newer, two-storey water villas, which are perfect for groups or extended families with older children. I noted that the ground-floor beach bungalows are wheelchair-accessible, and with direct access onto the beach, which is just a few metres away. The beach bungalows are tucked just behind a shaded pathway, adorned by banyan trees and other tropical foliage.

The resort is primarily aimed at honeymooners and other couples, rather than families. The majority of the guests are European; coming from Italy and the UK, but also Koreans, Russians and Chinese are amongst the most common guests. Whatever their interests, there is plenty to appeal to guests. For those who just want to be pampered, there is a beautiful, modern spa which is equipped with two large treatment rooms for couples, and one single treatment room. The spa has outstanding views of the ocean, and uses aromatherapy and soft music to ensure guests feel at their most relaxed. As well as a range of massage and facial therapies, beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures are on offer. Next-door is a popular Chinese Therapy Centre.

As an alternative, guests may simply like to stretch out on the powdery white sand and soak up the warm sunshine. The waves break softly on the shore and the sea is shallow and warm. The resort is surrounded by a sweeping house reef, which will delight any snorkellers. The clear, shallow water is an ideal place to learn how to snorkel. Equipment is available from the Rannalhi Dive Shop and Diving School, where qualified teachers are on hand to offer diving courses leading to PADI certification in English, French, German, Italian and Russian. There is also a range of water sports on offer including catamaran, canoe and banana-boat rides, plus windsurfing and water skiing.

So, after such a busy day, the ideal place to unwind is the Nika Lounge Bar. It is furnished with comfortable sofas and cushions and decorated in a contemporary style. Facing the western beach, it has panoramic views of the sunset – and what better way to conclude your day in Paradise than to watch the red sun gently sink into the velvety ocean.