Maldives for Honeymooners Paradise
For most newly married couples, one of the most important rituals related to a wedding is the honeymoon. I’m sure if you thought at least once on about getting married you had an idea of your dreamed honeymoon.
Many people dream of going to Maldives for a honeymoon, and due to its exclusivity and seclusion, it has emerged as one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Due to its beautiful scenery, clear waters and romantic resorts, it has also become one of the most sought-after destinations for honeymoons.
If I asked you to think of a tropical honeymoon spot, the chances are the Maldives will probably be the first place that pops into your mind. With its romantic overwater villas, endless glittering sea, peachy sunsets, and some of the best service in the world, it’s hard to beat a honeymoon in the Maldives. No wonder why this honeymoon hotspot tops many of the best Honeymoon destination lists’ year after year.
15 Best Places to Visit in Maldives
Male
Thrumming with scooters and cars and Indian bazaars stacked with coconuts and spice, the city of Male – the capital of the Maldives atolls – has the frenetic feel of a place crammed into a slot that’s too small for it.
And that’s because it is.
Although rarely visited (most travelers bypass the city on seaplanes heading straight for their resort), the town is crammed onto a pint-sized islet in the North Male Atoll.
It manages to fit some fascinating sights between its streets though, like the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the gold-tipped Islamic Centre.
Male Market is another must – just be sure get your haggling skills up to scratch.
Hulhumale Island
Sat just across the sparkling waters from the capital of Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing and growing as more and more land is reclaimed to house the sprawling urban tendrils of the city.
It’s also the home of the Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to these paradisiacal islands for most.
However, don’t be put off by how all that sounds – Hulhumale is actually a charming place.
It’s got a gorgeous – if artificial – beach on its eastern haunch, a clutch of leafy neighborhoods, a glass-topped mosque, and planned promenade walkways above the Indian Ocean.
Maafushi
Maafushi might not have the sprawling luxury resorts and opulent 5-star hotels that many of its nearby brothers do, but it’s got plenty of charm.
Sadly ravaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the place has been busy rebuilding its salt-washed fishing jetties and industrious sailor huts in the last decade.
Something that’s helped is the opening up of rights to local guesthouses, which is transforming Maafushi into one of the top off-beat island getaways for budget travelers.
Of course, you can expect gorgeous beaches backed with palms, lapping waves, and a clutch of homey little coffee shops on the shore.
Utheemu
Sat on the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, itself the northernmost of all the Maldivian island chains, the beautiful site of Utheemu holds a special place in the history of this archipelago nation.
That’s because it was once the home of the revered Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu – the leader who’s credited with driving out Portuguese invaders from the isles in the late 16th century.
Of course, there are the usual sparkling white sands and lapping Indian Ocean waves, but these are punctuated by heritage sites like the Utheemu Ganduvaru, which is the gorgeous timber-built palace where the respected leader grew up.
Feydhoo
In the 19th century, the people now living between the leafy streets and tight-knit housing blocks here were the inhabitants of nearby Gan island (more on that one later). When the British came in the run up to WWII, Gan was transformed into an airbase, and the locals were shipped out to live on the next island along in the Seenu Atoll.
That was Feydhoo, which is today a pretty picture of lived-in Maldivian life.
Come and stroll the winding walkways and sample seafood curries with the locals – the welcome is always warm.
Maradhoo
Joined at the hip to aforementioned Feydhoo by a seaside causeway that runs just above the coral-fringed shores of the Seenu Atoll, Maradhoo is a major link in the island chain that starts with Gan to the east.
Long and thin, it juts out into the Indian Ocean like a finger fringed with narrow beachfronts and swaying groves of coconut palms.
As in Feydhoo, the locals are laid-back and lovely, and the cuisine is spicy and rich in seafood.
Be sure to take a walk down Link Road and flit between the coffee shops and sandwich vendors that meet between the palm trees there.
Veligandu Island
Romantic sunsets glow red and yellow over the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean; cocktails clink in the resort’s luxurious bar; sea kayaks bob on the turquoise shoreline, and crystal-clear waves roll in softly from the inland lagoon.
Welcome to uber-beautiful Veligandu Island, which has long been championed as one of the top destinations in the Maldives for couples.
Honeymooners and newly-weds are a common site on this long, thin finger of land on the western edge of the North Ari Atoll, and there are plenty of opulent seaside villas and suites to match.
Banana Reef
Many travelers heading to the islands of the Maldives will be coming for one thing and one thing only: diving.
And there’s hardly a single better place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits in the country than at the Banana Reef.
This fruit-shaped dash of multi-colored corals and seaweed-clad sandbanks lies underwater between the isles of the North Male Atoll.
It’s served by countless outfitters, who lead excursions to uncover the striped snappers and bulbous sponges, the reef sharks and the barracudas that all coalesce here.
Thulusdhoo Island
It’s the spirit of the salt-washed Caribbean that seems to drive Thulusdhoo Island.
Largely undiscovered, this speck in the Male Atolls is ringed by wide spaces of sand from which bulbous coconut trunks sprout by the hundred.
The beaches are – naturally – great, and the locals love to draw in their fading fishing boats to flint up a good sizzling seafood barbeque now and then.
That all fits perfectly with the other pastime of travelers on Thulusdhoo: surfing.
Look for the fun left-hand rollers that turn into barrels off of Villingilimathi Huraa close by.
Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah promises something a little different to the rest of the Maldivian atolls.
For starters, this speck on the map of the Indian Ocean doesn’t really have any near neighbors, and it occupies an atoll all of its own.
It’s also peppered with the occasional inland lake, which is a rare sight to see in this flat-lying country.
Meanwhile the sandbanks that ring popular Banging Beach make for some crashing rollers and refreshing salt-spray (a break from the usual relaxing lapping lagoons), and the proximity to the Earth’s equator means steamy weather throughout the year.
Alimatha Island
Perched on the eastern edge of the Maldives, in the famous Felidhe Atoll, Alimatha is a great tourist island that offers luxury cabanas, untouched stretches of pristine sandy beach, and – most importantly – some of the most celebrated SCUBA diving spots around.
The resort that covers the island can often be seen packed with eager divers, who all come to seek out the pretty coral groves and sea walls that surround the shores.
These are packed with jackfish, morays and eels, and are known for their high visibility and popular night diving packages.
Hithadhoo
Large (at least for a Maldivian island) and highly-populated (again, at least for a Maldivian island), this sub-section of Addu City in the old Seenu Atoll can be reached on the same causeways that connect Gan to Maradhoo.
On its southern edge, the place is given away to mangroves and marshes and shrub land, while the north side of the island is packed with cafes and bakeries and the occasional set of looming minarets that rise from the local mosques.
More than anything, Hithadhoo oozes a charming lived-in vibe; one that’s difficult to discover elsewhere in the resort-heavy country.
Kuredu
Kuredu is the self-proclaimed jewel of the Lhaviyani Atoll, which makes its home in the central-north reaches of the Maldivian archipelago.
A boomerang-shaped isle, it’s entirely covered by a single resort, which offers rustic bamboo shacks and rows of those ubiquitous over-water bungalows with verandahs above the waves.
The whole place is completely surrounded by its own private fringing of powdery sand, and is considered one of the most advanced SCUBA and snorkeling destinations in the country – strong currents and high waves often make it difficult to see the manta rays and tropical schools.
Unusually, Kuredu also plays host to a full 9-hole golf course.
Gan
Gan is primarily known for its airport, which is the second-largest airport in the entire Maldives and a famous former airbase for the British Royal Air Force during WWII. Today, the island has shed its old military importance in favor of tourism, and it’s slowly rising to become one of the most popular spots in the Addu Atoll.
It’s not just the accessibility (thanks to the airport) that draws the crowds either, because Gan has earthy little fishing restaurants and small stretches of shimmering sand that are usually totally empty of visitors. Nice.
Kunfunadhoo Island
If you’re after the fabled luxury and romance of the Maldives, then it’s likely that the opulent resort on Kunfunadhoo Island won’t disappoint – it’s continually hailed as the most indulgent place to stay in the country.
Visitors enter through a thatched timber great hall that hides between groves of coconut palms.
From there, it’s onto the cocktail decks that soar on stilts above the jungle, or out to the beaches where candles flicker in the sultry sea breeze.
Add in a couple of infinity pools, swim-up bars, and the chance to dine on a private little sandbank with only the Indian Ocean waves as a backing track, and it’s easy to see why this one’s so popular!
Plan According To The Weather
The best time to visit Maldives is anytime between November and April. If you are really into deep sea diving then visit the islands during April for clear waters. Avoid a trip from August to October when the islands are affected by tropical cyclones.
Choose Your Airplane Rides Wisely
One of the most important tips for first-time visitors to the Maldives is to choose regional or domestic flights from Middle East Asia as these are cheaper options. Choosing a flight to Male and then a speedboat for Maldives transportation between islands to reach the specific islands will be affordable although you can also choose a round trip seaplane ride which will be unforgettable, though expensive. You can also choose the Maldivian domestic flight for the transfer. Flights can get delayed and there is also no scheduled time for seaplane transfer within its dawn-to-dusk window. So try to plan for the flight that lands in the first half of day to get transferred to the island before 4 PM, otherwise you have to spend the night at Male and take the earliest transfer the following day.
Explore The Beautiful Islands
There is nothing exciting and romantic than visiting islands and exploring love in the air of Maldives! The Maldives is one destination where a couple can spend each day on a different island. With around 1200 islands (wherein handiest 200 are inhabited) and many of them have been transformed into the private island resorts where ample of tourists flocks every year, your island hopping tour in the Maldives will be a bliss for you! The beautiful blue waters and pristine golden sand will surely make your honeymoon to Maldives one of the beautiful trips of your life. Islands like – Biyadhoo Island, Male Island, Hulhumalé Island, Fihalhohi Island, Maafushi Island, and many more are not to be missed Islands. Every island has its peculiarities and activities to enjoy.
Male Island: Best Island In Maldives
Male is the best island in Maldives for honeymoon for all those luxury-seeker couples. It is on this island that the major international airport of Maldives is located and you should ideally visit this island at the very beginning or the end of your honeymoon in Maldives. Though it is often dismissed as a destination with little sightseeing options, it must not be missed. For it is here that you experience the true Maldivian culture and it is the best island to stay in Maldives for honeymoon.
Hulhumale Island: Artificial Island
Located very close to Maldivian capital, Hulhumal- is a reclaimed artificial island that was planned in order to decongest the population of Male. It might not be the most beautiful settlement, but its pretty coastline and lack of tourists makes it a decent option for a honeymoon in Maldives. It is one of the best islands in Maldives for honeymoon.
Maafushi Island: Splendid Resorts
Another tropical paradise in the Kaafu Atoll of South Mal- is the Maafushi island in Maldives. Thanks to its sparkling ocean waters, splendid resorts, and thrilling activities, the island ranks among the best islands to visit in the Maldives for honeymoon. This is the proposed capital for Maldive's Medhu Uthuru province. Maafushi is the only island in the Maldives that has local inhabitance yet such a large number of guest houses making it one of the best islands to stay in Maldives. Opening guesthouses on inhabited islands was prohibited earlier but was allowed as a step to encourage tourism. Over the years Maafushi has become one of the top islands in Maldives.
Alimatha Island: Eastern Edge Of Maldives
Alimatha Island sits on the eastern edge of Maldives in the Vaavu Atoll and is one of the best islands in Maldives for honeymoon. Its crystal clear waters, sun-kissed beaches, aquamarine lagoons, and spa centers make it one of the best honeymoon islands in Maldives. The Alimatha Aquatic Resort on the island offers exquisite stay options in the form of beach bungalows and overwaters properties, in addition to the wide array of watersports.
Dhidhdhoo Island: Serenity All Around
One of the largest Maldives island, Dhidhdhoo Island reeks of romance and love from every nook. With tranquil and peaceful vibes encircling in the atmosphere, this island is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy solitude. One of the best islands in Maldives for honeymoon, it is home to an extensive number of hotels and resorts that offer the perfect amalgamation of comfort and luxury to travelers. Sitting in the Upper North Province, this island also boasts about being home to numerous marvels of mother nature.
Bandos Island: A Circular Island
Bandos Island is one of the most famous islands in Maldives. It is located in the North Male Atoll. This charming private resort island is spread across 180,000 sqm. Enjoy the exclusivity of staying in the island resort and the chance to explore the island as you wish. The beautiful Bandos Island is surrounded by around 40 diving sites that are windows to the astonishing underwater world. Indulge in a plethora of activities including snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, catamaran sailing, wakeboarding, and fishing. The luxury resort offers a variety of stay options including standard to water villa. It also features an 3 restaurants and 3 bars.
Funadhoo Island: A Peaceful Island
Funadhoo Island geographically belongs to the Miladhummadulhu Atoll. Its name is derived from the name of a tree called ‘Dhivehi’ which is seen on the shores of some island. This is one of the largest inhabited islands of the Northern Maldives. This island is 3000 meters long and with its widest point being 585 meters. A highlight of this island is the lagoon that stretches between its land. This lagoon has developed into a mongrove region. The Southern region of the island, Gabaa Kulhi, is rich with wildlife. Another interesting side of the Funadhoo Island is its Northern region that features a lake – Goni, which used to be a freshwater before the 2004 Tsunami.
Underwater Resort and Restaurant
How does the idea of dining and relaxing under the ocean without getting wet? The Ithaa is the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant in Maldives. Date with your loved ones in underwater and indulge in one of the most fun things to do in the Maldives at night as you plan a beautiful vacation in Maldive. The Maldives Rangali Islands and The Ithaa underwater aquarium restaurant and resort are popular stay amongst honeymooners. Romantic bedrooms and transfers gives you the vibes of love in the air. Champagne along with a finger licking breakfast in the morning makes your day entirely romantic. Dining underneath the under water restaurant will make you feel being inside an beautiful romantic under water view. It is five meters below sea level and offers stunning scenery that will awe-struck you. You can even spot turtles, stingrays, or even sharks. The Ithaa underwater aquarium restaurant is one of the most recommended underwater dining places in the Maldives.
A Sunset Evening On Cruise
While you are on a honeymoon the evenings are usually spent having a romantic dinner with your spouse at a lavish restaurant, but when you are on a “Maldives Honeymoon” the evenings can be spent by watching a breathtaking sunset from a cruise.
With the soothing music playing in the background, cruise cutting smoothly through the water, dolphins trying to keep up with the speed of the cruise and water reflection changing to pinkish orange color of sun setting on the horizon; evening well spent. As the liner moves across the ocean, the cold wind acts like a lullaby and switches on the paradise mode for you to just relax and enjoy the view coming your way.
Know The History – National Museum
If you and your better half get enough of sand and beaches, try the dry land, it will leave you just as amazed. Experience the history that this beautiful nation has to tell, and be prepared to allow your dominant side to run free. The National Museum at Male that houses well-preserved relics from the Sultanate period to the minarets and tombs of an array of historically significant mosques such as the Old Friday Mosque. The National Museum of Maldives was founded on the National Day of Maldives in 1952. It has ancient galleries, especially for ancient and medieval periods of Maldivian history. The museum houses a diverse range of artifacts, which shed light on the fascinating socio-cultural history of the country. The couples will enjoy some great time enjoying some great places in the Maldives that will let you know a lot about the rich history of Maldives; you can visit the excellent National Museum of Maldives with your love. The textile collection gives a great insight into the ancient royal cultures of Maldives
Whale Submarine Ride
Imagine you and your loved ones cruising through an underwater garden filled with tropical fish. This is precisely what you will experience during your whale submarine ride. Add some adrenaline and new energy to your romantic day by exploring the depths of the ocean in a fantastic submarine ride. This is one of the most fun things to do on your Maldives honeymoon. If you don’t want to get wet but still want to explore the beautiful corals and fish native to the Maldives, this is the best way to do it. On board the whale submarine, you will descend to a submerged reef 45 meters beneath the surface. During the descent, the seabed and different types of reef fish. Here are many great ways of exploring the underwater world of Maldives. But submarine trips are a fantastic way to see the deep ocean in the Maldives. You can pummel the depths of the sea for hours at a time, and with no physical exertion or risk. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in the Maldives.
Day Tour of Male city
And how can you miss the tour of the capital when you visit this famous honeymoon destination. Someone rightly said; “When in Rome, do what the Romans do; so when you are in Maldives know what Maldivians do.
The Day tours allow you to study more about the Maldivian culture and what better way to experience the ‘Real Maldives’ than through the eyes of a Maldivian.
Commuting through a public ferry, exploring local inhabited islands, narrating and exchanging stories of real life over a cup of coffee in a local cafe and learning how to cook Maldivian food are few of the experiences that are offered to the guests alighting for vacations.
Snorkeling In Maldives
Put on a mask, grab your swimming trunks and choose a diving spot in the emerald green waters of Maldives, and your journey into the marine world through the sport of snorkelling has begun. Witnessing a wide variety of fishes, sharks, eels, octopus, anemones, dolphins, whale sharks makes you want to explore more and more.
That’s not it, when you swim through the coral reefs of the waters in Maldives the experiences get exhilarating. This sport requires for you to swim and the cost for the same depends upon the snorkelling course you choose.
Candle Light Dinner Under The Star
Surprise your loved one with a private and secluded dinner on the beach, “under the stars” at the water’s edge that you will both remember forever. Look into each other eye’s and then gaze at the ocean together. Have a glass of wine underneath the stars. It is one of the most memorable things to do on your honeymoon in the Maldives. Look into the sky with millions of stars shining above while you dine. Gently feel the powdery sand with grounded feet and listen to the sound of waves as you let your mind drift away to your world of imaginations, savoring the exceptional cuisine prepared by the chef with a medley of Asian and Western dishes – light to the palate yet flavorful.
Romance In Private Boat – Maldives Yachts Charter
Some dates are so particular they should be never be forgotten, and the honeymoon is one of these life events that should bring nostalgia and joy. The Maldives is well known as a perfect place for a honeymoon, and being aboard your crewed yacht makes it even more amazing. The honeymooners are welcomed from the airport by ship, and they make a stay on the private boat for how long they want by sailing south. It has, no doubt, the silkiest waters to cruise across in one of these dream vessels. Maldives yacht charters take place in the northern hemisphere´s winter, the same time as the Caribbean, proving to be an exciting and exotic alternative to this fabulous location, adding that extra touch of luxury and adventure to any Maldives holiday or honeymoon! A romantic getaway that includes fascinating scenery for you and your loved one. Maldives Yachts Charter is a beautiful boat trip that provides for you, your partner, clear waters, and the endless blue sky.
Try Paddle boarding On The Beaches
The Maldives is also fast becoming an excellent destination for thrill-seeking adventure and water-based activities. These include incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, great surfing and windsurfing, sea kayaking safaris, paddle boarding, and much more. If you aren’t interested in surfing, paddle boarding is another excellent option for you. Paddle boarding one of the most exciting and easily accessible things to do in the Maldives on a honeymoon. This water activity will have you enjoying yourselves in the best possible way despite the frequent tumbles into the water and the aching arms. You can paddle along in safe bays with water so bright you can see fish swimming right below your boards. The paddle boarding is a fun activity that you can take up with your partner and enjoy the warm waters and tranquil surroundings.
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