Now that your honey’s put a ring on it, it’s time to plan the honeymoon (which is way more fun than wedding planning IMO, because you don’t have to stress about outrageous cake cutting fees, dress alterations and that drunk uncle.)
The Maldives is one of the world’s most romantic destinations thanks to its idyllic islands, pristine sandbars and luxurious overwater villas–oh, and it’s far away from basically everything, so no need to worry about mom and dad trying to crash your vacay.
From sunset sails to underwater experiences to star-studded dinners, here are 10 romantic things to do during a Maldives honeymoon *other than the obvious hanky-panky, you saucy minx.
Spend the day on a Maldives private island
There are few places in the world you can find yourself completely alone on a deserted island, and there’s no shortage of secluded sandbars in the Maldives.
Most resorts are happy to arrange these amorous escapades, which start with a boat ride to a palm-fringed beach where there’s little more than waves, white sand and wine. Lots of wine, hopefully, in the picnic basket the crew will leave you with before heading off for a few hours to leave you two lovebirds to do whatever the heck you want because you’re ON A PRIVATE ISLAND, BABY!
Spend the day snorkeling in a crystal clear reef, soaking up the sun, or finally bringing up the sensitive subject of that new master ensuite you want because your significant other has NO WAY TO AVOID THE CONVERSATION *muwahaha*.
To up the experience, book an overnight stay on the W Hotel’s Gaathafushi island which is described as a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience. Guests have the whole island to themselves for the day, get to relax in the lagoon or their thatched-roof villa, and are treated to a candlelit dinner made by a private chef and a champagne breakfast.
Relax at a Maldives underwater spa
You know those weird-ass pedicures where a fish nibbles your feet? Well, you and your partner can enjoy a similar experience without actually letting sea creatures touch you, by booking in at an underwater spa in the Maldives. Huvafen Fushi’s spa has gorgeous overwater pavilions, as well as the world’s first underwater treatment rooms which are 20 feet below the surface. Indulge in a couple’s massage, letting the tension slip away with the tide as Nemo swims by.
Stay in an overwater villa
One of the main reasons the Maldives is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world is because of the incredible accommodation–specifically, those famous thatched-roof villas perched right over the water.
These five-star suites usually have floor-to-ceiling windows to properly appreciate the idyllic surroundings, king beds with fine linens, glass floors that give a glimpse of the vibrant underwater life below, and private butlers ready to cater to your every whim. Some resorts kick it up a notch, with overwater bungalows that also have their very own outdoor soaking tubs, infinity pools or plunge pools. Some of the best honeymoon hotels in Maldives are:
- Soneva Fushi: This luxury Maldives resort has a variety of room types ranging from one-bedroom villas to an extravagant nine-bedroom private reserve. The overwater bungalows are cleverly built to ensure privacy, and each one has a private swimming pool, outdoor bathroom, master bedroom with a retractable room, and even a waterslide. Click here for prices
- Gili Lankanfushi This serene spot is located on one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, and has nearly 50 overwater villas including The Private Reserve and Crusoe Residences which can only be reached only by boat.
- Adaaran Prestige Water Villas: This spot has 10 gorgeous overwater bungalows, which means there are only a maximum of 20 guests at a time who get to enjoy their own beach, restaurant and pool away from the rest of the resort. The villas feature a private sundeck and jacuzzi, and is a bit more budget-friendly than other swanky spots in Maldives. Click here for prices
Take a long walk on the beach
Did your honey’s online dating profile once read ‘likes long walks on the beach’? If so, honeymooning in the Maldives is going to work out just fine, thanks to the endless stretches of sand.
LUX Maldives has bragging rights as the largest landmass in the country, with four kilometres of beaches to explore.
Over at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru there are 44 acres of wilderness which are home to numerous conservation projects, and it’s been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. There’s also such good visibility in the coral reefs surrounding most islands that chances are you’ll spot underwater life like manta rays, turtles and nurse sharks without even having to get wet.
Take a sunset sail around the a Maldives local island
Rev up the romance by enjoying happy hour on a sunset boat cruise, toasting to your newlywed bliss while brilliant rose and gold hues sweep across the horizon.
For an authentic Maldavian experience, sail around the islands in a dhoni which is a beautiful traditional wooden fishing boat with a roof, curved stern and bow. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins, making this one of the more popular Maldives excursions.
Dine along the Sea of Stars
“If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I’d have a galaxy in my hand.”
On Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll, honeymooners can dine both below and above the stars thanks to a natural phenomenon called bioluminescence. You can read the science-y explanation about how it works here, but the Cole’s Notes are that the blue glow of plankton in the water turns it into a so-called Sea of Stars, which looks like the whole freakin’ universe is in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Vaadhoo Island is just 15 minutes from Male via speedboat, so it’s blissfully easy to get to, and to dine near the Sea of Stars you can book in at the luxe Adaaran Prestige Vadoo resort. Order a bottle of bubbly, then take advantage of the opportunity to use cheesy pickup lines on your sweetie like “If stars would fall everytime I would think of you, the midnight sky would soon be empty.”
OK, I’ll stop now.
Enlist a butler to set the stage for romance
The phrase “the butler did it” is often used in a mystery setting, and these pros are sure to keep you guessing with wonderful surprises to ensure you have a dream honeymoon in the Maldives.
Most premium resorts include the services of a butler, who are pros at setting the scene with sweet touches like breakfast in bed, filling the outdoor bath with bubbles and rose petals, and arriving with a bottle of chilled champagne just in time for sunset. If you come up with a plan that’s sure to sweep your sweetie off their feet, these are the guys who can make it happen.
Explore the Maldives islands aboard a private yacht
Treat yo’ self to a day to a day spent sailing the high seas on your very own yacht–hey, if you don’t go all out on your honeymoon, when else will you have an excuse to? Premium properties including the W Retreat and Spa and One&Only Reethi Rah offer half-day, full-day, or overnight excursions on their luxury vessels, which boast private chefs and suites with king beds (afternoon delight, anyone?).
To see more of the Maldives local islands, book an all-inclusive voyage on the Four Seasons’ Explorer, a three-deck dive liveaboard that holds only 22 guests. The catamaran glides through the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to spots like the garden island Kuda Huraa and pristine Landaa Giraavaru, making for the ultimate fantasy escape.
Enjoy a candlelight dinner on the beach
A bottle of bubbly, feeling the sand between your toes and enjoying a fantastic meal is the perfect recipe for a night of passion. No honeymoon trip to the Maldives is complete without an intimate dinner on the beach, and resorts here love to pull out all the stops to set the mood: think flowing tents, flowers, and lots of candles.
To make it even more memorable, Soneva Fushi sets up its dining experiences on a private sandbar surrounded by glowing lanterns, while the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers the option of setting sail towards a floating platform in the middle of a lagoon.
Stay in an underwater hotel room
When the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign just doesn’t quite cut it (you naughty li’l honeymooners, you), there’s one place where you’re guaranteed to enjoy total privacy: an underwater hotel room.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has a two-storey luxury villa called ‘The Muraka,’ which is 16 feet below the ocean’s surface and completely surrounded by glass and coral gardens.
One lucky (and rich) couple can enjoy the private bar, butler’s quarters, gym, and infinity pool, which costs a cool $50K per night. So if budget is an issue, make some fast friends à la Crazy Rich Asians and share the three-bedroom pad, or maybe you can just skip the wedding and elope here?
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- The complete guide to visiting the Maldives local islands
- Avoid sticker shock: How to explore the Maldives on a budget
SHARE THE PINSPIRATION! CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO PIN:
This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for at no additional cost to you.
These are so great tips! I hope to get there one day 🙂