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Mesmerizing skies that come alive with infinite colors. The calmness of the blue sea juxtaposing against clouds on fire. A Maldives sunset is a sight to behold, one that tends to leave people in a state of absolute wonder.
While holidaying in the Maldives, dusk is an essential time of the day. It’s when the mood across the islands suddenly changes. From the fun and thrill of the daytime, there’s a shift towards romanticism.
Instead of children running around on the beach shouting and playing, guests typically talk in hushed tones, while locals on inhabited islands come out for after-work walks by the sea.
The evening is a time when everything seems to stop in the Maldives for a few moments. Everyone focuses on the big ball of fire as it is slowly engulfed by the water, leaving behind a visual spectacle.
No two Maldives sunsets are the same. Every day ends in a unique fashion, promising a new photo opportunity, a stunning sight that remains in mind for a long time.
Unlike several other tourist destinations worldwide, one can find the best spots to watch the sunset in Maldives on every island. You might be staying in a resort’s overwater villa or a guesthouse on an inhabited island; the skies will impress you with their unassuming beauty nonetheless.
While the best things in life are sometimes free, you still need to make an effort to get the most desirable seat for this daily marvel. So, as the day comes to a close, look around and plan your evening. You’ll be surprised to find that the best spots to watch the sunset in Maldives are frequently right around the corner.
Sunset villa
The most comfortable place to view a sunset in the Maldives is, of course, your villa. Resorts across the archipelago make it easier for their guests to choose a preferred abode by naming them as sunset or sunrise villas, based on their location.
Sunset villas can be of different types. The beach-facing villa and the ever-famous Maldives overwater bungalow are the two that are common on private islands.
Your own private sanctuary, nothing compares to resting on a lounge chair after a busy day, cocktail in hand, watching the setting sun. It is textbook romantic and a tranquil minute that many consider perfect for a bit of introspection.
How exclusive you want to make this encounter is entirely in your hands. Turn the music on low, hop inside the infinity pool of your Maldives overwater bungalow, pop open a bottle of wine, take in the views, and get lost in the divinity of the moment.
Sunset cruise
To be out in the sea, no land in sight, watching a Maldives sunset, is an extraordinary event. No wonder sunset cruises are the top-selling attraction in the archipelago.
Travelers exploring the islands on a liveaboard already benefit from enjoying sunsets from the middle of the ocean every day. For others, a two to three-hour cruise is a wonderful occasion to partake in a thrilling voyage that is often the perfect end to a memorable day.
A sunset cruise in the Maldives is idyllic for couples looking for an unforgettable excursion. It is also perfect for families when all the members come together and talk about their day while appreciating the evening sky.
Resorts typically have sunset cruises as part of their daily attractions. Sometimes they are included in the room rates, or else one can book them in advance.
Then, there is the prospect of reserving a private cruise, something that particularly appeals to honeymooning couples in the Maldives. Private operators on inhabited islands also offer sunset cruises. They usually cost must less than the same tour when booked through a resort island.
To make your cruise extra special, book one on a traditional Maldivian boat, dhoni.
Booze boat
A booze boat is almost an anomaly in the Maldives. Typically, alcohol is not allowed on inhabited islands. However, just off the coast of Maafushi, a few boats serve beer and other alcoholic drinks to residing tourists.
Booze or alcohol boats, as they are popularly known, are different from a cruise in that they do not sail to any destination. Open from afternoon till late at night, you can plan an evening on the boat to coincide with a Maldives sunset
Moreover, transfer from the beach to the boat is free, and alcohol prices are much lower than at the resorts. It is worth noting that most booze boats remain uncrowded during dusk. It is only after sundown when the DJ plays the latest hits that the party crowd typically arrives.
Sandbar picnic
Lounging on a sandbar while enjoying a specially prepared picnic is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Maldives. A secluded paradise with no one around, being on a sandbar is a surreal experience, amplified further when you can relish a Maldives sunset along with a loved one.
There are times when a stop on a sandbar is part of a sunset cruise. However, to truly savor this escapade, book your own private excursion through a resort.
The trip will consist of a transfer to and back from the sandbar, blankets to make your stay comfortable, and a picnic basket with cheese, fruits, sandwiches, and wine. A slightly exclusive affair is having dinner, wherein the resort sends a chef who will prepare a meal for you on the spot.
The beach
The most obvious place to admire a sunset is the beach. It is as comfortable as watching the sun go down from an overwater villa in the Maldives. The beach is also convenient for travelers residing in villas or guesthouses that are not by the water or have an open sea view.
In cities like Maafushi and Male, locals and tourists usually come to the beach every day to view a Maldives sunset. On resorts, you can either sit with other guests or head out to a secluded area and be alone during this time. If not wanting to sit on the sand, resorts have hammocks to help you lounge in comfort.
Dusk is also a beautiful time for photographers to practice their skills, with the beach providing ample space to do so properly. A time-lapse of the setting sun, a stunning photo featuring a silhouette of a Maldives overwater bungalow, and pictures of the colorful sky are all evergreen reminders of your time on the islands.
Beach bar and restaurant
Adding a culinary element to a Maldives sunset is an exceptionally brilliant idea. Seaside restaurants are popular around the planet, and the Maldives is no different. You’ll come across plenty of cafes and restaurants along the beach on inhabited islands. Otherwise, pick up a snack and simply sit on the sand.
Resorts tend to make a bigger deal out of a sunset dinner. A table is set on the edge of the water and sometimes in it. The chef prepares a tasting menu as per your preference. The staff is discreet, making sure to pamper you without intruding in on your special occasion.
However, if you prefer to eat late, there is always the possibility to savor a relaxing sundowner at the beachside bar.
Rooftop restaurant
To appreciate a Maldives sunset, you have to be in a place that allows you unobstructed views. Sitting on the beach with the endless ocean in front of you is definitely one of those.
A somewhat privileged alternative and among the best spots to watch the sunset in Maldives is a treetop restaurant. Nest in Nimaya Private Islands, Terra at the Waldorf Astoria, and the Manta Ray Treehouse at Joali are a few of the top treetop restaurants in the Maldives.
Having limited seating requires that you book a table in advance at these treetop restaurants. And when you do, select a time that will place you high above the island during sunset.
It’s an unimaginably exotic way to adore a sunset and an affair with nature that is only possible in the beautiful country of the Maldives.
