I am at the end of my 5 night stay at the Northolme, and I am impressed.

I booked 5 nights for 380,000 points. It was 2325GBP at the time I booked, so 0.61p per point, which means decent savings if you were to buy points.

Points room was a Sunset Villa. They are further back and higher up, which doesn't make much difference. What would make a difference is that they are two storey buildings so if you get an elephant in the room above yours it would be annoying.

I was upgraded to an oceanfront villa, which they claimed was a premium oceanfront villa, and which says deluxe oceanfront villa on the door, so I'm not clear on the categories. From the outside, the only difference I see is position.

From emails and the info leaflet given on arrival I can see they are very keen on selling upgrades to the pool villas. I think you would be very lucky to get a complementary upgrade, and then only if the hotel was very quiet.

Privacy at the villas is generally good, but varies. I was initially allocated a room where the outdoor part was in view from the pool area. Not close enough to even tell someones age group or sex*, but if I can see people then people can see me. I moved just 3 villas further away and found complete privacy. If you're not quite so neurotic as I am then all the villas will be fine.

* From the gym, I looked up to the distant pool villas, and was able to tell that the person standing up there was naked, and probably a man.

The oceanfront villa is a very nice room, with a lovely view, lots of space, comfy outdoor seating + table + sun loungers, big whirlpool bath, spacious shower. Some aspects are a little dated (DVD player, crappy old surround sound speakers, trip hazard raised platform for the bed area), but it s a nice place to be. One feature that is also dated compared to many new hotels but which I am glad to see is a proper desk with a decent chair.

Never mind any small flaws though. They are few, and the villa is full of character, with dark woods, local art, a four-poster bed, and the sound of crashing waves.

Last week I was at the Hilton Maldives Amingiri where the villas, like the whole resort, were soulless and generic with no personality at all.

The Northolme has so much atmosphere. Gorgeous scenery, crashing waves, soaring fruitbats, beautiful and interesting old trees like the Takamaka tree and the Cannonball tree, several small beaches where it is easy to find yourself alone, themed bars, local art... The Amingiri was as unique and interesting as any piece of Ikea furniture. Soulless. The Northolme has soul and atmosphere. That extends to the food and drink offering, which excels where the Amingiri fell short, notably a delicious variety of locally inspired dishes on the a la carte breakfast menu, and some delicious cocktails using local Takamaka rum.