Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Guide
The best paradise beach honeymoon destination. We’ve got everything you need to know in our Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Guide…
Crystal clear waters of a warm lagoon gently lapping against the powdery white sandy beaches. Sipping champagne on a private deck, the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
The sky transforms into a canvas of orange and pink hues as the sun bids adieu for the day. All your honeymoon dreams realized. Welcome to a Maldives honeymoon!
If you’re wondering how to plan a Maldives honeymoon – we’ve got you covered.
A honeymoon in the Maldives is a quintessential paradise, one of the most beautiful, romantic and luxurious places in the world. It is one of our hall of fame honeymoon destinations. To be honest, we’re obsessed!
In this Maldives honeymoon guide we cover everything you need to know, from practical Maldives honeymoon tips and even the potential downsides to a Maldives honeymoon.
Over the years, working as a honeymoon travel agent, The Honeymoon Guide has not only visited the Maldives but have booked hundreds of honeymoons for couples so we know a thing or two about Maldives honeymoons!
Let us help you plan the perfect trip with our Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Guide!
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Best time to visit the Maldives for a honeymoon
The Maldives has a tropical climate. It doesn’t have four seasons or experience winter. Instead, it experiences monsoon or simply put, rainy season and dry season.
Temperatures vary between 25 °C / 75 °F to 35 °C / 85 °F. The best time to visit the Maldives for a honeymoon is from December to March. This is the time of year with the least rainfall and the months to choose for the best weather.
This is also the peak season, and prices reflect this. The Christmas & New Year period in particular can be pretty eye-watering!
The rainy season, from May to October, sees many days of sunshine but you might experience some showers and maybe even some overcast/thundery days.
May, September & October are considered the worst time to visit the Maldives as they experience the most rainfall of the wet season.
However, prices drop and room rates can be half the price of high season. You’ll find offers with free room and meal plan upgrades at this time of year. So if you’re seeking lower prices, this might be the best time to visit for you.
The Maldives rarely experience extreme weather events because of the barrier reef protection, but tropical storms can occur.
With the climate catastrophe, weather patterns are unpredictable.
Discover the best time to visit Maldives with our month-by-month guide!
Choosing a Maldives honeymoon resort
There are over 150 luxury resorts & counting in the Maldives. We know how overwhelming it can be to decide which resort is best!
We think picking a resort should be one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a trip to the Maldives. There are so many magical islands and stunning over-water villas to choose from.
The concept is one island: one resort so if you’re wondering what is the best island in Maldives for honeymoon, then the true question might be what is the best Maldives honeymoon resort?!
Assuming you don’t have unlimited finances, your budget will be a big factor in breaking down the different options available to you.
Resorts range from affordable 3-star to wow 4-star to ultra-luxury 5-star-plus. Some of the best hotels in the world are in the Maldives.
Whatever resort you choose, expect to go barefoot for most of the time, on the most beautiful, pristine beaches.
You’ll find the prettiest turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waters, magical ocean scenes and spacious private villas with excellent service.
Many resorts include personal butler/concierge service, for example. But before you dive deep and start browsing, here are some things to think about when choosing your Maldives honeymoon resort:
Maldives Adults Only
You may be seeking a child free vibe but the Maldives has become a more popular family destination in recent years.
In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for a familymoon as most resorts welcome families. If one of your requirements is an adult-only resort, this will limit your choice.
We recommend keeping an open mind when searching for your dream Maldives honeymoon resort. Even resorts that welcome families will usually have some areas set aside for adults only.
For example, adults-only pools, bars and restaurants. Some resorts like Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Oblu Select Sangeli even have whole islands set aside for adults only!
Discover our favourite adults only resorts in the Maldives.
What kind of villa to choose
You may wonder are over water villas worth it? Or, what’s the difference between a water villa and a beach villa?
More than any honeymoon destination in the world, the room/villa type you choose in the Maldives is important. You spend time a lot of time around your villa.
The picture-postcard villa-on-stilts are also known as an overwater bungalow, overwater villa, water villa, lagoon villa or ocean villa.
Set over the turquoise waters of the lagoon or ocean with steps down to the water – what every Maldivian honeymoon dream is made of – just like you see on Insta, TikTok, or in a travel brochure!
A private infinity pool or jacuzzi with a view of a perfect sunset will add another level of magic. How about an overwater villa with waterslide?
All resorts will also have beautiful beach villas. Dazzling powdery white sand beaches and the azure lagoon stretching out in front of you.
Beach villas have their pros too. You don’t have the walk, bike or buggy ride to the island like you might with a water villa.
Some resorts will also have two-storey blocks of rooms, like any standard hotel elsewhere in the world. For your honeymoon, accept nothing less than a villa for privacy and romance and a true Maldives experience.
Some resorts have Garden Villa options set within the lush gardens amongst the palm trees are also a pleasant option for couples on a tighter budget.
The Maldives is a relatively quiet place to be, so the main thing to look for is an element of privacy.
If you’re finding your budget stretched, consider booking some nights in a garden or beach villa before moving to a water villa. Saving the best for last while also saving some money for other honeymoon treats!
Food and drink in the Maldives
As a remote island nation, the Maldives has to import most food and drink. This makes it an expensive destination to dine.
You can’t bring alcohol into the country. This is strict, so no buying duty-free wine or spirits for your room on the way to the Maldives!
One big question is whether to book an all-inclusive honeymoon package?
While some resorts are all-inclusive as standard, others offer a variety of packages from bed & breakfast, half board (B&D*) to full board (B,L& D*). Drinks are not included in these packages.
*B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner
Ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives tend not to be all-inclusive (although there are a handful of exceptions). Generally in the high end luxury resorts, you’ll have a mixture of casual and fine dining establishments. You settle your bill at the end of your stay.
Maldives’ all-inclusive packages vary from resort to resort. This can make it confusing. Particularly compared to those in Mexico, for example, where it’s unlimited a la carte restaurants and all top-shelf alcohol.
Some Maldives all inclusive resorts may only have a buffet restaurant included in their all-inclusive package. While others may include a couple of speciality restaurants or have an optional supplement which allows you to upgrade to ‘dine around’ in multiple restaurants.
Even if you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll find the theme changes in the buffet each night in some resorts so you won’t be bored.
If you are foodies, we’d recommend an all inclusive resort with more than one restaurant included. Most all-inclusive honeymoon packages will have some activities included too.
It’s nice to not worry about a hefty bill at the end of your stay! To avoid disappointment, check with your resort if it’s best to book restaurants prior to arrival.
If you decide to book a resort or honeymoon package that is not all-inclusive, you will just pay your bill at the end of your stay.
Buffet breakfasts are large and varied. In fact, you may end up skipping lunch or having something small. On average, for dinner expect to pay between US$20-40+ for a starter, US$40-80+ for a main course and up to US$20+ for dessert.
Speciality dining, including floating breakfasts and champagne breakfasts, and romantic sand bank dinners, will be extra.
Cocktails start at around US$15, a beer around US$10 and house wine US$10 per glass. Prices will be a little lower in 3-star and 4-star resorts.
The food in the Maldives is excellent overall, with a mixture of Maldivian and other delectable cuisine from around the world available. Maldivian food is very similar to South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking.
As a fishing nation, the seafood on offer is the best you’ll eat anywhere in the world. You’ll find an array of your favourite international cuisines in many resorts too. Italian, Japanese, Peruvian – you name it.
Things to do in the Maldives
What is there to do in the Maldives? Isn’t the Maldives kinda boring? One of the biggest misconceptions about the Maldives is that you’ll be short of things to do. We promise you won’t!
While activities available will vary from resort to resort and you can have tiny exclusive resorts that welcome as little as 20 guests, you also have big resorts with 400+ villas and plenty of activities.
At a minimum, you will have snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities to explore the incredible marine life. You can swim with manta rays and spot dolphins.
You have non-motorised sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, boat excursions, including a romantic sunset cruise and incredible rejuvenating spas with the best treatments you’ll ever experience.
Whether it’s a cinema on the beach, full all-sports pitches, bubble dome glamping tents, stargazing with a resident astronomer, you’ll find unique and fun things to do.
Good to know about the Maldives
Time Zone: GMT +5
Language: Dhivehi
Capital: Malé
Population: 550,000
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa MVR
A few phrases in Dhivehi:
Hi: Assalaamu alaikum
Please: Adhes kohfa
Thank you: Shukuriyaa
Goodbye: Dhanee
Where the Arabian Sea meets the northwest Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a breathtaking island nation made up of 26 atolls (groups of tiny coral islands).
Spread over 90,000 square feet, it’s flat, sitting below sea level with no mountains or rivers.
Tourism only began in 1972 when Kurumba Island opened. Each resort sits on its own island.
90% of couples will fly into the tiny capital Malé’s and head straight to their resort.
Outside of the 150+ luxury resorts; the Maldives is a conservative Islamic country. For example, alcohol sales are banned in public spaces.
If you are visiting the capital or local islands, it’s worth keeping in mind that customs may be different to those at home.
Throughout the centuries, Tamil peoples from India and Sri Lanka, along with traders from Arabia and Asia, settled in these paradise islands.
Only around 20% of the islands are inhabited. Approximately 40% of the population live in Malé.
Maldives honeymoon frequently asked questions
Is the Maldives good for a honeymoon?
Yes, yes yes! The Maldives is a true tropical paradise and one of the best honeymoon destinations on the planet for couples looking for luxury and romance.
We think a honeymoon in Maldives is worth the hype!
Which is better for a honeymoon, Maldives or Seychelles or Mauritius?
Thinking about other heavenly Indian Ocean destinations? Don’t make us choose!
Essentially, a Maldives honeymoon is totally different to Seychelles honeymoon and a Mauritius honeymoon.
Seychelles is not an all inclusive type of destination and in Mauritius, the island feel is different. Plus, they have different high season months.
Dive into our full article comparing the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius!
Which is better for a honeymoon, Maldives or Bora Bora?
Both a Maldives honeymoon and a Bora Bora honeymoon will be incredible!
There are some things that can help you decide. First is season, Bora Bora is better in summer and Maldives is better in winter.
The other is location and budget, depending on where you are in the world one may be near than the other so therefore cheaper to get to than the other!
A Maldives honeymoon means more choice for accommodation and better choice for dining.
We’ve got a full breakdown of how Maldives and Bora Bora differ.
Is the Maldives safe for LGBTQ+ couples?
As most couples travel to private island resorts, it’s unlikely you will experience petty crime in the Maldives.
The traditional Islamic code of sharia forms the Maldives’ laws, which forbids homosexuality with harsh penalties. Sadly, the Maldives has yet to join us in the 21st century when it comes to equality for our gay brothers and sisters.
However, the luxury resorts are privately owned and operated and strict customs and laws are not imposed on the resorts. Many same-sex couples still travel to the Maldives.
Knowing these facts, it is for each couple to decide if the Maldives is the right honeymoon destination.
If you are an LGBTQ+ couple who are considering exploring a Maldives honeymoon, we would recommend considering LGBTQ+-friendly hotel groups like W Maldives or The Standard.
Or, if you find a resort you love, send them a message and ask about their LGBTQ+ policies. You’ll most likely find that they can’t wait to welcome you!
How long should we stay in the Maldives for our honeymoon?
The duration of a Maldives honeymoon will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
Most couples go to the Maldives for 7 nights and tag on somewhere else if they have longer than this.
Although if time and budget allow, there is no reason you can’t go for 8, 9, 10, 14 or 21 nights!
Some couples will go for less time, but as the Maldives is so remote and most couples won’t get there too often, we recommend making the most of your journey with a minimum of 7 nights in paradise.
If you travel during the rainy season and you have some consecutive days of rain or cloud, the longer you stay, the more likely the sun is going to come back out, too!
When planning your Maldives honeymoon itinerary, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore/relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, 7 nights = 6 full days and so on.
How do we get to the Maldives?
You can fly to Velana International Airport aka Male International Airport (Airport code: MLE) via the Middle East.
This includes Dubai (code: DXB with Emirates & Fly Dubai — 4 hours), Abu Dhabi (code AUH with Etihad & Wizz Air – 4 hours), Istanbul (code: IST with Turkish Airlines – 8 hours) and Doha (code DOH with Qatar Airways – 5 hours).
You can also fly from London (code: LHR with British Airways – 10 hours) and from Paris (code: CDG with Air France – 10 hours).
There are flights from Bangkok in Thailand (code: BKK with Bangkok Airways – 4 hours), Singapore (code: SIN with Singapore Airlines – 4 hours) and from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia code: KUL with Air Asia – 4.5 hours).
There are also flights from multiple Indian cities, including Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL) & Bangalore (BRL) (under 4 hours) and Colombo (CMB) in Sri Lanka (1.5 hours).
Do we need a visa for the Maldives?
The entry requirements for a Maldives honeymoon are straightforward. Most nationalities do not need to obtain a visa prior to arrival for the Maldives.
Just make sure you have at least 6 months on your passport before it expires.
Although there is currently a health check form. For visa information check out iVisa.com.
Do we need travel vaccinations for the Maldives?
The Maldives is a malaria-free honeymoon destination although it is on the list of Zika destinations.
Travel vaccinations are recommended. We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.
How do we get around the Maldives?
As most visitors stay on a private island resort, you won’t need car hire or public transport to get around.
When you book your Maldives honeymoon resort, the resort will arrange your transfers.
On arrival at Malé, the resorts will have a desk and/or representative to meet you. They will escort you to your speedboat or seaplane transfer waiting area/lounge.
For some of the more remote atolls, you can also take a domestic flight and you will then take a speedboat to your resort.
Depending on the location of your Maldives honeymoon resort, they may offer you a choice between a speedboat and seaplane or a domestic flight/speedboat and seaplane.
The seaplane is the more expensive option. Landing on the lagoon at your resort is a unique and fun way to arrive at your hotel, so if it’s available (and affordable), we highly recommend it!
Speedboats take 15-60 minutes and seaplanes are usually around the same.
Seaplanes also have a limit on luggage, so check this with your resort. It may be less than your international flight baggage allowance.
Most resorts don’t operate their own seaplanes. There can be a wait as seaplanes fly back and forth.
Seaplanes only travel during daylight hours. It’s best to arrive in the Maldives by 3 pm.
If you arrive after 3.30 pm and your resort is a seaplane transfer, you will need to stay at the airport hotel.
Many resorts with speedboat transfers operate at night (although these are weather dependent) and can be a great option. Learn more about resorts with a speedboat transfer to see if this is the right option for you.
Hulhule Airport Hotel is on the same island as the airport, approx a 10-minute walk away. It’s not the most exciting place in the world, but there is a bar, a restaurant, spa and pool.
There are also some lovely resorts very close to the airport like Bandos, Oblu Select Lobigili and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. These take around 15 minutes to reach by speedboat.
Tip: Ask your travel agent or resort to arrange the CIP VIP service. You won’t have to queue for immigration or luggage on arrival at Velana International Airport.
Instead, you are whisked away to the dedicated VIP lounge while everything is taken care of. What a start to your Maldives honeymoon!
Can you island hop in the Maldives?
99.9% of couples will stay in one of the many private island resorts but it is possible to go island hopping on a honeymoon in the Maldives.
You could choose two resorts and split your time, although this is unusual.
If you want to stay at more than one resort, or visit different islands, choose two that are close to each other in the same atoll or just a speedboat ride away is best.
Otherwise, you might need to go back to Malé for further transfers which can add an unnecessary expense.
For years, private island resorts were the only option for couples planning a Maldives honeymoon. However, after decades of private island tourism, in 2009 the Maldivian government allowed guesthouses to open on islands inhabited by Maldivian people.
Additionally, some resorts offer excursions to islands to visit with locals and learn about their way of life.
Again, remember that the Maldives is a conservative country. When choosing a more local experience, whether it’s an excursion from your luxury resort or a local guesthouse stay, we recommend respecting the local customs. Modest dress is expected and alcohol is not available.
Want to go sailing in the Maldives? Our favourite adventure tour company, G Adventures has a traditional Dhoni cruise that we love. You’ll visit uninhabited islands and get a unique insight into Maldivian life.
ScubaSpa also has incredible itineraries with a scuba diving and spa treatments focus. Stay on one of their cool yachts for an island hopping cruise around the Maldives!
Is a Maldives honeymoon package expensive?
The Maldives is indeed a pricier honeymoon destination, known for its luxurious, private island resorts. Many Maldives honeymoons stretch easily into five figures and once you are there food and drink are at a premium.
However, if you book early, consider travelling in low season you can make significant savings.
More modest options exist with local island accommodation options, providing a more affordable and down to earth cultural Maldivian experience.
Should we use a travel agent to book our Maldives honeymoon?
A good travel agent who books the Maldives regularly will usually have a direct relationship with resorts in the country.
This means they may have preferential rates, so it’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Using a travel agent has many benefits
However, if you prefer to book a D-I-Y Maldives honeymoon package, we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts with their loyalty programme.
Unless it specifically mentions that a transfer is included, you’ll need to contact your chosen resort to add on your speedboat or seaplane transfer.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change airplanes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover if everything booked on one ticket, for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to arrive by 3pm if you’re choosing a resort with a seaplane transfers.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible.
Safety is paramount when you’re planning a Maldives honeymoon itinerary.
It’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon. If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a Maldives honeymoon?
What to wear in the Maldives is a big question we get asked. When the stunning resort, Soneva Fushi opened in 1995, they started the ‘no news, no shoes’ concept.
In the spirit of this, leave the heels at home, you’ll barely have anywhere to wear them!
The islands are all sand. Instead, pack plenty of sundresses, shorts, flip-flops/thongs, sandals, sunglasses, swimwear, reef-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent, mosquito bite pen, rash guard, aqua / reef shoes and waterproof phone case.
Need help packing? Our free Ultimate Maldives Packing List has everything you need to know!
Should we bring cash / should we tip in the Maldives?
You don’t need to bring lots of cash to the Maldives and you can get the local currency at the airport. If you bring cash, US$ dollars in small new bills is best.
You usually settle your bill at the end of your stay, so you don’t need to carry cash around the resort. All major credit cards are excepted on the island resorts.
A service charge of approx 10% is added to anything not already included in your package (plus a tax of 12.5%).
Tipping is not compulsory or expected, but it is appreciated. If you’d like to tip, cash in an envelope handed to resort employees at the end of your stay is best.
Where can we tag on to Maldives for a multi-destination honeymoon?
With its endless coastline, delicious food, incredible wildlife (leopard, elephants & whales) and tea plantations, Sri Lanka is the most popular add-on to a trip to the Maldives.
In fact, Maldives & Sri Lanka is a quintessential adventure, culture and beach honeymoon. With multiple daily 1.5-hour direct flights from Colombo, it’s one of the easiest honeymoon combinations.
How about fascinating India? The Golden Triangle and laid-back Kerala are just two of the areas you can visit in this electrifying country.
Many flights to the Maldives originate in the Middle East. You could also stop in Doha in Qatar or Istanbul in Turkey. Any of these are ideal for a city and beach honeymoon combination.
Our favourite is Dubai but Abu Dhabi is also a fantastic option, too.
One of our favourite multi-destination honeymoons ever, is the Maldives and Thailand.
The Land of Smiles is just one of the honeymoon destinations in South East Asia that can be combined with the Maldives for an ultimate Asia adventure.
As we mentioned above, you can fly directly to the Maldives from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore which means you can combine the Maldives with most Southeast Asia countries as long as you don’t mind a connecting flight or city stop in one of these hubs.
Think of a stunning adventure to Bali with the Maldives added on or Vietnam and Maldives – two dream honeymoon combinations.
You could also hop via one of these hubs to or from The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan if you have more time.
There are no direct flights from African cities to the Maldives so if you want to combine with a safari in Tanzania, Kenya or a road trip honeymoon in South Africa, for example, then you will have to transit through the Middle East.
It is do-able but will add on a bigger flight cost than any of the destinations mentioned above.
Things to consider before booking your Maldives honeymoon
While we love to recommend the Maldives for honeymoon, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Weather Vulnerability: The Maldives’ monsoon season from May to October, which can sometimes extend into November, can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains which can spoil your honeymoon.
- Cost: The Maldives is an expensive destination, with high costs for accommodation, dining, and activities, which might not suit your budget.
- Seclusion: While the seclusion is often a plus for many couples, it means fewer opportunities for activities like hiking, cultural pursuits and nightlife. The Maldives is about embracing the castaway experience (with added extras!)
- Distance: Depending on where you are in the world, the Maldives may be further away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
TL;DR?
key Points
We would love to hear from you if you are planning a Maldives honeymoon. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide.
Happy Planning x
Related Maldives honeymoon articles:
Best Time to Visit the Maldives by Month
Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Packing List
Best Affordable Overwater Villas in the Maldives
Most Expensive Maldives Resorts
Best Adults Only Maldives Resorts
Best Maldives Resort with Speedboat Transfer
Maldives Seaplane Transfers – How to get to your resort
Best Maldives Resort with Water Slides
Plan a Budget Maldives Honeymoon: Local Islands Guide
Maldives vs Bali – which is best
Maldives vs Seychelles – which is best
Maldives vs Bora Bora – which is best
Honeymoon Planning & Booking resources
(including the travel companies we’ve used and recommend!)
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