The manta ray excursion was also unforgettable, too, and as soon as we dipped into the ocean off the boat, we immediately realised we were surrounded. They’re massive, yet unbelievably elegant, and there were whole constellations of them turning silently below us, completely unbothered by our presence. And while mum was nervous for all the snorkelling adventures at first, as she’d not done it properly before, the W team handled everything with such patience and care that by the end, she was snorkelling with total confidence, emerging from the ocean beaming and grateful for the experience and what she had just witnessed.

Food at the W Maldives is its own playful journey, and the resort boasts five eateries suited to all palettes. FISH serves a delicious array of local seafood delicacies, while next door’s SIP, the overwater bar and perfect sunset spot, offers Nikkei cuisine and inventive cocktails. FIRE is the W’s beachside grill, the all-day dining restaurant Kitchen offers international flavours, and finally the swim up bar and lounge area at the Wet Deck offers pizza, salads and light bites.

RALF TOOTEN

One day at FISH, we ate a perfectly grilled catch-of-the-day paired with a fragrant curry with the same fish, because why choose when you can have both? The next day, a simple pesto linguine at Kitchen somehow and unexpectedly became the most deliciously creamy thing we’ve ever twirled around our forks. We even stepped behind the scenes and enjoyed a cooking class at FISH, learning the secrets of Maldivian spices and flavour combinations. We were expertly shown the art of two fish curries, one was fragrant and spicy, while the other was coconut-ty and refreshing, alongside a coconut-based green salad and seriously garlicky yet delicious pan-fried tuna steaks. It was a real treat to sit down and enjoy a feast we’d helped create; after all, good food always tasted even better when it has a personal touch.