A lighter touch to the service and in the atmosphere is noticeable, in part the result of a clientele that is younger and less accustomed to having only the finest things in life. In part it is the result of a happy group of staff who are mostly Maldivian, have worked on the island for many years and who love it as their own.

The essence of Angsana is simply luxury and a fine spa on an idyllic island. Appropriately, the spa is very big relative to the size of the island. Its eight luxurious double pavilions cover an extensive area behind the rooms. They are usually busy as the guests take seriously the islands' motto of 'sensing the moment' and succumb, frequently, to the sensual pleasures of a great massage. Therapeutic touch and aromatherapy treatments are the spa's specialties.

The rooms represent simple luxury. although a little small for such a quality resort, they are very attractively put together and have the added touches of a hairdryer and bath robes, coffee and tea-making facilities and a CD player. Of the 45 total, 20 villas come with open-air Jacuzzis behind. In front, each room has a swing joli in a small garden made private by enclosing bushes and trees. and from inside every room, though the wall of French windows, you can see the beach and lagoon. Unlike a growing number of resorts, there is no staggering of rooms on Angsana - Ihuru.

Be it sipping pina coladas on the sun lounger, or napping in your Maldivian swing, there’s always room for repose at the Deluxe Beachfront Villa.

Soak your cares away in the warm bubbles of an open-air jet pool. Or enter a bedroom that opens into a veranda where you can relish the serenity of your private garden. Be it sipping pina coladas on the sun lounger, or napping in your Maldivian swing, there’s always room for repose at the Deluxe Beachfront Villa.

Villa facilities include: Veranda with dining and sitting area, Open-air jet pool, Outdoor shower, Private garden with sun lounger and Maldivian swing, Air-conditioning (individually adjustable), Queen-sized bed, Mini-bar and coffee and tea-making facilities, In-villa safe, IDD telephone, Hair dryer and bath robes...

With views of the cerulean Indian Ocean from your own veranda, you can take delight in the brilliant sunset as balmy breezes sweep your cares away.

With views of the cerulean Indian Ocean from your own veranda, you can take delight in the brilliant sunset as balmy breezes sweep your cares away. Set amidst the lush foliage is an open-concept bathroom, where you can bask in the warmth of the morning sun while enjoying a refreshing outdoor shower.

Villa facilities: Veranda with dining and sitting area, Private garden with sun lounger and Maldivian swing, Outdoor shower with hot and cold fresh water, Air-conditioning (individually adjustable), Queen-sized bed, Mini-bar and coffee and tea-making facilities, In-villa safe, IDD telephone, Hair dryer and bath robes...

The resort is popular with peace, quiet and privacy seekers. Daytime sees some use of the complimentary water sports such as canoe facilities and an uptake on excursions (admirably there is a guide for every couple going to Male') but there are no organized entertainments in the evening, not even television-its' not that sort of place.

Nonetheless, the bar is a delight as the navy blue greenish colour deepens into night, and the lights of Male' flickers to the sky on the horizon. Spotlights around the perimeter of the counter, hanging lamps above the cone-like ceiling of the bar and candles on the low tables help create a traditional cozy, a feel of feeling.

The bar's lovely deck over the water is matched by the even broader restaurant deck. It's an idyllic place for lunch (always buffet) and dinner (six fine set plates and one Maldivian buffet), though the quality of the cuisine is not quite matched by the wine list.