A winning combination of a casual setting with stylish decor and amicable staff maintaining very high standards, not to mention great snorkelling and diving, now mark this out as one of the very best small resorts in the country.

In keeping with the newly fashionable original Maldives look, all the roofs are thatched, there's sand on the floor throughout and daylight floods in. With the prominent use of quality timber, and furnishings in ivory, whites and tans the effect is at once calming and uplifting.

In terms of service and attitude, something imaginative is attempted here, a sort of 'grown-up hospitality' – a give and take of respect and trust. Not signing for bills at all might make a reappearance but it is at least discreet and infrequent. There are no designated seats in the restaurant, guests are free to drop into the staff area, free to pick up CDs at the reception, free to take out any water sports equipment. It is indicative that each room is individually named (for native trees and flowers) rather than just numbered. The names of the occupants are discreetly displayed alongside.

European, Japanese and Maldivian staff, a good number of them female, deliver an impressive standard of service. They are clearly well trained and motivated. The same must be true of the chefs for the food is sumptuous. The lunch and dinner buffets are inventive, thoughtfully put together and delicious. Thursday, for example, is the Japanese and Vietnamese night, while Saturday it's Malaysian and Thai.

If that wasn't enough, there's a specialty restaurant over the water that just demands to be tried out. The Muraka serves 'surf and turf' haute cuisine in a modern, seductive environment. And once a week, with seating limited to 16, puts on an extra special multi-course meal with matching wines presented by their Master of Wine.

The pleasures of this resort are mostly of the romantic, quiet variety. Even the excursions tend that way, with a Castaway trip to a desert island and Champagne Breakfast on a sandbank. If you haven't come on your honeymoon here, as many do, you might come to renew your wedding vows in a specially organised ceremony with local touches. Whatever the situation you should be looking for a completely relaxing and quiet holiday because that is what you will certainly get. There are no evening entertainments on any night.

Understandably there are no motored water sports on offer, but for the free catamaran and windsurfing there's a large sandy lagoon off one end of the island, which is ideal. The snorkelling area is not extensive but what there is is very rewarding. The coral life is far better than most resorts and the fish life is abundant. There are also no strong currents to be concerned about.

Perhaps as a spillover from the good snorkelling, and also from the prominent position of the building, the dive school seems to tick over all day with lessons, housereef diving and boat trips. Mirihi is very fortunate with its location within easy reach of one of the best Manta Points in the country, some of the best thila dives and also the outside sites where whale sharks are tracked.

There is a lovely, big beach outside the reception and main bar, at its peak during the high season. The problem is that isn't where it's needed. The north end of the island, which has 16 Water Villas off it, develops a beach during the southwest monsoon (off season) but very little during the northeast (high season). There is a decent beach behind the Water Villas on the west side but the rooms then interrupt the view. The 6 Beach Rooms do have some permanent beach. Having said all that, the island is so small that it's only ever a couple of minutes to find your place in the sun.

The rooms themselves are predictably beautiful. Wood is used throughout; beautifully crafted wood, with satisfying variations in colour and finish. An original painting hangs above each bed, complementing the artfully designed and expensively furnished rooms. The decks are generous and might face west, north or east depending on which room you have. You'll have to return to get your favourite; they each have something special going for them.

Mirihi itself has a great deal that is special about it. There is no question about its arrival in the top bracket.