Maldives magic at a fraction of cost

The pristine sandy shores and azure waters of the Maldives are spectacular, but as AMY JONES finds, the more accessible island of Sardinia is just as beautiful - with direct flights from less than £30

- AMY JONES

I'VE been lucky enough to stay at a resort on a secluded island paradise in the Maldives, and it really is as stunning as you could imagine.

There were luxurious overwater villas with private freshwater pools, miles of pristine sandbanks, tropical sea life swimming among the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and some of the most incredible sunsets.

But a holiday to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean comes at a cost. While you can catch a direct flight from London to Malé, you then need transport from the mainland airport to the island you're staying on, either by seaplane or boat and then there’s the price of the resort.

I stayed at the gorgeous resort of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll, on the longest sandbank in the Maldives. Its 2km-long, sugar-white sand beaches stretch across four islands with 125 private villas, four restaurants and a bundle of activities in a resort they describe as your “island playground”.

I wandered around the paradise resort barefoot almost every day, snorkelled off my incredible Ocean Pool Villa and made the most of my private freshwater pool, while soaking up the spectacular views and island sunsets by night. I'd enjoy a leisurely breakfast where I spotted dolphins and baby sharks in the shallows.