It really is refreshing to find a Maldives resort that is not attempting to become the most luxurious on the planet with prices that would bring a frown even to the brows of the super-rich. Instead Velidhu just keeps on offering the type of product and value that made the Maldives so popular in the first place. The beaches are fantastic and with its pristine surrounding lagoons and reefs it delivers the goods whether you’re a keen snorkeler or diver; it’s also reasonably sized with just 100 rooms (80 Beach Bungalows and 20 Water Bungalows, 4 of them with private Jacuzzis) - all of them spacious and clean but quite basic and simply decorated. Similarly the restaurant places the emphasis squarely on good quality, varied buffets in simple surroundings, with no thought to the pretentious food in luxurious surroundings that other resorts have increasingly veered towards.

This is the type of place to come to if you really just want to relax with a good book, lounge in the sun before taking a dip in the warm water and perhaps a snorkel before having a few beers at night with your fellow guests. Snorkelling and diving is definitely the highlight with the house reef providing hours of excellent underwater entertainment – there is every imaginable type of coral and marine life starting just a few metres from shore – you’ll imagine you’re on the set of “Finding Nemo”! – as well as multitudes of colourful reef fish there’s every chance of seeing octopus, sea snakes, rays, reef sharks not to mention turtles.the type of place to come to if you really just want to relax with a good book, lounge in the sun before taking a dip in the warm water and perhaps a snorkel before having a few beers at night with your fellow guests.

Velidhu's accommodation comprises lovely thatched huts with good air conditioning and all are just a couple of steps from the stunning beaches that surround the island – and with many of the guests disappearing every morning on diving excursions it may feel as though you have the entire beach to yourself if you decide to stay put for the morning! There are also 20 Water Bungalows which benefit from slightly better facilities but more importantly, a glass floor area so you can watch the sea life underneath the bungalow – not to mention a private balcony from which you can jump directly into the ocean every morning, or simply sit and relax whilst gazing at the infinite views out to sea. And whilst they won’t ever win any interior decorating awards, all the rooms are clean (cleaned twice a day in fact!) and still boast those little Maldivian touches like flower petals on the sheets.

Most meals are enjoyed at the Iruara Restaurant – with excellent and varied buffets being the norm. But if you want to spoil yourselves and have a romantic treat, why not enjoy a candle-lit lobster dinner served on the beach with your toes in the sand. Many evenings will probably be spent in the Lighthouse Bar where there is usually some form of basic evening entertainment – perhaps a DJ or even acrobatic displays, and of course that old Maldivian favourite, crab racing!

Having established that nightlife isn’t likely to be the reason you choose to stay at Velidhu, let’s look at some other attractions the resort offers: perhaps take one of the regular excursions to look for manta rays and dolphins that could offer up a never to be forgotten experience if you’re lucky enough to find and swim with them; a sunset cruise under sail in the waters surrounding the island is a romantic must-do; back on the island itself, the Serena Spa offers pampering massages and Ayurvedic treatments – it all adds up to the chance for total relaxation in one of the most beautiful parts of the planet!

Wonderful house reef offers the chance to enjoy spectacular snorkeling literally within metres of the beach

Unspoilt beaches fringed by lovely lush vegetation are perfect for sun worshippers and swimming

Basic but clean accommodation allows reasonable pricing compared to the increasingly luxurious resorts being developed in the islands

Excellent, friendly service from the resort’s staff consistently earns high praise from guests

Accommodation may be too simple and basic for some people’s taste

Row of wave barriers detracts a little from the looks of this otherwise picture-perfect little island

Not a huge amount of nightlife and other activities – Velidhu is probably more suited to your keen scuba divers and snorkelers looking for a quiet break

No pool on the island - not that that's too much of an issue given the gorgeous beaches and clear warm water