Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Kooddoo is one I would look at when the reef matters as much as the room. The house reef is the real draw, with turtles, rays, reef sharks and plenty of colourful fish, and some villas let you step straight into the water. I also like the relaxed adults-only feel and the choice of overwater sunset villas with private pools. The catch is the 55 to 65-minute domestic flight from Malé. Booking takeaway: choose Kooddoo for serious snorkelling, good value overwater villas and a quieter, grown-up stay.