Island water villas

Maldives

Overwater villas built from sustainable materials, and the water sports sit right there on site. This is the one I'd pick for a quiet honeymoon week.

Maldives

All 85 rooms have private pools, which is the whole point on a honeymoon — you never have to dress for a swim. Ocean-facing and calm.

Maldives

Right on the beach on Milaidhoo Island, with couples' private dining and private picnics. Small enough that nobody hurries you.

Maldives

Fifty rooms, each with a private plunge pool and Egyptian cotton sheets. On the beach, and small enough to stay quiet all week.

Maldives

Adults only, overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access. Exactly right for a honeymoon, and clearly wrong if you are travelling with children.

Maldives

Forty-five villas, three outdoor pools and two tennis courts, with childcare available. Works for a couple and works for a family, which is rare.

Maldives

Private overwater residences on a small island, with butler service included. For a couple who want no logistics at all for a week.

Maldives

Villas with ocean views, a Bluetooth speaker and a bathtub, and five restaurants on an island this size. You will not run out of dinner options.

Maldives

A private coral island with tropical gardens, a kids' pool and airport pick-up arranged. The one I send families to in the Maldives.

Maldives

Children's pool, a games room and a library, on a big island you can actually walk around.

Bali

Steps from Echo Beach in Canggu, with a kids' club and surf lessons on site. Right if your family wants to be where things are happening.

Bali

Thatched-roof villas above Jimbaran Bay with surfing on site and airport pick-up arranged. A villa layout suits four better than a hotel corridor does.

Phuket

Layan beach with a games room, a children's setup and airport transfer arranged. Phuket without the Patong noise.

Phuket

On the Andaman at Mai Khao, with beach yoga, kayaking and tennis lessons. Enough on site that nobody in the family gets bored.

Phuket

Direct beach access on a secluded stretch of Tri-Trang, with a kids' club, a water slide and a playground. Built for families, plainly.

Phuket

Cape Yamu, facing the Andaman, with a kids' pool and a design that stays quiet. Works for a couple; works for four if you take a bigger room.

Phuket

Traditional Thai pavilions with a children's pool and a health club. Calm, low-key, and not the place for anyone who wants nightlife.

Phuket

On Surin Beach with a children's pool and a garden. Easy days in, easy walk out to dinner.