Maldives

The Maldives are scattered across 806km (500 miles) of Indian Ocean. Their pure white sands are fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Coral reefs and tropical fish -- from neon clownfish to slow-moving manta rays -- thrive in the warm ocean water. Sunset catamaran cruises are de rigueur, as are picnics on uninhabited islands, and decadent spa treatments. Secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within an hour's boat or floatplane ride from the bustling capital -- and a world away from everyday life.

No Maldivian resort is complete without its own stretch of private beach and resort size determines how crowded beaches can be in the December-to-April high season. Cocoa Island, in the South Malé Atoll, is delightfully uncrowded as there are just 36 rooms at the resort here. The shallow lagoon is well-suited to snorkeling and kayaking. Ideal for children are the pristine, manmade beaches at One&Only Reethi Rah, carved into small, safe bays with bath-like shallows.