Amongst the turquoise waters of Raa Atoll, the recently opened Cora Cora Maldives has an idyllic location. Only 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, this striking new 5-star resort is further enhancing the dream destination. The 100 guest rooms are a mix of iconic Maldivian overwater villas and airy beach suites set amid lush vegetation. All have uninterrupted ocean views and easy access to the beach. They feature work by local artists and are finished with splashes of the resort’s signature colours. During your stay take a culinary journey through the range of restaurants. The Italian restaurant Aquapazza overlooks the beachfront pool and is dotted with daybeds perfect for lounging – and ordering cocktails. Tazäa is a buffet-style restaurant inspired by the spice route; Ginger Moon, which is an all-female staff is Thai; and Japanese restaurant Tien serves fresh sushi and sake.

Visit the Cora Cora Maldives Museum which provides fascinating insight into the island state's original culture with more than 400 historical artifacts and works of art. A tour will take you to an old traditional furnished wooden house and partially excavated 900-year-old pre-Islamic sunken bath. At the hotel’s MOKSHA spa, relax in one of the seven individual treatment rooms - four overwater and three on the island. There is a gym, yoga pavilion, open-air cinema and kids club. Take a sunset cruise, or visit one of the local islands. You can swim to your heart’s content, grab a board or kayak. Pop on a mask and some flippers, and plunge into the extraordinary underwater world where bright coloured fish flit by as you float above the vibrant corals in the surrounding reefs.