Villas sleeping two start at $786 (£462) per night, full-board. A Government minister has added to the confusion over new US immigration rules by claiming that travellers will soon need so-called “smart” passports to visit America. Speaking on BBC Radio 4′s Any Questions, the Cabinet Office minister Ruth Kelly asserted that the US is: “Shortly going to insist on all travellers having biometric proof of identity”. She added: “We won’t even be able to travel freely unless we use this biometric technology.”
A Government minister has added to the confusion over new US immigration rules by claiming that travellers will soon need so-called “smart” passports to visit America. All the villas have a four-poster bed, open-air Jacuzzi and a reclining sofa – the perfect place from which to gaze out over the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Those in search of some action can avail of the resort’s comprehensive water sports or, on a more soporific theme, its extensive spa facilities.Banyan Tree, Vabbinfaru Island, North Mal?toll, Maldives (00 960 440 304; /maldives). Its 18 thatched bures are set well apart from each other and are buried in verdant jungle and have access to their own private swathes of sand.
This is the place to come for utter isolation as disturbances are few and far between – the island has no TVs, newspapers or telephones, so the only thing you’ll hear is the local wildlife.Vatulele Island Resort, Vatulele Island, Fiji (00 679 672 0300; ). Bures sleeping two cost from $1,350 (£794) per night, full-boardSalamander, BelizeLocated on the tiny island of Ambergris Caye, Salamander consists of just five rustic beach cabanas with a further three huts set further back in the jungle. Spread out in the shape of a sea shell, its 38 thatched villas offer the ultimate sand-between-your-toes experience, as each one is right on the beach. Lying 20 minutes’ boat ride from Mal?the capital of the Maldives, Vabbinfaru’s waters are accessible only to guests of the hotel.
Cabanas sleeping two cost from $140 (£83) per night, without breakfastBanyan Tree, MaldivesThe coral-fringed Maldivian island of Vabbinfaru is the idyllic backdrop for the Banyan Tree resort. Avid divers can take to the water and explore the nearby coral reef.Salamander, Ambergris Caye, Belize (00 501 209 5005; ). Each thatched hut is a simple structure built to reflect the local surroundings. All the buildings are powered by solar and wind energy and their remoteness makes them an ideal destination for any aspiring Robinson Crusoe. Set in 300 acres of lush vegetation, each of its 54 villas has fantastic views of the dramatic Ninh Van Bay, particularly any one of the 32 located right on the beach.
The Vietnamese-inspired villas contain not only a bedroom and bathroom, but also a spacious living room, sun deck and plunge pool. One of the highlights of the property is the adjoining Six Senses spa, which offers an array of treatments based on its special plant products as well as t’ai chi and yoga. Trips down the nearby river plus mountain and cultural excursions around nearby Nha Trang and beyond can also be arranged.Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Ana Mandara, Vietnam (00 84 58 829 829; ) Villas sleeping two start at $633 (£372) per night without breakfastVatulele Island Resort, FijiFor most people, Fiji conjures images of pristine talcum-powder beaches, lush vegetation and fabulous turquoise-hued seas, which is exactly what to expect from a stay at Vatulele Island. A butler service is provided for each villa and can cater to guests’ every whim, which might just include a champagne picnic on a secluded beach.North Island, Seychelles (01202 877330; ). Villas sleeping two start from £1,708 per person per night, full-boardEvason Hideaway, VietnamThe brand new Evason Hideaway that opened last month is the latest offering from Six Senses Resorts, and offers all the luxury and tranquillity that a beach-side retreat should. As soon as you step out of the door, your toes sink into powder-white sand.