The Only Honeymoon Guide to the Maldives You’ll Ever Need!

When you dream of a tropical honeymoon, swaying palm trees and a water bungalow over turquoise clear waters you will conjure up the image of Maldives. One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, the Maldives is tropical perfection on a plate.

The Republic of Maldives is an island nation archipelago which is made up of over 1,190 coral islands and over 26 stunning coral atolls. Out of these islands, 80 of them are developed for tourism. It is also home to a stunning amount of marine wildlife including manta rays, whales, dolphins and turtles making it one of the most diverse marine life habitats in the world.

The Maldives is a paradise for honeymooners, the island resorts consist of powdery white sand on their endless beaches and the bluest, clearest waters to swim in. The overwater villas allow you to wake up to unparalleled views over the expanse of the ocean and you can be completely pampered from head to toe at your resort.

The Maldives is not a cheap destination if you’re planning on staying on one of the island resorts, however, since 2009 tourists are now allowed to stay on the islands with the locals which makes the Maldives attainable for any budget.

Here, in our ultimate honeymoon guide to the Maldives, we will show you hotels, restaurants and activities to suit every budget, the most important thing is creating the perfect unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Where to go in the Maldives on your honeymoon

With 80 resort islands to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. Where you choose to stay in the Maldives depends on your budget as it can be quite a pricey destination.

It is important to factor in the accessibility of your resort of choice as one of the biggest expenses is the transfer to and from the island resort which has to be done in a seaplane or speedboat, or a combination of both.

If you’re looking to save some money on your honeymoon in the Maldives, avoid the peak season between December to March or during the holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day or New Years.

The cheapest time to travel there is between the months of May and August, which is the low season or rainy season. Though you may also find some great weather during this period! During these months the resort packages and airfare prices can be 50% cheaper than in the high season!

In our guide, we will show you some of the very best resorts to suit every kind of budget, with accommodation offering affordable luxury to grandiose opulence and you can decide which islands you wish to stay on.

All the resort islands offer incredible private beaches, stunning coral reefs and plenty of activities to keep you entertained and relaxed.

Important information on Maldives for your honeymoon

The Maldives is a Muslim country, therefore if you are travelling to local islands, it’s a good idea to dress modestly. Once you arrive at the island resorts, you can enjoy wearing bikinis and beachwear.

The fact that the Maldives is Muslim means that alcohol is not permitted outside of the beach resorts, though it can be freely bought within the resorts themselves.

The Maldives offers a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. The only exception is for Indians who receive 90 days without a visa and residents of Brunei who can obtain 15 days upon arrival.

The cost of a honeymoon in the Maldives varies depending on which hotel resort you stay at, many resorts offer all-inclusive packages which means that all meals and alcohols are also covered.

The average cost of a week in the Maldives, a good amount of time for a honeymoon, should be the cost of the flights, at least €500 for activities, anything from €200 to €600 for transportation to and from the resort islands and around €1000 for accommodation for two.

It is possible to keep your budget at €3,000 for an unforgettable honeymoon. Be sure to budget in the “tourist tax” of 23% which applies to activities and hotels, so when booking your holiday, bear in mind that the tax may not be included in the final price so make sure to read the fine print!

One of the highest expenses for a honeymoon in the Maldives is the transfers between the main island and the resort islands, as there are so many islands in the Maldives the most common methods of getting around are speedboat or seaplane which can cost up to €250 per person for a one-way trip.

Speedboat transfers are slightly cheaper but prices start at €100 per person one way. When travelling around the local islands, there are plenty of cheap ferries but this does not, unfortunately, apply to the resorts.

The best time to travel to the Maldives also depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for plenty of sun, visit during the months of February to March. Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy the best visibility between January to April.

The local currency is called the Rufiyaa though in the resorts you will be able to pay by card, USD, GBP or Euro. If you are planning to visit the local islands or the capital Malé, make sure to have some Rufiyaa for tips and you can always change money at the airport.

Maldivian resort islands have their own time which differs from the time in Malé and local islands, so make sure to factor this in when planning your arrival and departure. 

Water in the Maldives is treated rainwater and sanitation is almost non-existent, it is advisable to drink bottled water and drink only the water provided by your resort.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for your trip to the Maldives.

Where to stay in the Maldives on your honeymoon

Budget

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

This resort costs less than €200  per night during the low season making it an affordable option for a budget honeymoon. The private island resort looks over Ellaidhoo Reef and consists of colourful, nautical-themed overwater bungalows with open-air bathrooms.

The hotel has two upscale restaurants and two bars as well as a diving school if you decide to explore the colourful local reef on your doorstep. There is also an on-site spa and infinity pool.

Kandima Maldives

Situated on the biggest island of the Dhaalu Atoll, this luxe hotel boasts the longest outdoor pool in the whole Republic and is on a remote private island, a 30-minute flight from the capital of Malé and a 20-minute boat ride away.

The water villas are perched above the pristine waters and the resort has its own marine biology centre and plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay: there are cooking classes, water-sports, tennis and basketball courts, art studios and a gym offering plenty of different fitness classes and aerial yoga.

The resort also has 10 different restaurants to choose from to ensure you’ll never get bored of the cuisine on offer and can dine at a different restaurant every night, there is also a bar with live music and an indulgent spa.

Mid-Range

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa

This hotel is situated on a private island on the Ari Atoll, Southern Maldives and is an all-inclusive luxury resort accessible on a 25-minute seaplane flight from the capital.

The over-water villas have stunning infinity views of the ocean. The upgraded villas also include access to an exclusive lagoon or private pools.

The villas are decorated in a modern style and are equipped with rain shower or bathtub. The hotel has a number of restaurants with the option of al fresco dining, daily champagne breakfast is included in the cost of the room as well. There is a swimming pool, spa and on-site yoga school.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

This resort is based on two privately-owned, secluded islands that are joined by a bridge and are accessed by a short half-hour seaplane flight from the main airport.

Voted twice as the “Best hotel in the world”, the contemporary style villas have views onto the ocean and have open-air bathrooms, some of them have direct access to the gorgeous beach on the island.

Upgraded villas boast hot tubs, private pools and sundecks and even the option of glass floors where you can observe the reef below. Some villas include personal butler service and even spa treatment rooms.

Among the 12 fine-dining restaurants in the resort is the famous underwater restaurant with glass walls where you can observe the marine life swimming past your window as you dine. The hotel also has two luxurious spas, fitness centres, outdoor cinema, a variety of water sports and a tennis court.

Six Senses Lamu

The luxury resort is nestled within the verdant palm forest and surrounded by coral atoll and can be accessed via plane and then a boat ride.

The rustic style overwater villas are accessed by boardwalks over the crystal clear waters of the ocean. Rooms have outdoor bathrooms, BOSE sound systems and other amenities, upgraded rooms have private swimming pools.

There are two fine-dining restaurants over the water and another restaurant in the complex, a bar, ice-cream parlour, infinity outdoor pool and swim-up bar and a spa.

This resort also has excellent activities such as sailing, world-class surfing, SUP, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Luxury

One and Only Reethi Rah

This incredibly luxurious and opulent resort is ideal for those with a big budget. Beloved by the rich and famous and for good reason too. The resort is on a hidden and secluded island atoll just 75 minutes by boat from Malé.

Overwater thatched villas have outdoor showers, hammocks to lounge in and take in the stunning views, terraces with access to the pristine beach. Upgraded villas have soaking tubs, daybeds and private swimming pools.

The hotel boasts four restaurants and three bars as well as three outdoor swimming pools and access to over 6 kilometres of beaches.

There is also an excellent and indulgent spa with steam rooms and saunas offering many treatments. The hotel organises plenty of activities including snorkelling and scuba diving in the surrounding reefs.

Chevall Blanc Randheli

One of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives is the Chevall Blanc Randheli. This resort is situated on a private island and loft-style bungalows with private infinity pools and garden terraces.

The rooms have overwater decks, gardens or a small private beach, they also include living rooms and powder rooms. In-villa dining is available and personal butler service is provided.

The hotel boasts five fine-dining restaurants including a restaurant where you can dine on the beach, two bars, gym, spa that looks out over the water and tennis courts. Local tours and water sports and activities can be organised through the hotel.

Things to do in Maldives while on your honeymoon

Surf the waves

Since the Maldives are an ocean paradise, it has some incredible surf spots. You can even go on a surfing liveaboard where you can find the best breaks around the Maldives.

Some resorts even have their private breaks where only their guests are allowed to surf.

If you’re a keen surfer, plan on staying at a hotel with their own surf break such as Cinnamon Dhnoveli Maldives which has great budget accommodation options or Ayada Maldives for a mid-range option. If you’ve never surfed before, many resorts provide surf classes which will help you master it in no time!

Explore the reefs

Maldives is host to the most incredible marine diversity including congregations of whale sharks and manta rays in numbers not seen anywhere else in the world, making it one of the world’s best diving destinations.

With over a thousand reefs to choose from and clear azure waters, get under the surface with a tank or go for a snorkel.

Divers can opt for a liveaboard experience to travel and sleep onboard a boat and experience the best dive sites that Maldives have to offer.

Visit the islands

There are 200 inhabited islands spread out across the Maldives and there are many places to explore with unspoilt beaches and amazing reefs.

For a taste of the local culture, visit Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Explore the National Museum and visit the palace, minarets and mosques to learn about the culture of this nation.

Remember to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the local islands to pay respect to the locals.

Water Sports

If you love water-sports, the Maldives is a great place to try your hand at windsurfing or parasailing, these sports have grown in popularity in the Maldives and are available at most island resorts.

The windiest period of the year in the Maldives is between the months of May and October.

Other water sports include Fun Tubing, a floating raft in the water pulled along by a speedboat which will get your adrenaline pumping, and SUP paddle surfing.

Relax at the spa

There are plenty of excellent spas in the different luxurious resorts, what better way to spend your honeymoon than by indulging yourself in sensuous spa treatments and massages!

Some of the very best spas and treatments can be found at One and Only Reethi Rah, Six Senses Lamu and Huvafen Fushi which will leave you energised, refreshed and renewed!

Dine in an underwater restaurant

Visit the Ithaa Underwater Restaurant at the Conrad Rangali Hotel for an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is enclosed within glass walls which will allow you to observe the marine life swimming by the window as you enjoy the five-star meals prepared by the chef.

Romantic places to eat on your honeymoon in Maldives

The Muraka at the Conrad Hotel Rangali

This restaurant sits at the end of a jetty with a glass floor that enables you to see the fish swimming below your feet as you dine. The restaurant specialises in amazing seafood and the Whole Fish Delight is the star of the menu, you will have a whole fish prepared in front of your eyes at your table.

Try the delicious red snapper crusted with tiger prawn or Scallops with almond and orange crumbs. The relaxing vibe and beautiful views make this an ideal place for a romantic lunch or dinner. You can visit The Muraka at the Conrad Hotel Rangali.

Sandbank Dining at Baros Maldives

If you want to feel the sand beneath your feet as you enjoy the sea views while you enjoy your meal, this is for you! The restaurant offers a table by the sea, with views over the Indian ocean surrounded by the flickering lights of torches and a personal butler to cater for your every need.

You can choose from a sunrise breakfast with prawns and salmon or a sushi picnic lunch or enjoy the sunset as you discover the flavours of barbecued seafood. There cannot be a setting more romantic than a private beach as your backdrop.

Borderless Dining at Dusit Thani

Another option to dine on the perfect white sand beaches and feel the sand between your toes is the restaurant at Dusit Thani.

Here a dining experience is also a feast for all of your senses in the midst of the beauty of the Maldivian island landscape. They also offer a floating breakfast which can be enjoyed in your private pool as you prepare for another beautiful day in the Maldives.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Hotel Rangali

For an unforgettable dining experience head to Ithaa restaurant at the Conrad Hotel Rangali, the underwater restaurant is five metres under the ocean surface and is enclosed in glass so you can observe the colourful marine life cruising past the window as you dine on incredible food.

A six-course dinner includes imperial caviar and saffron-infused yellowtail kingfish risotto. The dinner menu starts at€ 350 per person but it is definitely worth it. Truly a dinner and a show! If your budget doesn’t stretch as far you can always drop by for lunch or a cocktail to enjoy the views.

Wedding Coral Terrace Dinner at the W Maldives

Created with newlyweds in mind, this romantic dinner on a terrace made of coral in the water, the gentle lapping waves around you and the infinite ocean beyond. Ideal for a romantic sunset meal, there is no better place than the W Maldives.

Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa

The Shangri-La offers custom dining experiences to make your honeymoon more memorable. You can choose from a Return to Nature dinner in the midst of a jungle surrounded by verdant green plants and trees and enjoying a delicious barbecue whilst enjoying views over the Green Lagoon.

If you prefer to have lunch at sea, head out on a private yacht for a unique dining experience near the equator or go out to sea in the evening to enjoy a sunset dinner.

Ocean Pavilion at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

Enjoy a meal whilst floating in the middle of a tranquil lagoon on an Ocean Pavilion accessed by boat. This secluded and intimate setting is ideal for romantic dinners whilst enjoying the views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

Tours to do in the Maldives on your honeymoon

Half-day walking tour of Malé

Learn about the fascinating culture of the Maldives and its history on this half-day tour where you can experience the essence of the local culture by visiting the fish market where locals bring in the daily catch, visit the Frida Mosque, the President’s palace, the Sultan Park and see the most spectacular viewpoints in the city.

The tour includes a break at the Royal Garden Café to enjoy light refreshments. The price of a guide is included within the price of €36 per person for the small group tour.

Day trips from Maldives on your honeymoon

Full-day tour of Malé and VilliMalé

Discover all of the sights and attractions of Malé including the buzzing atmosphere of the local fish market, the Friday Mosque, President’s Palace and more. The tour includes a break for lunch on the waterfront which is not included in the price of the tour.

Explore VilliMalé, the more tranquil part of the island and enjoy a taste of Maldivian snacks. The price of €68 includes an expert guide, transfers and afternoon tea and snacks.

Maldivian cooking class and Islamic culture experience

Discover another side of the Maldives, away from the beaches and amongst the Maldivian locals.

This private tour includes a trip to the local market where you will learn about the ingredients that are part of the local cuisine, learn to cook a typical meal and learn about the Islamic culture of the nation by learning about the religion and the role it plays in society.

This small-group tour has a maximum of four participants and you will have a personalised experience that will give you a greater appreciation of the archipelago. Prices start at €73 per person.

Recommended tours in the Maldives

• Half-Day Walking Tour of Malé
• Full Day Male’ Walking Tour
• Snorkeling Safari
• Sandbank Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise
• Maldives 8 days catamaran cruise, inc. food
• Asian Experience @ The Marina
• Fishing Charters-Big Game Fishing(Male/Hulhumale/Villigili)
• Sunset Fishing Trip
• Maldivian Cooking Class and Lunch
• 1 Hour Beach Photo Session in Hulhumale

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