The Maldives looks exactly like the pictures: villas perched over brilliant blue lagoons, powder-white beaches and sunsets that melt into the horizon. But seeing it in person is something else entirely. This island nation in the Indian Ocean, roughly 600 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, is made up of more than a thousand coral islands, and its remoteness is part of the magic.

The Maldives is famous with honeymooners seeking privacy and divers and snorkelers exploring some of the richest reefs in the world, where you can swim with manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. Today it welcomes families, friends and solo travelers too, from wellness retreats to more affordable guesthouse stays on local islands. Unwind at a world-class spa, visit an inhabited island to see daily Maldivian life, and choose from incredible resorts, including overwater bungalows and even underwater restaurants and suites.

There are no nonstop flights from the U.S., so most travelers connect through the Middle East, Europe or Asia, and resorts are reached by speedboat or seaplane. It's a splurge, so planning matters. I'll find the right resort for your budget and style and handle flights and transfers.