THE DINING (AND DRINKING)

access to everything from jet skis and catamaran rides to jet-blading and paddle boards.

At Kudadoo’s fully equipped villa, it felt more like having our own holiday home than staying at a resort, which gives this island a winning edge – plus, none of the extensive activities are chargeable under its all-inclusive policy. There is also no limit on how many you can do, or how often. Le Méridien offers an impressive variety but activities here are expensive and can get booked out. Ithaa is left in the dust with no facilities at all, not even a pool.

ITHAA BEACH

Surprisingly good. Far from fancy, with very limited choices, but never bland or insufficient in quantity. Here we enjoyed fresh, citrusy salads, speciality Garudhiya broth and tangy curries, accompanied by watermelon coolers. There’s one huge caveat, though: no alcohol is permitted to be served or even purchased anywhere on Guraidhoo owing to local laws. Fine for me on this occasion, being pregnant, but ordinarily a deal-breaker.

LE MÉRIDIEN

Presided over by Australian chef Brett Muller, the cuisine here was consistently fantastic. Across six restaurants and bars, we feasted on chilli-infused pain au chocolate for breakfast by the beach at Turquoise, Asian fusion dishes or wood-fired pizza for lunch at the adults-only Velaa Bar + Grill, and topquality teppanyaki at the glass-fronted Japanese Tabemasu restaurant come sunset. Bonus points for the fact that most of the vegetables – unusually for the Maldives – are grown on-site.

KUDADOO

Food here was hit and miss. The selection was unbeatable, with an extensive wine and champagne cellar, and a cheese and charcuterie chamber to boot. Some meals, and all the sunset canapes, were sensational. Every dish was presented to perfection, but the quality wasn’t always consistent – Julius had a disappointing kobe beef steak and I picked my way through one or two uninspiring salads.

Le Méridien won this category hands down – every meal was divine. While most of the food at Kudadoo was excellent, for the price of a stay here you would expect perfection on every plate. Ithaa Beach would come in second on the basis of its food at that price point, but is only suitable for those who don’t mind not drinking alcohol.

Sitting pretty: for tropical bliss without breaking the bank, you can’t beat Le Méridien