If your client isn’t drawn to the usual thatched-roof Maldives look, Jumeirah Olhahali Island is one to have on the radar. The design is noticeably more contemporary, with clean lines, plenty of glass and a more open, spacious feel, while natural textures help soften the look.

The curved forms and oversized proportions give the villas more of a modern Mediterranean feel, while every villa has its own rooftop terrace – a feature you don’t find across every Maldives resort.

The villas are a real highlight, with generous space and a choice of lagoon or beach settings. The wide beaches and lush island also mean the contemporary design never feels disconnected from its surroundings. So despite the modern look, it still feels very much like a Maldivian island experience.

The Nautilus shows that contemporary doesn’t have to mean minimalist. The architecture takes its cue from the curves of a nautilus shell, with rounded forms carried through the villas and wider resort design.

It’s a good option for clients who like modern design but want something with a bit more personality. Curved walls, rounded spaces and flowing lines give the villas a softer feel, while the design makes the most of views across the lagoon.

Inside, the approach is equally individual. Rather than sharp, pared-back interiors, expect curved walls, bespoke furniture and a more residential feel. There’s also plenty of colour and character throughout, giving the accommodation a more playful feel than you might expect from a contemporary resort. Even the overwater houses have a playful quality that sets them apart from the more familiar Maldives villa design.

JA Manafaru sits towards the more traditional end of the spectrum, with its villas designed to make the most of the island setting rather than relying on bold contemporary architecture. The beach villas are particularly private, with walled courtyards, outdoor bathrooms and separate living spaces, while the larger residences open out across multiple indoor and outdoor areas.

It’s a good one to consider for clients who want plenty of space but still prefer a more classic island feel. The natural materials, lush planting and indoor-outdoor layout help the villas feel closely connected to their surroundings.

The water villas have private infinity pools and direct ocean access, while the larger Beach, Ocean and Island Residences offer multiple living spaces and private pools, with the larger residences also having dedicated spa areas.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has much more of a classic Maldivian character, with thatched-roof villas, natural materials and a more rustic feel that works particularly well with its small island setting. There are no overwater villas here either, which keeps the focus firmly on the island itself.

It’s less about statement architecture and more about getting clients close to the beach, reef and surrounding marine life.

The house reef is a real highlight and can be accessed directly from the beach, while the Marine Lab gives the resort a particularly strong conservation focus. We also like the flexibility of the twin-island set-up, with guests able to visit neighbouring Angsana Ihuru for a change of scene and additional facilities.

One of the things we really like about Angsana Velavaru is that it gives clients the best of both worlds when it comes to island living. The InOcean Villas feel modern, private and peaceful, with their two-storey design, private infinity pools and rooftop terraces overlooking the lagoon, while the Beachfront Villas have a more rustic, natural feel and bring guests closer to the island.

The Beachfront Villas have private gardens, verandas and open-air bathrooms, while the InOcean Villas offer a more contemporary take on the Maldives with their two-storey layout, private pools and rooftop terraces.

It’s a useful one to know for couples who want different things from their stay, as they can choose between being closer to the island or having their own space out over the lagoon. The two areas are connected by a short boat transfer, so guests can still enjoy the wider resort whichever side they choose.

The InOcean side also has its own overwater dining at Azzurro, while Funa offers another overwater setting for Pan-Asian dining.

Dhawa Ihuru has a much more intimate feel, with just 45 beachfront villas dotted around a small island. The villas take a more understated approach to contemporary design, with timber patios, generous outdoor spaces and direct access to the beach and house reef.

It’s less about making a statement with the architecture and more about keeping the accommodation closely connected to the island. We particularly like the Beachfront Jet Pool Villas for clients looking for a little more space and privacy, while the Rainmist Villas add something a bit different with their private rainmist lounges.

The resort’s house reef is a real highlight, with the Marine Centre and PADI 5-Star Dive Centre making it a great choice for clients who enjoy snorkelling and diving. With such a small island, the reef, beach and villas all feel particularly close together, which is part of the appeal.

Riveli Restaurant sits directly on the beach with views across the Indian Ocean, while experiences such as lagoon breakfasts and Fisherman Beach Dinners make the most of the island’s setting.