Every day at the Banyan Tree Resort begins with turquoise, sun and snow-white sand. On Vabbinfaru, a coral island of only about 220 yards long in the North Malé atoll is one of the most beautiful hideaways in the Maldives.

150 staff under German management work to ensure that their guests have a holiday which is a combination of luxury hotel and Robinson Crusoe experience. 48 elegant villas, most of them right beside the beach, have king-size four-posters, terrace and garden - some even have a Jacuzzi. The villas provide a sophisticated standard of comfort which leaves no desire unfulfilled.

The resort has a stylish spa. In six delightful pavilions built of bamboo and palm fronds, Thai therapists treat the guests with a range of massage and beauty treatments. In their sensitive hands, caressed by the fragrance of essential oils, this is truly a vacation for the senses also.