Joali Maldives, Maldives, Indian Ocean

In a land where overwater bungalows, tropical indulgence and sandy seclusion aren't in short supply, it's a tricky task to really stand out as something different. With its uber-cool artsy vibe and playful spirit, Joali Maldives has done just that. The aquamarine waters, pillow-soft sands and lush palm-covered core that you'd expect in the Maldives are all here and looking their sun-soaked best, but they're joined by a number of interactive art pieces sprinkled throughout the island.

In truth, everything at Joali looks so much like a work of art that it's like staying in an exotic open-air gallery – artist Porky Hefer, sculptor Seckin Pirim and glassmaker Feleksan Onar are just a few of the celebrated names whose works you'll find in your villa, in among the palms or on the beach. They're not just great to look at, they're a whole lot of fun, too: you can relax in a bird's nest swinging chair, dine within a huge thatched manta ray floating within the treetops or snorkel among an underwater garden made from reclaimed materials such as bronze, glass and rubbish.

Joali Maldives isn't just an ingenious concept – its level of service will have you wanting for nothing, from the moment you step off the seaplane to the moment you wash the sand off your toes for the last time. Everything here is to the highest standards, from the food to the spa treatments and the huge villas. It's almost as if Joali Maldives was a work of art.