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A holiday in the Maldives is nothing short of a nirvanic experience. Among the archipelago’s main attractions are its pristine natural beauty, colorful traditions, friendly people, and the presence of the world’s most luxurious private island resorts.
Consequently, the Maldives makes for a spectacular vacation option, especially for couples. As one of the most stunning honeymoon destinations in the world, the island nation is a fascinatingly amorous escape. At its many resorts, privacy and seclusion walk hand-in-hand with gorgeous beaches, world-class facilities, adventurous activities, and ample downtime to spend with your loved ones.
When planning a romantic island getaway, the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives are an obvious choice. They not only highlight the splendor of the islands and their surrounding waters but also offer exclusive experiences that are the perfect start to a lifetime of love and togetherness.
Adults-only or family resorts
Although every Maldivian private island brings something unique to the table, the one aspect you need to decide on beforehand is the resort type.
Throughout the archipelago, there are both adults-only and family resorts. The former tends to be laidback and serene. However, they might be on smaller islands, with possibly only water villas.
On the other hand, family resorts offer a plethora of dining options, accommodations, and activities. The general atmosphere on the island is livelier. Still, most family retreats catering to honeymooners have “quiet zones” with beach access, swimming pools, and restaurants that only adults can visit.
Our extensively researched selection of the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives includes both adults-only and family resorts.
Tips to remember before booking a honeymoon in the Maldives
When booking a vacation in the Maldives, honeymooners have several decisions to make, from choosing between resorts to transfers and excursions. However, to make the most of your memorable holiday, remember to follow the below-mentioned tips.
Honeymoon packages
Almost all resorts in the Maldives offer a honeymoon package. It’s definitely a deal worth considering as the packages consist of several complementary activities such as themed dinners, spa treatments, and unique gifts.
Advance booking
When wanting to celebrate your honeymoon in the Maldives, it is crucial to inform the resort about it in advance. You must also book your honeymoon package before your arrival.
Essential requirements
Every resort in the Maldives has specific requirements before you can opt for their honeymoon package. The primary condition is a wedding certificate no older than a certain period (usually 6 to 12 months). Some resorts also have a minimum stay requisite (usually four days).
Maldivian wedding
If the idea of a beach wedding fascinates you, Maldivian resorts also offer several wedding packages. These traditional celebrations mainly include the renewal of vows, as the wedding is not legal. It is still a wonderful memory to make whether you are on a honeymoon or visiting the island nation for an ordinary vacation.
Baros Maldives Resort
When it comes to the leading resorts in the Maldives, Baros has been a trendsetter ever since opening its doors in 1973. As Maldives’ “most romantic resort” according to World Travel Awards, it continues to be a popular choice with honeymooners visiting the island nation.
Only 20 minutes from Malé, Baros offers its guests a chance to relish Maldivian hospitality through a stay in any of its 75 villas. While the island is ideal for all visitors, romance does take precedence when it comes to excursions and attractions.
Reasons for honeymooners to book a room at Baros range from culinary escapades to couple-friendly experiences. At Baros, for instance, you can practically have a meal anywhere you like. From your villa or the beach to a dhoni or the piano deck in the middle of the sea, there are plenty of options.
Couples wanting to add cruising to their honeymoon have two possibilities at Baros. They can spend time on a sandbank, traveling on Nooma, the resort’s own dhoni with a sundeck, lounge, and air-conditioned double rooms. For a more contemporary cruise, Baros has a luxury yacht you can hire with a crew for the entire day.
As for the honeymoon package at Baros, guests get several extra benefits like a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolates, a candlelit dinner, romantic bed decorations, and a professional photo in a Baros photo frame.
Hurawalhi Maldives
The 90-villa adults-only Hurawalhi is an exceptional island and among the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives. To reach the retreat in Lhaviyani Atoll, most couples like to take the 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé. It is a splendid opportunity to see the Maldives from above.
At Hurawalhi, honeymooners have the option to book exotic spa treatments at Duniye Spa and head out into the horizon on a luxury sailing trip. The resort can also arrange for a professional photo shoot for your holiday. You can have it on the island or during a picnic on a sandbank.
The high point of booking a stay at Hurawalhi Maldives is an unforgettable dinner at the legendary 5.8. The world’s largest undersea restaurant is the perfect place for a spellbinding date during your honeymoon.
Milaidhoo Island Resort
Couples looking to book any of the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives will find Milaidhoo Island Resort quite distinct. Situated in the famous Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, its location is more than idyllic. Plan your honeymoon in July and October, and you can snorkel with hundreds of manta rays at the nearby Hanifaru Bay.
Opened in 2016, Milaidhoo is still new and caters primarily to adults. They do allow children above the ages of 9 but have a strict no drone policy.
Moreover, gourmand honeymooners booking a room at Milaidhoo Island Resort should plan for a dinner at Ba’theli. The island’s specialty restaurant is on a boat moored on the adjacent lagoon. Offering indoor and outdoor seating with glass flooring, it specializes in Maldivian delicacies and fresh seafood.
If opting for the honeymoon package at Milaidhoo, you can expect inclusions such as an aromatic bath in your villa, cooking classes, and photo sessions. Interestingly, couples can also name a star exclusively and receive a certificate stating the same.
Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is one of the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives, recognized primarily for its eco-friendliness. Furthermore, the resort allows couples to partake in truly unforgettable experiences, the likes of which are difficult to find outside of the Maldives.
Booking a holiday at Gili Lankanfushi gives you the option to stay in some of the best water villas in the Maldives. If that wasn’t enough, the island has several secluded spots and a tranquil environment most honeymooning couples prefer.
Service and guest relations if of the utmost importance at Gili Lankanfushi. Thus, to make your honeymoon stress-free, you have a personal host, Mr. or Ms. Friday, who takes care of all your needs 24×7.
Of the many adventures that couples can relish at Gili Lankanfushi, the ones that stand out are a sunset cruise in a small dhoni fit for two guests or a movie night in the resort’s jungle cinema. The staff can also arrange for a night under the stars on the terrace of your villa. Additionally, honeymooners booking Gili Lankanfushi love the dolphin cruise and rejuvenating massages at the resort’s health center.
Como Cocoa Island
Located in South Malé Atoll, Como Cocoa Island is a dreamy escape for honeymooners. The private resort comprises 33 overwater villas inspired by the traditional Maldivian fishing boat, dhoni.
Promising minimal interference, couples can enjoy magical moments throughout the island, which also has not one but two house-reefs.
When booking a honeymoon at the Como Cocoa, couples can indulge in a range of private and exciting excursions. Some of the must-do activities are couple’s yoga, paddleboarding, sandbank picnics, sunset fishing, candlelit dinners on the beach, and a talk with the resident marine biologist.
Soneva Fushi
A sojourn at Soneva Fushi guarantees unmatched adventures, more so for honeymooning couples. The legendary Maldivian resort with 63 beach and 8 water villas is in a league of its own. It offers some of the most remarkable resort attractions in the Maldives. It is thus the ideal choice to celebrate any special occasion.
About 20 minutes away from Hanifaru Bay, couples staying at Soneva can witness mass manta ray feeding at the world-renowned snorkeling site in Baa Atoll.
On the island itself, a culinary extravaganza awaits at the idyllically located Flying Sauces restaurant. The treetop restaurant, reachable via a zipline through the island’s foliage, grants stunning sea views and serves the best seasonal dishes.
Honeymooning couples wanting more can opt for a picnic on a deserted sandbank. Soneva’s after sunset cruise is an enchanting trip that includes a four-course meal. And when the night finally engulfs the island, make the most of the resident astronomer and learn about the sparkling skies above.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
A truly grand resort covering three islands, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is only 40-minutes by boat from Malé Airport. However, the transfer is possible only through their own luxury yacht. This reflects the opulence couples can expect once they reach the private island.
The multi-award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives has a total of 119 accommodations and a whooping 11 bars and restaurants. Considered among the best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives, it is home to the archipelago’s most fabulous treetop restaurant, Terra.
When booking a stay at Waldorf Astoria, check for their honeymoon package. It comes with several extravagant add-ons like in-room floral baths, professional photoshoots, and couple’s massage. The hotel has a no-drone policy and is known for its discrete and exceptional service.
Velaa Private Island
Packed with surprises galore, Velaa Private Island is a resort where you’ll notice a seamless amalgamation of local ethos and contemporary design. Also known as “Turtle Island,” this one-of-a-kind destination is the perfect intimate sanctuary for couples.
A limited number of villas at Velaa Private Island give it an alluring identity, placing it among the top honeymoon resorts in the Maldives. Additionally, the resort’s honeymoon package helps elevate your vacation by including experiences like romantic turndown service and massages for two
Couples who love watersports are in for a treat if they book a honeymoon at Velaa Private Island. The resort, situated in Noonu Atoll, is close to several iconic diving and snorkeling sites. Moreover, it has the latest water toys ranging from hover and flyboarding to a tandem jetovator.
As for genuinely unusual happenings, Velaa Private Island is where you’ll find the archipelago’s only snow room. The refreshing coolness of the snow amidst the hot weather allows honeymooning couples to appreciate an incomparable Maldivian spa experience.
N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.
