Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa: Forest and Lagoon in Raa Atoll

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa occupies Fasmendhoo Island in Raa Atoll, an all-inclusive private-island resort and Leading Hotels of the World Sustainability Leader with an unusual asset: a genuine tropical forest at its heart, alongside the expected white beaches and house reef. Villas sit between the greenery and the wide lagoon.

The dining makes the most of both. Aqua is the beachfront buffet restaurant with cooking stations for celebrated world cuisines; Amazonico serves Central and South American dishes from Brazil to Peru within the forest; the forest-set Asian restaurant offers a teppanyaki grill and live shows; and the Beach Club Grill turns out stone-grilled seafood, meat and vegetables plus pizza and pasta.

For an all-inclusive island with a natural, forested twist, Emerald Maldives is a fine choice.

Dreaming of the Maldives? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.