Lying off the southern tip of India, the Maldives – a thin chain of coral islands in the Indian Ocean - certainly live up to their image as a tropical island paradise, complete with palm trees, impossibly clear, turquoise lagoons and powdery white sand beaches. It's a must-go destination for water sport enthusiasts, and scuba divers in particular, who can indulge in the textbook coral reefs and the abundant marine life. Because tourism has been carefully regulated, with close regard paid to the natural environment, resorts are of a universally high standard (reassuring for families) with excellent facilities, including lots for children at the resorts we recommend. It's a great winter sun destination: for maximum sunshine hours, visit between December and April/May, which is the dry season. This is the high season though, so it's busier and prices are higher, particularly around Christmas and New Year. From June to October, it's still warm, but humidity is higher with more likelihood of rain – it is cheaper during this period though, with fewer tourists. For divers, the water is generally recognized to be clearest in November and April. Highly recommended are:

Kanuhara Resort and Spa

Idyllic, peaceful, island hideaway location with every facility, including the Maldives' largest spa and superb children's club. A dream for watersports enthusiasts. Range of accommodation (duplex villas are ideal for families). Free half board plus one free spa treatment – up to March 26. From around £1800pp per week.

Four Seasons at Resort: Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Luxury combined with superb facilities and a warm welcome for children at this beautiful beach resort located on a tiny tropical island. Pool, children's club, spa. From £1690pp per week. 2 free nights for every 5 booked from 1 May-31 July

Bandos

Established and enduringly popular resort, situated on lush island, offering great range of activities including tennis, watersports, diving and deep-sea fishing. Supervised children's club and play area. Good value for the Maldives. From £725 pp for 7 nights b&b. Stay 12 nights and receive 2 free 29 Apr-14 Jul, 5 Aug-15 Dec Click here to go straight through to all our Maldives recommendations and here for brochures featuring our top hotels/villas

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