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Honeymoon in the Maldives: best resorts and top activities

Honeymoon in the Maldives is everything most brides dream about after their wedding and this article will tell you everything you need to know about where to stay and what to do on your holiday in Maldives.

But first, let’s give you some details about Maldives. I will tell you how to get there and why this archipelago is so special.

The Maldives is a beautiful place that anyone can visit now. You don’t have to be famous or rich.

People go there to vacation and relax at luxurious resorts in the Maldives. You can also enjoy the scenery without spending too much money.

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Where is the Maldives located?

The Maldives islands are beautiful and located in the Indian Ocean. They are near the southwestern part of India and Sri Lanka.

The archipelago has 1.192 islands grouped under 26 atolls and not all the islands are inhabited.

Gili Lankanfushi Resort in Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Resort in Maldives

Some of the islands are owned by people who have resorts on them.

Other islands are owned by the Maldivian state and Maldivian people live there.

Maldives or the Republic of Maldives is an independent country with more than 200 inhabited islands.

The local population is called Maldivian, while the official language spoken in the archipelago is Dhiveli.

Besides speaking Dhiveli, many people in this area also speak English.

And because a lot of them work in tourism, they have exposure to lots of different languages from all over the world, like Arabic, Asian, German, and Italian.

Getting to the Maldives

The Maldives is not the closest place to the US or Europe, but it is a very pretty place. It would be a good destination for your next trip.

The truth is that flights are not as expensive or bad as you might think.

You will fly for more than 15 hours from the US and 10 hours from the UK, but it’s worth it!

Maldives Airport
Maldives Airport

You might have to stop at one or two different airports before you reach your final destination.

This will give you a chance to walk around, have something to eat, and rest before your next flight.

A cheaper way to fly to the Maldives is to take a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.

From there you have an hour’s flight to Male International Airport, the Maldives’ main gateway to the world.

If you want, you can spend some time exploring Sri Lanka. It’s an amazing country with lots of cool things to see and do.

And from Sri Lanka, you can fly to Maldives, which is one of the most private places in the world.

Check here for the complete 10 days guide in Sri Lanka, a tour that we did when we visited this spectacular country.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide 10 day itinerary a4
Sri Lanka Travel Guide 10 day itinerary a4

There are many companies that fly to the Maldives. Some of the best ones, based on my experience and what other people have said, are Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airways.

Getting to the resorts in the Maldives

After you arrive in Male, the next stop on your trip is your honeymoon resort.

It is located on an isolated island with clear blue waters and lots of marine life.

If your hotel in Maldives is close to Male, then you will probably take a speedboat to get there.

Seaplane on water Maldives Airport
Seaplane on water Maldives Airport

When I say close to Male I mean a less than one-hour speedboat from Male International Airport to the resort.

Ferry

If the hotel is not on a private island, you can take the ferry to get there.

The ferry is slow, but it is also the cheapest way to get there.

Maldives Island from Sea Plane Atol
Maldives Island from Sea Plane Atol

But hey…. This is a honeymoon so nobody wants to travel to the Maldives for 15 hours and then take a ferry to a common hotel from the Maldives.

Speedboat or seaplane

You deserve to spend your holiday in a luxurious hotel so that is why I recommend you to use a speedboat or a seaplane to get to your final destination.

The resort that you are staying at will help you book your transportation to and from the airport.

All you need to do is give the hotel your flight information, and they will take care of everything.

I have to tell you that our Maldivian trip was by far the most stressless trip we have ever had although we had been on the road for more than 12 hours.

Six Senses Laamu Water Villa
Six Senses Laamu Water Villa

We used the seaplane because our resort was not close to Male International Airport.

The seaplane ride was really fun and one of the best experiences we have ever had.

Be careful that the seaplane only goes during the day. If you arrive late, you will need to find a place to stay near the airport.

Best time to visit the Maldives

In Maldives, there are two seasons. The dry season is usually from May to November. The rainy season is from December to April.

The dry season is when the northeastern monsoon happens. This is also known as the winter monsoon.

The rainy season has a lot of rain, strong storms, and heavy winds.

If you want to go to Maldives for the beaches and to get a tan, you should go during the dry season.

That is between December and April.

Kuda Villingili Maldives
Kuda Villingili Maldives

Best diving time

Let’s take divers for example; they are the luckiest ones as the whole year is perfect for diving.

The dry season is when the water is clear and there are strong currents. These currents carry tiny organisms that many sea creatures like to eat.

The rainy season brings lower temperatures to the ocean water (a few degrees below normal, but not cold).

This attracts many hammerhead sharks and reef sharks to areas close to the shore.

It may be harder to see things when diving in the rainy season, but the currents are not as strong, so it is easier to dive.

The temperatures are constant all year round, with values between 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Gili Lankanfushi Beach
Gili Lankanfushi Beach

Where the island of Maldives is located makes it the perfect holiday destination, with great temperatures all year round.

The wettest months of the year are July, followed by September, October, and November.

During the winter season, short afternoon showers are quite common, but there are light rains that don’t disturb you.

Six Senses Laamu in Maldives
Six Senses Laamu in Maldives

The rainy season can bring tropical cyclones, heavy storms, and a lot of rain.

This might cause the government to move people to safer areas.

In the last 130 years, only 11 cyclones have hit Maldives and caused some damage. This is good news.

Best hotels for your honeymoon in the Maldives

Honeymoon resorts in Maldives are famous all over the world for their services, amenities, and high standards and I must confess it was quite hard for me to build up this list with the 10 best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives.

Kandima Maldives Water villas
Honeymoon Maldives Water villas

There are many resorts in the Maldives to choose from. They are all special and have unique features.

You should pick the one that you think is the best fit for you.

Here are my favorite picks. Decide which one you like most!

1. Gili Lankanfushi

The luxurious island resort Gili Lankanfushi is located in the North Male Atoll, about a 20 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport.

The policy “no news, no shoes” at this place is perfect for the atmosphere of the island.

This means that people should not worry about things happening in the world and they can relax.

Instead, they should focus on looking for dolphins, manta rays, and other cool animals in the ocean.

Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is ranked by many magazines, sites and publications as the best resort in the Maldives, and trust me, it is the best.

There are 45 eco villas located on the beach and over the water. There are also generous relaxation spaces with amazing views of the ocean.

Lastly, there are top-notch amenities.

Once you arrive on the island, you are encouraged to remove your shoes and walk around barefoot.

This will help you feel closer to nature and experience the Maldivian way of life.

Gili Lankanfushi MAldives
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Each villa comes with someone to help you, called a Mr. Friday.

He can help you book tables at restaurants and give you tips on how to make the most of your time at the resort.

Villas

The honeymoon Maldives water villa is a large, beautiful room made mostly from wood.

There is a large open-air deck that overlooks the sea and your own private pool.

Gili Lankanfushi Room Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Room Maldives

The hotel’s layout was inspired by the book Robinson Crusoe.

So, don’t be surprised if you find things in your room that are from the book.

The water bungalows look like they are made out of wood and they are floating on the water.

You should stay in one of these bungalows for at least one evening to experience them.

Gili Lankanfushi Room
Gili Lankanfushi Room

The villas at this hotel are special because each one has its own butler. Mr. Friday is a nice person who will make your vacation memorable.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is among the very best eco-hotels from the Maldives that has its very own yard with vegetables and also natural herbs and a pro-active program to save the marine creatures.

Gili Lankanfushi Beach honeymoon in the maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Beach

Your butler, Friday, will take care of everything for you.

He can help you book spa treatments, trips, and even the best table at one of the a la carte restaurants on the island.

Facilities

Don’t forget to go to the spa while you’re at the resort. It’s called Meera spa and the people who work there are very good.

You should also book a diving or snorkeling tour so you can see closer the marine creatures.

Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resorts in the Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

This resort in the Maldives has lots of good places to eat. There is a buffet restaurant with food from different parts of the world, including American, Asian, and local dishes.

The Japanese restaurant By the Sea has really good sushi and other Japanese fusion dishes. There are also bars that serve cocktails, red and white wines, and beers.

What guests say

Nicholas T from UK
First time in the Maldives and from the moment we were met at the airport our experience was SIX star at every level. Our studio was beyond belief with views across the lagoon with access to the sea for a cooling dip direct from the studio sun deck.
Food was superb with choices that made your head spin all served to your table with views over the lagoon.
Plenty of activities to keep all amused or simply lay out on your sunbed at your studio or on the beach next to the pool.
Would not hesitate to return at the earliest opportunity. Never felt so relaxed and pampered.

Tina C from US
From the moment that we arrived we were treated like Royalty. Fiyaz our man Friday did an outstanding job of making us feel welcome. All of the little touches made it like we were a guest on a Superyacht. Fiyaz and the team, Thasleem, Rifag, Ziyan,Raman, Kai and Dev. Your attention to detail remembering exactly how we individually take our coffee, what’s our favorite drink. I honestly have never experienced this ever. We have every intention of coming back next year. We absolutely loved these guys. You made our Gili experience super special.

Gabrielle R from Boston, US
I wish I could give a 6th star – Gili was a dream! We went for our honeymoon and stayed 7 nights, it couldn’t have been more magical. What sets Gili apart from any other 5 star hotel are the people. From the moment you’re picked up from the airport in Male to the moment you leave, you’re surrounded by staff who are genuinely invested in your stay. I have to give a special shoutout to our Mr. Friday, Alif, who pulled out all the stops for us. Not only was he accommodating, but also took the initiative to surprise us with special experiences – and oh did he nail it! The staff at Gili, especially your Mr. Friday, have a way of anticipating and providing assistance and expertise without you ever having to ask. The number of times I turned to my husband and said, how did they know we would want that/were just talking about that?! They just know. The food is just the icing on the cake. Breakfast has unlimited options with many different exotic fruits, lunch we often opted to take privately in our villa, and dinners were all varieties of cuisine. Our favorites were the Asian Market, Mediterranean, and Indian nights though all dinners were impressively presented and delicious. We also had two dinners at the Japanese restaurant on the island, By The Sea, that were outstanding. I’d be remiss not to mention the sommelier, who added such a special experience to the week. We had not planned on doing a wine tasting, but once we got to know him and realized how knowledgeable – and delightful! – he was, we quickly arranged for one and I’m so glad we did. The wine selection is perfection. The spa was another highlight, which we visited several times and they never disappointed. Who doesn’t want a massage while watching fish swim by below you? The last thing I’ll say is the island itself is stunningly manicured, but in a very rustic and natural way. More often than not, we felt we were the only ones on the island. Such a beautiful trip in every way. Couldn’t recommend it enough and we will definitely be back!

2. Como Cocoa Island

One of the best hotels in Maldives honeymoon holiday is Como Cocoa Island with its amazing amenities, 2 house reefs, and stunning overwater villas.

Como Cocoa Island Maldives is located about 40 minutes speedboat ride from Male International Airport, on a small strip of sand with a total length of 500 meters at low tide.

Como Cocoa Island
Como Cocoa Island

The 34 villas created by Singapore’s Lekker Architects are inspired by Maldivian architecture.

They are made mostly from wood and other materials that are good for the environment.

The rooms are big and the beds have high-quality sheets. The windows are huge and go from the floor to the ceiling.

You can see the ocean from your bed.

Como Cocoa Island Water Villa Maldives
Como Cocoa Island Water Villa Maldives

Among the things available on the island are a spa with trained therapists, a place to do yoga, a gym, and a wellness center.

Como Cocoa Island Maldives
Como Cocoa Island Maldives

The diving center from Como Cocoa Island Maldives organizes daily trips for snorkeling and diving so that you can explore the fascinating world of fish, dolphins, whales, and sharks.

The people who work here are very well trained and they will be happy to help you.

They always have a big smile on their face.

Como Cocoa Island Maldives Water Villa
Como Cocoa Island Maldives Water Villa

The main restaurant on the island is Ufaa. It is a beautiful place with international and local cuisine.

You can have all 3 meals of the day there.

Como Cocoa Island Room
Como Cocoa Island Room

The Como Shambhala Cuisine at Ufaa is new and different.

It uses organic ingredients that have lots of vitamins, minerals, and living enzymes. This makes the food healthier for you.

What guests say

Sue from UK
We spent 6 beautiful days on our honeymoon in late January .
Among the many things I want to compliment about the resort, first and foremost is the amazing staff. The kind and intimate interaction with them starts the moment you get off the speed boat. The manager himself greets you at the jetty with a warm welcoming smile, instantly making you feel at home.
All the other staff members were also extremely helpful and friendly, always looking after us, making sure we have everything we need to enjoy our stay to the fullest. On the day of our departure, we were so sad to leave not only because we were leaving the paradise behind, but because we had to say goodbye to the staff who we have grown so fond of.
Thank you again Vincent, Wisam, Daniele, Jazira, Christian, Zara, Muru, Mika, April, Mazhar, Nim, Saeed, Ali and all the others. Thanks to all of you, our stay was magical. It exceeded our expectation in every way, and our expectation was not low.?

Luca from Switzerland
Cocoa island is a paradise on earth. Everything is taken care of and the staff of the island is meticulously cleaning the beach.
Our pool villa was amazing, but also the other villas and Dhoni are very comfortable and great.
During our stay we were looked after by Muru. He was always very helpful and his services made our experience even better.
The spa zone is also great and April is doing a great job by making you feel relaxed.
You cannot get bored here and the only problem is that sooner or later you must leave.
I couldn’t have imagined a better experience

Edward Larkin from San Francisco, US
The best honeymoon we could have asked for. Exquisite personalized service (everything we ever wanted or needed was done in 10 minutes), amazing food, and great activities (diving, windsurfing, snorkeling), etc. Would recommend highly!

3. St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Without any doubt, one of the best hotel in Maldives for honeymoon is St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort with its overwater spa and incredible wine cellar with an impressive collection of wines from all over the world.

St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

St Regis Maldives Vommuli is located about 40 minutes seaplane ride from Male International airport on a private strip of sand surrounded by coral reefs packed with colorful fish and amazing marine creatures.

The areas that everyone can use and the villa’s design are both inspired by Maldivian lagoon life.

This means that the beachfront villas look like wooden dhoni boats.

St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Villa
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Villa

Villas

There are 77 villas on the island. Some people might want to live in a garden villa. This is a villa that is close to the jungle.

Some people might want to live in a beach villa. This is a villa that is close to the ocean and has white sand.

Some people might want to live in a luxurious overwater villa. This is a villa with an amazing view of either the sunset or sunrise.

All the villas are extremely spacious, even after the Maldivian standards, and come with their own private swimming pool.

St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Water Villa 80
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Water Villa

The interiors are modern and very beautifully furnished with high-end amenities and free access to Netflix and Bluetooth music.

The services from St Regis Maldives Vommuli are among the best from the area offered by very well-trained staff, always smiling and ready to help you.

St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Villa Sea View 80
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Villa Sea View

The food is also delicious, with sophisticated dishes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You could order a lobster omelette or Maldivian eggs benedict with yellowfin tuna for breakfast.

For lunch and dinner, there are also exquisite dishes available.

There are three restaurants at the resort. The buffet restaurant is open to everyone.

To eat at the a la carte restaurant, you need to book a table in advance.

The 5-course degustation and wine pairing evening is only available at the Decanter.

Decanter is an underground wine cellar at the resort. You need to book a table in advance for this too.

What guests say

Adam from San Diego, US
My wife and I finally traveled to the Maldives during covid in November 2021 for 6 days. Our honeymoon was incredible. We booked our overwater bungalow using points since my wife is a lifetime platinum member. Good perk if you have a top-tier status you receive a 20% discount on all food. The staff, the service, and the food were all outstanding!!!
We arrived from Dubai to Male airport where we were met by a very nice man from St Regis, he escorted us in a nice, air-conditioned van to a small lounge. The airport was very chaotic so having someone there for you and then escorting you to a lounge while you wait for your seaplane was like royalty. My wife and I didn’t wait long at our lounge for our seaplane. We traveled on the seaplane with about 20 people and stopped at two resorts on the way. St Regis was the final stop took about 1hr from Male airport. Once you land you are greeted by crystal clear water with all the employees waiving at you. Absolutely stunning!!!!
My wife and I will never forget this honeymoon. We hope to visit again one day! Just magical!!!!!

Law367 from New York, US
Our honeymoon and my husband’s birthday were unforgettable! St. Regis is a beautiful island with beautiful rooms and restaurants but it’s the staff that makes your experience there priceless. I hope that one day we will be able to return to this special place and create even more memories. Special mentions to our amazing butler Ernie, restaurant staff Pop and Shafeez, Yogi, sommelier Mayank, and housekeeper Ibrahim!!

Courtney Z from US
Everything about this trip was amazing! From the personal welcome we got when we landed to the individualized service throughout, we really weren’t lacking for anything. This was our first visit to both Maldives and a St. Regis property – I highly recommend both! A special shoutout to our butler Sasha (Alexandra) who was attentive without being overbearing) reminded us of our daily schedule of activities and reservations, and provided some very sweet personal touches for celebrating our honeymoon. Another shoutout to our villa attendant Ali. Really all of the staff were personable, helpful, and genuine – I wish I had written down all of their names to include here!
Even though the property isn’t huge, having our own dedicated bikes really made getting around easy (though if you wanted, your butler would pick you up in a golf cart with just a few minutes’ notice). We got the blue hole experience at the spa complimentary and it was fun to try out but it’s just ocean water (so not too warm) with some very strong jets. The overwater sunset villa had plenty of room, privacy, direct access to the ocean to make daily snorkeling very simple, and a lot of thoughtful inclusions to make daily life there very convenient. I thought the private pool on the deck would be a bit redundant and unnecessary but, especially as the afternoon sun warmed it up, we ended up using it a lot. I appreciated that the tennis reservations and yoga were complimentary. I also got the 60-minute loyalty massage (forget what they called it) which didn’t sound that great from the description but when I actually met with my therapist and discussed what I wanted it was one of the best massages (and certainly the deepest) I’ve ever had. I considered booking it a second time but we ran out of days. The weather was basically perfect since we were there during the dry season.

4. Constance Moofushi

Coming with a very generous all inclusive concept, amazing beaches, and a bunch of facilities, Constance Moofushi is definitely one of the best resorts for honeymoon in the Maldives.

Constance Moofushi is located about a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport, in the South Ari Atoll, close to the best diving spots from the whole archipelago.

Constance Moofushi Maldives Water villas
Constance Moofushi Maldives Water villas

This place is a good place to stay if you want to see marine animals. You can swim with whale sharks and manta rays. They are very close to your villa.

Constance Moofushi Maldives villas
Constance Moofushi Maldives villas

Do not expect to see big houses and a lot of wealth at Constance Moofushi. The houses there are normal size and they are located close to each other.

However, the coral reef and marine life around the resort are much more beautiful.

So, yes, you come to Constance Moofushi for diving and snorkeling, not for the size of the villa.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Bungalows
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Bungalows

I like that each villa on the island comes with its own hammock.

You can relax in the hammock and read a book while listening to the ocean. The water villas have private access to the reef, which is cool.

The larger villas come with more space. They also have an extra bed and a bigger bathroom. The bathroom has an outdoor tub.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Romantic Dinner
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Romantic Dinner

Restaurants

The food at Constance Moofushi is extremely tasty and varied and you can choose from a wide range of dishes inspired by international, local, and Asian cuisine.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Private Beach Turquoise Water
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Private Beach Turquoise Water

You can eat a burger, salad, or other lunch menu items at the main restaurant.

You can drink a cocktail, smoothie, or wine at Totem Bar. Or you can drink wine and dance at Manta Bar until late at night.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive OVerwater Deck
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive OVerwater Deck

The team from Constance Moofushi is very well-trained, experienced, and always ready to help you if you need it.

Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Villas
Constance Moofushi Maldives All Inclusive Water Villas

There are several benefits to staying at this hotel. For example, you can use the snorkeling and windsurfing equipment for free.

You can also use nonmotorized sports equipment, like kayaks and pedal boats.

What guests say

Sanj from Italy
What a fantastic place! We arrived on our honeymoon at Constance Moofushi and from the moment we arrived at the sad day we left, we loved every moment. The island, the hotel, the restaurants, the bars, the activities, the spa, the water villa and above all the staff, were outstanding!
Focussing on the staff – we have travelled to many places around the world and stayed in many fine hotels and the facilities at Constance Moofushi match those. The true difference was the staff. Nothing was ever a problem, there were smiles everywhere and it all felt so wonderful. We mean it when we say every single team member was outstanding.
It’s the people who leave a mark on you and all of the above named, as well as everyone at Constance Moofushi, made our honeymoon the best it could be.
We cannot wait to return and can safely say this is one of the most beautiful, enchanting and memorable places we have ever visited. Thank you and see you again soon!

Sean L from US
My wife and I just got back from a 12-night honeymoon at Constance Moofushi. We had the best time. The island is absolutely stunning. This was our first time in the Maldives and we were worried about getting a bit bored on such a small island for 13 days, but we loved every second of it and would have happily stayed longer! We were in an over-the-water villa, which was simply amazing. Food was really nice, especially at the a la carte restaurants: Alizee for dinner, and Totem Bar for lunch. But the buffet was also very very good, especially on the fish, Asian, and Indian/Sri Lankan nights. The service was impeccable. The staff are so lovely and friendly, always happy to help. After just a few days, they could remember our favourite drinks and dishes. Special shoutout to Falaa and Rasheed for making our buffet dinners unforgettable. We simply had the best honeymoon we could have ever wished for, and I’d recommend this hotel to anyone – whether you’re a couple, a family, or travelling solo, Moofushi won’t disappoint. Thank you for taking such good care of us!

Jessica M from California, US
I cannot stress this enough: Constance Moofushi is the best place I’ve ever stayed at and the perfect way to spend our honeymoon!! I literally can’t stop thinking about it.
Everything about our stay was heavenly. The staff was incredibly attentive. The food was superb. The sommeliers were inspirational and so informative. I had zero cares in the world. There was so much space all around the resort. We felt completely safe the entire time. Every aspect of the resort is well thought out, intentional, romantic, and just utterly stunning.
I highly recommend the movie on the beach—it was the most romantic date! The snorkeling is superb, with so many schools of fish and sharks and turtles everywhere. Pure heaven.
We had such a lovely stay, we’re trying to come back again this June! Thank you so much to everyone at Constance. We had a dream honeymoon and we’re still floating!

5. Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island (ex- Lux North Male Atoll)

With its whitewashed villas with beautiful rooftop decks and private plunge pool, Jumeira Maldives is the place where Miani meets the Maldivian luxury.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Water Villas
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Water Villas

Lux North Male Atoll Maldives is located about one hour by speedboat or 15 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, on the northern part of North Male Atoll.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Villas
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Villas

The villas on the island have roofs that look like they are made of straw, which is inspired by the style of Robinson Crusoe.

They also have modern features and a very energetic vibe.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

Villas

There are 67 villas with two floors. Some are on the beach and some are over the water. They all look over the Indian Ocean.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Villa with private pool
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Villa with private pool

The villas are very spacious. They have big, comfortable beds and sofas.

The bathroom is huge and has an outdoor shower. The windows go from the floor to the ceiling.

There is a private sun terrace with furniture to relax on and a pool with a fantastic view.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Restaurant
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Restaurant

What I liked most at Lux North Male Atoll Maldives is the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, the perfect place for a romantic dinner as you can have your own private chef who will cook for you that night.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Room
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Room

The food is great and you have a lot of dishes to choose from. The resorts offer an Instagram-worthy floating breakfast upon request.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Bathroom
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Bathroom

The dining room at Barium is a unique experience.

There is an underwater aquarium and you can see marine creatures while enjoying your food.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Floating Breakfast
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Floating Breakfast

Some of the things you can do at the resorts are play beach volleyball, tennis, and yoga.

There is also a watersport center where you can do all sorts of water activities.

What guests say

Escape 646 from US
I don’t usually write reviews however this hotel deserves it. The hotel is new exceptional service. Our butler Mo was great he went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect.Could not have asked for a better honeymoon experience. For our private dinner experience we had a lovely time and our chef Imash was excellent and our waiter Max was our photographer as well as we kept asking him to take pictures and he did a superb job. Honestly the staff at this facility always went that extra mile to make sure everything was perfect. I have never had an experience like this. They truly spoilt us. Thank you to all the staff for a lovely and memorable honeymoon!
A special thanks to Mo for taking care of us during our visit

Tara G from UK
From the time we landed in Male to the time we left, we felt like royalty. As soon as we got through security we immediately were greeted by staff and escorted to our speed boat transfer. Once we got off the speedboat, we were greeted by more staff members and our host, Hoola. Hoola took us directly to our villa which was a Prestige Villa #38, where she then did the check in process once we were inside the villa which was much better than waiting at a front desk check-in line. The villa itself was great, so much space and we had a sunset view. We even loved the shampoo and body wash provided for the shower. We were greeted with amenities from the hotel, two bottles of champagne and a chocolate cake, fruit and macaroons which was a very nice surprise, especially considering the cost of alcohol in the Maldives. Everyone at Glow was so nice and knew us by name from the first dinner. Speaking of, the food at Glow was world class, absolutely amazing. On Monday night there was an international buffet which featured mostly Indian, Japanese and Arabic food. All of which was outstanding. The whipped potatoes were the best I ever had in my life and the head chef was so very nice enough to email me the recipe!! We also went to Kayoto one night which was very good as well. All of the staff was so warm and friendly. We also were gifted 30 minute couples massage at the spa and I got the best pedicure I ever had. One evening Hoola surprised us and set up private sunset cocktails for us since it was our honeymoon. We also were given a floating breakfast! Another night we had movie night where the staff sets up the lounge on your roof and you pick a movie to watch on the projector screen under the stars.
This place is truly magical and the hospitality is out of this world. I would rate it a 20/10 if I could!

Kayla from California, US
I’ve waited too long to do this review, especially after the MAGICAL time my husband and I had during our honeymoon stay at Lux North Male Atoll. From the time we were assisted and greeted at Male airport to the time we waved our goodbyes from our speedboat to depart, we had the most amazing and unforgettable time. We felt like Absolute royalty our entire stay.
First off, our host Hoola was a gem! Always available, always ready to make recommendations and arrangements for us, and most of all, making our stay unforgettable by arranging the most beautiful displays for our honeymoon, our anniversary, and my husband’s birthday ( we had a lot to celebrate)!
We stayed 5 days in a Deluxe Water Villa (#63). Ideal Villa for views and prime snorkeling. Not to mention, tons of space inside and outside your Villa with a beautiful terrace above you which i believe is rare for most resorts in Maldives, a huge beautifully designed bathroom, and a large pool (definitely not a plunge pool). We snorkeled, jet skied, did a discovery dive and saw some awesome sea life, and enjoyed the spa (Shimi and Ladda were amazing!). The food at ALL of the restaurants we exceptional, great variety on the menu and great flavors. I loved the mocktails! I don’t drink alcohol so these were right up my alley; beautifully crafted and delicious! I’m sad to hear they will be under new management starting today, but if they keep the same values and level of hospitality, I’m sure they’ll maintain their reputation.
Special thanks to Shiyan for his amazing bed and bath displays! Special thanks to Shafah at Glow, he made every morning so much brighter when we went to breakfast. Everyone was pleasant and personable, adding personal touches to all of our surprises, remembering us by name and always ready to assist. We were blown away by the hospitality! If you’re wondering, the resort, the beaches, the water are more beautiful than the pictures.

6. Six Senses Laamu

It might be among the most remote properties from the Maldives, but definitely, it is one of the best hotels for your honeymoon in the Maldives.

Six Senses Laamu Water Villa
Six Senses Laamu Water Villa

To get to this private island resort, you will need to take a seaplane for about an hour.

Then, you will take a speedboat from the ocean to the island.

Six Senses Laamu Villa
Six Senses Laamu Villa

Six Senses Laamu Maldives is one of the most secluded and luxury resorts from the archipelago, a place that gives a new meaning to luxury and top-notch services.

The atoll is surrounded by colorful reefs packed with an abundance of marine creatures, including manta rays and reef sharks.

Six Senses Laamu Maldives villa
Six Senses Laamu Maldives villa

Once you get to the island, you have to take your shoes off and use bikes to get around.

This is what the Maldives is all about, and it is what I was expecting from this island.

Six Senses Laamu Maldives
Six Senses Laamu Maldives

This new and unique experience is a great way to reconnect with nature and to learn more about Maldivian culture.

Although one of the most luxurious resorts from the Maldives, Six Senses Laamu Maldives does not have a strict dress code for dinner, so you can feel completely relaxed and free.

Six Senses Laamu in Maldives
Six Senses Laamu in Maldives

Villas

The overwater villa is very beautiful and it is in the middle of the ocean.

You can jump into the coral reef from your own private deck.

The rooms in the villas are large, even by Maldivian standards.

I like that most of the materials used to build the villas are eco-friendly, like wood, leather, and thatched roofs.

Six Senses Laamu Room Maldives 80
Six Senses Laamu Room Maldives

The food is divine and there are 6 restaurants and bars all across the island which mostly use vegetables and herbs from the resort’s garden.

You definitely have to try the seafood which is absolutely incredible and the fine dining option from Leaf.

The sunset from The Chill bar is a must-see.

It is very relaxing and romantic to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean while drinking a cocktail.

What guests say

Meg K from US
Our stay at Six Senses Laamu was nothing short of impeccable! We were greeted upon arrival by our wonderful guest experience manager (GEM) Shah, who welcomed us and showed us all around the island. We stayed in a Laamu water villa with pool, and it was the most wonderful experience to wake up to the sound of the waves, then jump out directly into the sea grass meadows where we frequently found turtles and other amazing wildlife. Our stay was only enhanced by the insane food at each and every restaurant on the property, and the myriad experiences like scuba diving and sustainability tours. Coordinated by our spectaular GEMs Shah and Hamzath, we had the perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Six Senses Laamu also has an incredible commitment to sustainability, environmentalism, and marine science, all of which influenced our decision to stay and has made us eager to return! It was an incredible place to spend our honeymoon!

Tanvika G from UK
My husband and I came to the Six Senses Laamu for our honeymoon and had the most incredible trip and experience. Everything you can imagine is perfect – the food, the hospitality, the natural beauty of the island and the resort, the sustainability efforts, and the overall warmth of the people. We are so sad to be leaving and will recommend this experience to everyone.
We hope to return to the Maldives in the near future and will 100% come back to the Six Senses – it is the best! Thank you to all of the hosts at the resort for making it such a memorable week (housekeeping, restaurant team, ice cream team, spa, boat managers, everyone)

Jake from New York, US
Had a fantastic honeymoon at six senses. The attention to detail was apparent every step from arrival to departure. Just the right amount of coordination from our guest experience manager Shah who was everywhere you needed him and nowhere you didn’t. Great fun along the way with the all the marine biologists for snorkeling and educational talks, countless sea turtles, sharks, and rays during our scuba with Nik, a delicious cooking class with Dhilshaan, and expertly made cocktails and the seaside and poolside bars. Can’t wait to come back

7. One & Only Reethi Rah

This award-winning hotel located about 40 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport is located on an island made up mostly of reclaimed land.

The luxurious hotel perfect for your honeymoon in the Maldives won a lot of prizes for its top-notch services, long list of amenities, and of course high services and beautiful villas.

One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives 80
One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives

More than 800 employees from Reethi Beach Resort Maldives , all of them very well trained, do their best to fulfill all your requirements and to make your holiday an unforgettable experience.

The villas had been designed by the world-famous Jean Michel Gathy known for their contemporary style.

One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives Resort 80
One and Only Reethi Rah Maldives Resort

All the beach villas come with their own private piece of beach, an infinity pool, and of course a cabana bed for two.

The Grand Sunset Residence is the best part of the resort.

It has a private beach, multiple pools, and an outdoor cinema. You will have a lot of privacy and feel exclusive.

Some famous people like The Beckhams, Gordon Ramsay and Tom Cruise spend their holidays here.

One and Only Reethi Rah Room Suite 80
One and Only Reethi Rah Room Suite

The beach villas are good for people who want to go snorkeling because you can go right to the corals.

The over-water villas have more privacy and better views of the Indian Ocean.

Restaturant and bar

The food at Reethi Beach Resort Maldives is incredible with lots of dishes inspired by international and local cuisine, always fresh and prepared from high-quality ingredients.

The romantic Botanica restaurant is hidden inside the jungle. They have a new concept of garden to fork dishes.

One and Only Reethi Rah Room 80
One and Only Reethi Rah Room

We also recommend Tapasake, a great place to see the sunset while you enjoy Japanese dishes.

You’ll be able to see reef sharks swimming below you while you eat!

The main restaurant at the resort is a buffet-style restaurant called Reethi.

It serves all 3 meals with lots of different dishes from Asian, Italian, and French cuisine.

The ESPA spa is a must-do while at this resort.

It has won many awards and offers different types of massages and treatments, including the famous 5 day wellness programs.

What guests say

LaurentM1234TH from US
From A to Z, we did have the most wonderful and amazing honeymoon we could have imagined.
Everything is just perfect: The most kind and friendly staff – the quality and the service are above your expectations. The location, the villas, the beaches and all the facilities of O&O Reethi Rah are WOW!
We can only highly recommend One&Only Reethi Rah… and we are looking forward to our next trip to paradise. Thank you very much.

Haley S from Ireland
This was our second visit to the one and only reethi rah, and it was equally if not more exceptional than our first visit. We came for our honeymoon, and did notice that October vs December seemed to have much more families. This did not bother us as all, the resort has so many places for privacy.
The level of service at this resort is truly unparalleled. Every person knows your activities of the day, drink order, and other tiny details that make you feel so important. We had some rain during our stay, and everyday the island is back to perfect condition due to the amazing behind the scenes team. Same with the housekeeping staff, our room was so well maintained.
The thing about the hotel is that it truly feels like an effortless paradise- anything you ask for is delivered without hesitation. While this appears effortless, it is only because of the amazing staff and management who go above and beyond. In particular, our trainer joe was such a highlight of our stay. He is such a warm person, fun to be around, but will kick your a$$. Our butler oopvan moved our rooms since we wanted to experience beach and water villas, set up a surprise beach movie, made and changed every dinner/spa/tennis appointment, and truly made our trip so smooth and enjoyable.
We hope to come back again soon. Paradise isn’t cheap- But it was definitely worth it

Jackie P from US
We chose this location to finish out our honeymoon, and it did not disappoint! Jan and his team are world-class hospitality professionals – there was not a single detail forgotten about. Our Concierge, Andrei, was absolutely fantastic and welcomed us like family to the resort. We were fortunate enough to get an upgrade to the over-water villa and it was an experience I will never forget.
The baths, the champagne, the BEAUTIFUL breakfast displays and offerings, the genuine hospitality of the team, cannot be matched. We indulged in the Island Hideaway Couples Massage, and it was the most memorable and amazing part of our honeymoon. The therapists brought us back to our wedding day and showed us so much love and care.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything!

8. Hurawalhi Island Resort

What makes this hotel unique in the Maldivian archipelago is the impressive marine life that can be found in the waters around the island and also the fact that here you can find the largest underwater restaurant.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, about 45 minutes seaplane ride from Male International airport.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives Water Villas
Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives Water Villas

This resort is on a private island and has the best beaches in the area.

The water is very clear and there are a lot of fish and other creatures. It is perfect for people who love snorkeling or diving.

The hotel was designed by Yuji Yamazaki, who is a Japanese architect from New York.

The hotel design is modern and minimalist, but it also includes some features from Maldivian architecture.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives

The hotel uses about 40% renewable energy. This energy comes from the solar panels on top of the Aquarium restaurant.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Villa with pool
Hurawalhi Island Resort Villa with pool

Villas

There are 90 villas on the island. Some are over the water and some are on the beach.

They all have simple decor.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Villa private infinity pool
Hurawalhi Island Resort Villa private infinity pool

The villas are a little small compared to other places in Maldives, but they are still very comfortable.

They have beautiful furniture and comfy beds. They also have amazing sitting areas.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives Water Villa
Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives Water Villa

As for dining options at Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives, you definitely have to include in your travel plans a dinner at the largest underwater restaurant in the whole world.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Underwater Restaurant Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort Underwater Restaurant Maldives

It is a seafood restaurant with a set menu that includes a lobster sandwich, sweet lemon meringue, and other fish dishes.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Room
Hurawalhi Island Resort Room
Hurawalhi Island Resort View from Bed
Hurawalhi Island Resort View from Bed

Another place not to miss is the Canneli, a restaurant with impressive architecture with a high ceiling (that reminds me of a cathedral) where you can serve all the 3 meals of the day.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Sunset from our villa
Hurawalhi Island Resort Sunset from our villa

Among the facilities available on the island I would like to name the water sports center that offers a wide range of trips, a tennis court, a football pitch and a spa with great therapists.

What guests say

Joseph S from California, US
I just realized that I never wrote a review for this magical place.
Was in Paradise and didn’t know it.
We had our wedding and honeymoon at Hurawalhi in April and it was paradise.
What you need to know you will find in added pictures. What’s not in pictures.
You are taken care of by the amazing staff. Each guest has personal “butler” that takes care of all your needs. Akan was ours and was a good friend. You can use whats app to communicate any needs anytime. Akan, would check in to see how we are doing and also kept track of our schedule to make sure we were on time. Want to go diving in afternoon? They will find out for you. Want dinner reservations? Akan made it happen. Not only Akan, but everyone was very generous and genuinely kind. Spa. Restaurants, Buggie Drivers, Room Service, Front Desk – Its been so long, but I wish I could remember everyones names. Because you do learn everyone’s names and all deserve a shoutout
Underwater restaurant – Do it. did lunch and dinner. Didn’t think I would, but enjoyed dinner more than the lunch. The sealife and ambience at dinner was magical.

M00re30 from US
Hurawalhi is a very well thought out resort that was a great honeymoon experience for us. The hosts were overwhelmingly friendly and sincere who took extra measures to get to know us and make our stay special. There were plenty of excursions to keep the trip exciting, but relaxing was also great. Food quality and availability was top notch. We had an island host dedicated to us to answer our questions and facilitate our activities and departure, including proactively scheduling a COVID-19 test for travel purposes.

Daniele C from Italy
Hurawalhi was exactly what We expected from our honeymoon! We had relax, fun, We really enjoyed the holiday.
Amazing sea, great services, The possibility to have lunch or dinner in one of The most amazing restaurants (5.8, The underwater restaurant).
We spent one week first in pool Beach Villa and then in ocean pool villa and We really look forward to coming back soon!

9. Soneva Jani

After an incredible 45 minutes ride from Male International Airport, you will get to one of the most exquisite hotels from the archipelago, Soneva Jani, a great place where you spend your honeymoon in the Maldives.

Soneva Jani Maldives 80
vSoneva Jani Maldives

Soneva Jani Maldives is extremely beautiful and clean with beautiful alleys that connect the common areas with the private villas made from reclaimed wood.

Soneva Jani 80
Soneva Jani

The centerpiece of the resort is the main dining area that incorporates not just the main restaurant but also the spa, a gym, a kid’s club, and a gift shop.

Soneva Jani four bedroom suite Maldives 80
Soneva Jani four bedroom suite Maldives

Chapter Two

Starting 2021, a new part of the island resort was opened, called Soneva Chapter Two, which is modern and new, but decorated and furnished exactly like the old villas.

Soneva Jani Villas Maldives
Soneva Jani Villas Maldives

In both parts of the island, the newly opened and the old villas you can find 7 types of villas, from the simple One Bedroom water retreat to the four-bedroom Island reserve that comes with a huge pool and a retractable roof.

Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives
Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives

Not all the villas from the island have a retractable roof that allows you to see the sky from the comfort of your bed, so check this feature before you book a villa.

Soneva Jani Maldives
Soneva Jani Maldives
Soneva Jani Luxury Resort Maldives 80
Soneva Jani Luxury Resort Maldives

Only the most luxurious rooms come with this feature and you will also have a hidden television, a private lagoon with access from your bathroom, and a lot of space outdoors and indoors.

Soneva Jani Restaurant over Water
Soneva Jani Restaurant over Water

At Soneva Jani Maldives, you will also have a wine cooler, a small kitchen area, and a living room with glass panels on the floor so that you can see the fish swimming beneath your villa.

Soneva Jani Wine Room
Soneva Jani Wine Room

As for dining options, you don’t have to worry as there are 9 restaurants and 2 bars available on the island.

Soneva Jani Restaurant
Soneva Jani Restaurant

The main restaurant is called So Fresh and it is a beautiful place with many interesting areas like sunken tables and overwater hammocks where you can have all the 3 meals of the day.

Soneva Jani in Maldives 80
Soneva Jani in Maldives

On-site you will also find a Japanese restaurant, a restaurant serving mainly raw vegetable dishes, and a traditional restaurant where you definitely have to try the Maldivian lobster.

What guest say

Simon from US
We had the most fantastic honeymoon at Soneva Jani. It has a lovely atmosphere and we feel very lucky to have stayed here. Great restaurants and activities with friendly staff. A special thank you to our host Shyma!
Highly recommend!

Paloma J from Tennesse, US
​​We booked with Soneva for our honeymoon. Five days at Soneva Jani and three at Soneva Fushi, a sister resort. We were supposed to stay at Soneva Fushi first and then have the grand finale of the honeymoon at Soneva Jani but due to a resort buyout, our reservations were swapped. The staff members we communicated with for reservations were so helpful in the change since it was no fault of our own and made sure that we were well taken care of. They even upgraded us to a villa with a slide which we had not originally booked!
The only bad part about the resort was leaving it!! We didn’t want to go! Every second was like something from a dream and we didn’t want to wake up. We hope one day to come back to this gorgeous place!

Aurel178 from New York, US
Our stay at Soneva Jani was everything we dreamed about !!! The transparency of the Maldives water, the welcoming staff, the room and the service was simply BEYOND! We were assigned a fantastic butler, Saeed, who took care of all our wishes and needs. He was wonderful and available 24/7. The activities are great and the attention to details is spectacular. We hope to be back very soon with our sons next time!

10. The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

After a 50 minutes speedboat ride from Velana International airport, you reach a small piece of paradise known all over the world as Ritz Carlton Maldives , one of the best hotels for your honeymoon in the Maldives.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands 80
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands

The company that owned this small piece of paradise is working at a completely new and special idea, that of opening up a brand-new hotel in 2023, Patina that along with the existing one will certainly provide to guests greater than 30 dining establishments and bars to choose from.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villa 80
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villa

The constructions from the island mix flawlessly in the landscape and have a round form signifying the circle of life.

Villas

The exteriors of the villas and common area buildings are made from wood and prefabricated products with a tiny impact on the environment, while the interiors are minimal, with massive windows and also smart layout to highlight the appeal of the sea and the shore.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villas
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villas

For your stay on the island, you have to pick in between a lagoon villa, an overwater bungalow, or a beach cottage, each having an enchanting ambiance as well as advantages.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villa
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villa

The quality of the services and also the facilities from the island are amazing, and all staff members do their best to make you feel spoiled and also comfortable.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands

When it comes to food and drinks, there is a wide range of options at Ritz Carlton Maldives . The breakfast choices are really for a 5-star hotel: two or three rooms filled with various dishes to start your day.

As for lunch and also dinner you can pick from numerous restaurants serving worldwide dishes, Italian cuisine, Arabesque food as well as Oriental specialties.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Room 80
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Room

Your aris meeha or butler will take care of you while on the island and will give you a helping hand in booking a table at one of the resort’s restaurants or booking the trip of your life.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Over Water Villa 80
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Over Water Villa

The watersports center offers a wide range of trip options, from snorkeling and diving tours to romantic sunset cruises and other trips that allow you to discover the fascinating marine world.

What guests say

Jerome M from California, US
We had a fantastic time on our honeymoon at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives! We felt EXTREMELY well taken care of the entire time. This was a one-time splurge for us, but I feel comfortable rating the experience as top-notch.

Lauren Bernards from US
The ladies and gentlemen of the Ritz Carlton Fari Islands made our honeymoon the most memorable and perfect experience. Arafath, our Aris Meeha, went above and beyond helping us schedule around the weather. The housekeeping team surprised us with romantic bubble baths (the water was absolutely perfect every time and I am still absolutely astonished at how they managed that!). Afternoon tea and drinks from Marco was such a treat every day, but I think the highlight of our trip was sunrise yoga with Manish. His passion and understanding of the practice makes for a very special experience. To start the day that way every morning was such a delight and really set the tone and intention for the day. The same really can be said for everyone on property in their respected areas. Chef Jamal created the most incredible meal we have ever had. An incredible dinner under the stars unlike any other! It’s all because of the attention to detail and care each and every soul on the island take to make the guests stay truly one of a lifetime

Jennifer L from Oakland, US
We came here for our honeymoon and this was our first time to the Maldives. We experienced first class service from the moment we arrived at the airport to when we sadly had to depart the resort.
Our Aris Meeha, Arafath, helped take care of all our reservations and schedule. We appreciate him sharing about the Maldivian culture with us. (Thank you for the screwpine dessert Arafath!) Whenever we had a question, he helped answer it for us promptly and made sure we were taken care of.
The overwater villas with the sunset view were amazing! From our villa, we saw dolphins, rays, fish and enjoyed every second of the view.
The cleaning staff was super attentive. Every time we went out, we came back to a clean room and some thoughtful and fun surprises. From chocolates to bubble baths, we really appreciated the Ritz team who made our villa feel like home.
Dinners at the restaurants were nice, but we preferred the in villa dining so we could enjoy the view from our deck!

Top activities to do

I am sure that at least one of the hotels presented above suits you best and you will want to book a few nights here to receive world-class treatment and enjoy your time spend in paradise.

But it is a pity to travel to paradise and not to explore what this magnificent archipelago has to offer for your honeymoon in the Maldives.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

I drop below a list of the most interesting activities to try while in Maldives, must do things that will transform a beautiful holiday into a memorable experience.

1. Snorkeling

A trip to Maldives is not complete without a snorkeling session, no matter if you book a snorkeling trip or you snorkel just outside of your villa.

Unfortunately, the great bleach that happened in 2016, reduced significantly the places where you can admire the colorful coral reef for which Maldives is famous.

Today not all the hotels have colorful coral reefs right near the villa and sometimes you need to take a snorkeling trip to fully enjoy this magnificent marine world.

Maldives Snorkeling
Maldives Snorkeling

Most of the hotels from this list are located in areas full of colorful fish and other incredible marine creatures, so you can snorkel right near your villa.

Actually, this is one of the things that I absolutely love about the Maldives and its hotels, you don’t have to pay a fortune or travel many miles deep in the ocean to explore marine life.

Snorkeling in Maldives
Snorkeling in Maldives

Some of the hotels offer free snorkeling equipment, while others charge a small amount per day for equipment.

We generally travel with our own snorkeling masks, mostly for hygiene reasons, and I advise you to do so, especially now taking into consideration the COVID pandemic.

Just to have an idea about what you can see on a snorkeling session I want you to know that we say many fish, a morena eel and an octopus just outside of our villa and when we book a snorkeling trip we saw turtles, eagle rays and a reef shark, which was indeed amazing.

Beautiful Coral Reef Colors Maldives Ari Atoll
Beautiful Coral Reef Colors Maldives Ari Atoll

Diving in front of your villa is free of charge, while the full equipment for snorkeling is around 10 USD per day.

The price of a snorkeling trip varies, depending on the length of the trip, the distance from the resorts to the snorkeling price, but generally starts from 50 USD per person with snorkeling equipment included.

2. Diving tours

Diving is a little bit more complicated as you need a PADI certificate in order to be able to dive.

The good news is that you can get this certificate in the Maldives after a few lessons with a certified diver.

Maldives Diving Snorkeling
Maldives Diving Snorkeling

If you are not so sure that you like diving, no worries as most hotels already thought about this and offer their guests a one-hour free diving tour to see if this activity is for you.

Once you see that diving is for you, then you can get the PADI certificate and dive in the Maldivian waters to discover a completely new and beautiful underwater world.

Maldives Diving Coral Reef
Maldives Diving Coral Reef

The price of a diving tour is a little higher than the snorkeling trip and generally starts from 80 USD per person in which you have included the equipment, towel, soft drinks, and sometimes fruits or a snack.

Some of the resorts have quite close diving sites, while others are more isolated and you need to travel longer to get to the best diving places.

One thing is sure: you need to try diving and see if this sport is for you. I am sure that once you will discover this amazing and unique underwater world your addictions will appear and you will want to dive daily into this stunning world.

3. Visit Male

Male is the largest and most populated city of the entire Maldives archipelago located in the Kaafu Atoll, right near Male International Airport.

Male Maldives Island from above
Male Maldives Island from above

The place is perfect to visit if you want to get in touch with Maldivian culture, traditions, and history.

About 2 days are enough for exploring this magnificent city and you can do it at the beginning or at the end of your honeymoon in the Maldives.

Visit Male Maldives Capital City
Visit Male Maldives Capital City

Among the best attractions from the city which, of course, you should include into your travel plans I would like to mention the following:

  • Grand Friday Mosque, which is the largest mosque from the Maldives
  • Victory Monument celebrating the victory of the Maldivian people against the 1988 attack
  • Sultan Park and National Museum a great place to get in touch with local history as the museum is packed with historical artifacts
  • Tsunami Museum, the memorial of the victims who lost their lives because of the tsunami that hit the archipelago on December 26th, 2004.
  • Local Market, the best place to go for buying fresh fruit

4. Explore a deserted island

With such an extraordinary number of islands spread out in the Indian Sea, Maldives is the perfect place to live your very own Robinson Crusoe journey.

Rent a speedboat or take a guided scenic tour to a deserted island and enjoy the stunning surroundings, the beach and the ocean just for you and your beloved one.

Turquoise Lagoon on small tropial island on Maldives
Turquoise Lagoon on small tropial island on Maldives

The good news is that locating a deserted island in the Maldivian archipelago is a lot easier than you can imagine so this desire can become a reality without spending lots of money or traveling for hours.

It is true that renting a speedboat could be quite expensive yet if you travel with family and friends then the expenses are more affordable.

The experience of having an island just for yourself is something you have to live when in the Maldives and also definitely worth the price.

You can even pack a sandwich, fruits as well as some water with you so that you can spend more time there and to enjoy your free time close to the white sand and the blue-green water.

5. Submarine diving

Well, I bet you haven’t heard about this experience, right!?

Not many sites and articles talk about the submarine diving experience, but I choose to do it as this is one of the best ways to explore the underwater world without getting wet or if you don’t know how to swim or you don’t have a PADI certificate to dive.

Submarine divind Maldives
Submarine divind Maldives

The so-called Whales submarine, a long vehicle that can easily dive at depths of more than 150 meters, will lead you to a new and unique world, the underwater world, a place about which we know very few things.

The cabins of this massive submarine are equipped with air conditioning and keep a constant temperature throughout the whole journey.

You can breathe normally and feel completely relaxed while the submarine goes deep into the ocean and shows you a completely new world.

You will see a wide range of fish, of different colors and sizes, octopuses, eels, reef sharks, and many other interesting marine creatures.

Submarine Diving Experience
Submarine Diving Experience

What you need to understand is that each journey is unique and nobody can guarantee you that you will see sharks or manta rays, as the submarine dive in the ocean, a free habitat that is not controlled by anybody so the marine creatures can travel freely.

If you have time, you definitely have to book this experience as this is the safest and easiest way to dive to 150 meters and discover a completely new world, a world we know very little about.

6. Swim with the giants of the sea

Nothing can be more interesting for your honeymoon in the Maldives than swimming with the giants of the sea: manta rays and whale sharks, turtles, and reef sharks.

These gentle creatures are quite hard to be seen and there are places in Maldives where these giants usually don’t go.

Maldives Diving with Manta Rays Scuba Diving in Maldives
Maldives Diving with Manta Rays Scuba Diving in Maldives

Just imagine how exciting it is to swim near a 7 meters marine creature that sometimes comes into the shallow waters around the Maldivian islands.

Like the submarine experience, nobody can guarantee you that you will see these creatures, but locals and experts know which are the best places to spot these giants based on locals’ experience, and for sure you will have a memorable experience.

Manta Ray underwater Maldives Diving
Manta Ray underwater Maldives Diving

Generally, May to October are the best months to spot these gentle creatures in the shallow waters on the eastern side of the archipelago, while November to April go to the western part.

What I can tell you for sure is that Baa Atoll and Addu Atoll are the best places to spot these giants as the waters around these islands are packed with marine creatures.

Besides the giant manta rays, you might also see eagle rays which luckily are visible during the entire year all across the Maldivian archipelago.

Maldives Reef Shark Diving
Maldives Reef Shark Diving

If you are interested in such experiences, we strongly recommend you to talk with the guys from the water center from your hotel, as they know best which are the best spots for seeing these giants swimming in their natural habitat.

7. Surf in paradise

Not many people know that Maldives is quite a popular destination among surfers from all over the world.

Not all the places from the Maldives are perfect for surfing but Maldives’ waves from certain places are considered perfect for surfing.

Maldives Water Sports Paddle Board Couple 60
Surf in the Maldives Water Sports Paddle Board Couple Surfing

For the best waves head to the Southern Hemisphere between March till October as the currents are stronger and the waves are just perfect.

The biggest waves are in June, July, and August during the monsoon season, with waves in size of 3-9 feet.

There are special hotels for surfers but I would not recommend them for your honeymoon as they are less luxurious and impressive than the hotels on this list.

Conclusion

Maldives is not just about perfecting your tan and getting pampered, as there are a lot of activities (mostly water-related activities) that can be done on your honeymoon in the Maldives.

It is not very easy, not very cheap to travel to the Maldives, but trust me, it is worth every cent!

The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villas
The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Islands Water Villas

You will be fascinated by the turquoise waters from the archipelago, by the huge villas, no matter if they are located over the water or on the beach.

And there are the services, which are among the best in the world!

Just think for one moment: in how many places on Earth did you go and have your own personal butler without spending a fortune for an overnight stay?!

Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives
Soneva Jani Private Water Villa Maldives

The hotels from this list are not the cheapest, nor the most expensive ones, but they all come with top-notch facilities, incredible personnel, and amazing views.

They are extremely popular among tourists from all over the world, so hurry up and secure your villa for an unforgettable honeymoon in Maldives.

FAQ

Is Maldives expensive for honeymoon?

The average cost of honeymoon in Maldives is around 5.500 USD for a couple, but even if it seems a lot it is definitely worth every cent.

There are cheaper and also more expensive accommodations, so you can explore this piece of paradise even if you don’t want to spend so much.

Is Maldives good for honeymoon?

Without any doubt, Maldives is the most beautiful and luxurious place in the whole world, considered by many publications as the most romantic place on Earth.

All resorts have honeymoon packages and offer romantic dinners on the beach with candles and flowers, couple massages, and special treatments to ensure you a memorable honeymoon.

How much does it cost to honeymoon in the Maldives?

An average cost of a honeymoon in Maldives is around 5.500 USD for a couple if you plan to stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel and enjoy all the benefits offered by the hotel to the honeymooners like romantic dinner on the beach, couple massage, and other perks.

Lately more and more guest houses were open, so if you want to explore Maldives without spending a lot, well…today is possible.

Which part of the Maldives is the best for honeymoon?

Secluded and unique honeymoon hotels are spread all over the archipelago, so it is hard to name a region better for honeymooners.

If you don’t want to travel a lot then you should go to the luxurious resorts located around Male island, as this area is closest to the airport.

How long should a honeymoon be to the Maldives?

Once you get to the Maldives you will not want to leave, so fascinating and beautiful this island is.

I would say that 7 or 10 days would be enough for your honeymoon in Maldives, but if you want to stay longer we suggest you split your stay between two or more Maldives resorts.

Try choosing resorts from different parts of the archipelago as each of these honeymoon Maldives resorts comes with almost the same scenery but different perks, marine creatures, and services.

Which is better Bali or Maldives for honeymoon?

Both destinations are incredibly beautiful.

Bali is famous for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and chill vibe, while the Maldives is more about turquoise waters, high-end services, and luxurious hotels.

If you are more interested in culture and exploration, then you should go to Bali, while the Maldives is best for relaxation and exploring the underwater world.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.