A nation of 1,190 island specks spread over 116 square miles of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives looks like something out of a myth. And parts of the country could well become just that if sea levels rise: The highest elevation is a mere eight feet above. Only about 200 of the islands are inhabited, but resorts are increasingly willing to chance the climate鈥揷hange odds鈥15 new hotels have opened in the past two years. Our favorite: Hudhuranfushi Island Resort, a swanky surf camp next to eight northern鈥揳toll breaks. (Swells are strongest between June and September.) The seaplane鈥揳ccessed resort reopened late last year with 26 new overwater bungalows ($1,665 per week, including meals and surfing; ). Prefer island nightlife to epic surf? Opt for the brand-new Diva Island Resort & Spa, in Ari Atoll, where six restaurants, six bars, a disco, and 88 villas on stilts dot the island's 2.5鈥搈ile white鈥搒and rim. Between margaritas, dive with 20鈥揻oot whale sharks, circumnavigate the island by kayak, or just stick to the glass鈥揻loored spa, where you can gaze down upon passing parrotfish (doubles, $770; ).
