The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Maldives will never cease to disappoint.

As we stepped off our 25-minute speedboat ride on to the idyllic private island, we were welcomed with a cool, refreshing drink under a breezy open-air foyer, which took the edge right off our long-haul journey from London Heathrow to Male International Airport.

We then took a short buggy ride to our ocean villa, which gracefully sits on stilts above the crystal clear glistening blue sea. During our tour, we noticed the clever way in which Four Seasons have recreated the rustic, laid-back charm of a mini Maldivian village with its stunning palm-thatched pavilions and bungalows.

Suffice to say, our room was equipped with familiar signature Four Seasons homely comforts with touches of paradise: a see-through glass floor to watch reef sharks, turtles and other sea-life leisurely swim by, deluxe furnishings including a four-poster bed and a blissful free-standing tub in the bathroom, where you can arrange to experience private spa treatments in-villa. The ultimate extravagance was our very own private outdoor decking area with sun-loungers and pontoon to take a dip in the open sea.

For those who wish for more from their stay, a gourmet treat awaits, as guests have the option to book a private candle-lit dinner for two on the beach under the starry night sky. As expected, there are also a number of fine dining and al-fresco restaurants with cuisines from all over the world to choose from.

If sun worshipping, snorkeling and diving are not quite enough to get on with during the day, guests can also set sail on a magical dolphin cruise on a traditional Maldivian boat. As we slowly cruised out to deeper waters,we soaked up the most mesmerising views at dusk and watched the sunset over a chilled glass of champagne. On another day, we were indulged in a tension-melting escape experience at the spa sanctuary – just the ticket to get anyone who is worked up into the holiday mood.

Another truly worthy mention is that the resort boasts its very own Kuda Velaaturtle protection programme to increase conservation, protect nests from poachers and save the endangered. Guests can sponsor and name a turtle hatchling that will be reared in the resort’s turtle habitat. Another equally noble project is the Reefscapers (www.reefscapers.com) coral reef propagation plan. We were honoured to take part in transplanting coral fragments from the resort’s existing house reef onto coral frames and to snorkel around the newly built lagoon. All guests are invited to participate in the ethical schemes for what is such a great cause. Its new Marine Discovery Centre introduces guests and local school children to the role we can play in conserving the local and global marine ecosystem.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa guests can also enjoy its sister private island, Landaa Giraavaru – an unspoilt jungle wilderness with pristine white beaches and ayurvedic spa retreat – and its three deck catamaran floating ‘resort’, Four Seasons Explorers, which cruises between both islands.