Best New Hotels 2007: The Rania Experience, Faafu Atoll, Maldives

Consider yourself warned. Sharing a hotel with strangers may disappoint after exclusive use of this palm-fringed paradise in Faafu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives’ international airport. Toys like the 26-metre Rania yacht, spa and high-tech game room come along with this seven-acre sandbox that accommodates 15 and works best as a high-end house party at sea rather than romantic one-couple getaway. Explore world-class dive sites with the island’s own instructor. Yoga at any hour, deserted island excursions, snorkelling and spa treatments should be followed by the signature ‘sundowner’, a seriously potent pina colada enjoyed on bar stools dug into the surf and delivered by the Maldives’ best butlers. Bliss.

Doubles from $12,000 per night, plus $630 for each additional person up to 15, www.raniaexperience.com.