The Maldives is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, where a million and one dreamy experiences await.
An archipelago famed for its soft white sands and surreal lagoons brimming with kaleidoscopic coral reefs and marine life; it's little surprise that many of the activities centre around the natural beauty of your chosen island. There's sunset dolphin cruises, private snorkelling trips, uninhabited island picnics to channel your inner Robinson Crusoe...and everything in between.
So, where to begin? Whether you're after infinite excitement or ultimate relaxation, we've made your life that little bit easier by compiling a romance-inspired guide to the Maldives' best islands and resorts for couples.
And if you're wondering when to go, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, for dry, sun-kissed days and plenty of piercing blue skies to make the most of your magical surroundings.
Adult-focused Resorts in the Maldives
1. Milaidhoo
Adults-only?
Children must be aged over 9 years to stay and the hotel is geared towards romance and couples.
Set in the UNESCO-protected, reef-fringed Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo is one of the best resorts in the Maldives for couples, offering incredibly unique and romantic experiences.
Depending on your preferences, your blissful journey to romance could include a visit to the spa for a 'Romantic Spa Retreat' for two, which combines a coconut scrub with a bubble bath, Elemis deep tissue massage and a booster facial for glowing skin. Or, perhaps you're more of a foodie? A romantic meal à deux set on a traditional fishing boat at Ba'theli is the perfect way to end the day.
“I visited Milaidhoo during my honeymoon and to sum it up, it’s a little island with a big heart. At Ba’theli we opted for the six-course Maldivian Heritage Degustation menu, which included delicious Maldivian Lobster curry. When we returned to our villa, our Butler Samitti had run us a petal-strewn bath and left a bottle of champagne on ice.” - Tom, Travel Specialist
For the ultimate romantic experience, take to the azure waters on a private dolphin cruise to chase the sunset, or spend a night sleeping under the stars on a remote sandbank with nothing but the ocean around you. If you're visiting during your honeymoon, Milaidhoo will even name a star after you and give you the certificate and coordinates to view it at night.
Whether you choose a residence by the beach or a water villa perched on stilts, all rooms are incredibly romantic and open up 180-degrees to encourage the concept of outdoor living. If you can't bear to leave your luxurious villa that's fine too; immerse yourself in your private cocoon with candlelit dinners on your pool deck, scented baths and flower bedecked beds arranged by your butler.
"A must-visit place in the surrounding area for couples has to be Hanifaru bay, to view manta rays and whale sharks. The housereef is also a great spot for snorkelling and diving, as well as the Milaidhoo Wall." - Zoe, Product Manager
2. Baros, Maldives
Adults-only?
Children must be aged over eight years to stay - with no kids' club, the hotel mainly caters to couples and honeymooners.
Having been named the “Most Romantic Resort in the World” for the past eight years, it's little surprise that Baros Maldives has made our list of the best resorts in the Maldives for couples. Its location in the secluded North Malé Atoll is easy to reach from the main airport, yet so far removed from the world.
For a staggeringly special stay, Baros Residence is the most exclusive villa on the island with its own private swimming pool, tropical garden and dedicated butler on call around the clock. Lounge on your four-poster day bed shaded by a canopy of palms, take a dip together in the 21-metre-long infinity pool and enjoy complimentary sundowners canapés served on your sundeck, steps away from the soft-sand beach.
Baros places a real emphasis on bespoke experiences and personalised destination dining for just the two of you. Warm, professional service is the resort's forte, and helpful staff are always on hand to organise everything from a private sushi lunch at Piano Deck perched in the lagoon, to a jaunt across the waves on board Nooma, Baros’ traditional wooden sailing dhoni.
For the definitive Maldivian experience, the nearby sandbank offers a once-in-a-lifetime setting for romance. You'll be whisked off to the middle of the ocean for dinner surrounded by candles, as the sun melts into the horizon. With swoon-worthy scenery and only scurrying hermit crabs for company, this could be the most romantic thing you ever do.
Best Maldives Hotels & Islands for Honeymoons
3. Constance Moofushi
Adults-only?
While children can stay at the resort, there isn't a kids' club and the hotel maintains a serene feel.
Constance Moofushi in the Maldives' South Ari atoll has ‘luxury honeymoon’ written all over it. Everything is taken care of with the premium all-inclusive package offering drinks, daily breakfast, lunches and dinners in Manta, a particularly special venue with a carpet of sand for barefoot luxury dining. You'll be able to sample the delights of Alizee Restaurant too, a smaller more romantic venue serving Wagyu beef, yellowfin tuna and caviar to your sea-side table.
The all-inclusive also includes complimentary daily afternoon tea and pancakes served at Totem Bar, which just happens to be one of the most romantic places on the island for a sundowner.
Activity-wise, staff at Constance Moofushi go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. Take advantage of the complimentary non-motorised watersports and guided snorkelling excursions in the turquoise waters. This atoll is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world, so be sure to try the water activities on offer! In addition, a lively resident DJ at Manta Bar and traditional Boduberu dancing shows will keep you dancing long after the sun goes down.
And for honeymooners, pick one of the private overwater villas with an inviting hammock swaying over the turquoise lagoons and romantic alfresco bathtubs - best enjoyed with an ice-cold drink in hand from your fully stocked minibar.
For more all-inclusive resorts, see 7 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Unlimited Luxury in the Maldives as chosen by our experts.
4. Como Cocoa Island
Adults-only?
Children can stay at the resort though the focus is on peace and privacy, making it perfect for a dreamy Maldives honeymoon.
Located in the South Malé Atoll an easy speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport, start your loved up getaway quicker without having to catch a seaplane.
Tiny though COMO Cocoa Island may be, it's packed with romantic experiences for newlywed couples. Ultimate luxury dining is focused on the eastern sandbank, a white swathe of some of the softest sand we've ever experienced. Lit by lanterns and traditional tiki torches, a sandbank dinner is a totally tropical way to spend time together, accompanied by only gentle ocean breezes and your personal butler.
At COMO Shambhala, wellness amenities and beauty treatments are in abundance. If you're staying for seven nights or more during your honeymoon, you'll receive a complimentary 60-minute relaxing or invigorating treatment in the fantastic spa, which also houses the Maldives' only hydrotherapy pool. For more in-depth bonding, the couple's massage workshop teaches you both the skills you need to benefit from this centuries-old healing tradition at home.
The 34 overwater villas have undergone a recent remodelling and extend from cosy Dhoni Water Villas inspired by traditional fishing boats, to expansive retreats with swimming pools for those envy-inducing Instagram posts. All of the villa's private terraces have a staircase leading to the beautiful lagoon, should you wish to explore the vibrant sea life that frequent the house reef.
"After an induction at the Marine Sports Centre, we took a 20-minute private catamaran to the surrounding reefs. We were accompanied by the resident Marine Biologist, who knew exactly where we should snorkel to see the best marine life. As she swam with us during our two-hour excursion, endangered turtles glided by and we were educated on the Indian Ocean’s flora and fauna. Truly unforgettable." Layla, Copywriter
5. One&Only Reethi Rah
Adults-only?
There is a kids' club at the resort, though there are plenty of private experiences for couples to hideaway in.
One&Only Reethi Rah in North Malé Atoll is also a short speedboat hop away from Male airport. It's big by Maldivian standards but oozes a fabulous castaway feel with an astonishing twelve beaches, and is still only several minutes tip-to-tip by buggy.
Whether you rest your head in a luxury Beach Villa, decadent Water Villa, or exclusive Residence, you'll feel thoroughly spoiled. Opt for a Grand Water Villa with Pool for the ultimate seclusion. Not only will you have a generous infinity pool and Jacuzzi, you'll be able to watch the island’s best sunsets from your deck. In fact, there’s very little reason to leave your tranquil floating home, but One&Only has a dizzying array of thrilling activities if you’re looking for a little adventure alongside relaxation.
Make the most of your ‘together time’ with guided dives, chartered cruises and fishing trips onboard one of the majestic yachts, catamarans or traditional Maldivian dhonis, racing leaping dolphins as you go. From up-close encounters with wild turtles and whale sharks in their natural environment, to soaring above the waves as you ride a jetski or Flyboard, the water-based excursions are endless and some of the best in the Maldives.
6. OZEN Life Maadhoo
Adults-only?
There's a kids' club and activities for families - though couples will love the exceptional all-inclusive dining experiences.
Located in the southeast corner of the South Malé Atoll cloaked in tropical vegetation and nestled in a pristine lagoon, OZEN Life Maadhoo is perfect if you're looking for a carefree honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort.
With the premium all-inclusive INDULGENCE™ Plan, all elements of a lifestyle luxury holiday are included in one price. You'll relish Champagne breakfasts and even a gourmet dinner at underwater restaurant M6m at no extra cost, for a romantic evening surrounded by marine life six meters below the ocean!
Other complimentary treats designed to boost your uber-luxe holiday experience include diving sessions, snorkelling, group fitness classes and spa treatments at the hotel’s ELENA Wellness Complex. And the longer you stay, the more you'll get!
For the more adventurous, explore the dazzling house reef of Maadhoo Island in the water with the Dolphin Base Watersports and Diving School, or from semi-submarine, SUB-ZEN. Seated just one metre underwater, you'll experience a diver’s view of the reef and likely spot vividly coloured parrotfish, sea turtles and manta rays.
For an intimate experience for two under the stars, the open-air cinema screens your favourite movies on the beach, complete with a glass of champagne, plush seating and gourmet snacks.
"I run out of superlatives to describe this spectacular resort! It holds so many memories for me, as it’s where I spent my honeymoon. I'd certainly recommend upgrading to a Pool Villa, all of which are sunset facing and offer beautiful views. The INDULGENCE™ all-inclusive package is extensive and includes unlimited snorkelling excursions to six nearby sites." Peter, Travel Specialist
7. Amilla Maldives
Adults-only?
The resort welcomes families, though couples will love the array of private excursions on offer.
From destination dining by the beach to champagne sunset ‘dhoni’ cruises and spacious villas with panoramic views, you can expect luxury at every turn at this resort, which has a reputation for attracting Hollywood’s elite.
Capture blissful memories with the hotel's unique offering of a complimentary 30-minute photo session with a talented photographer at Amilla’s photography studio. With an exotic backdrop of brilliant white beaches and spectacular seascapes, the photos will be yours to treasure forever – and make everyone back home green with envy.
Starting at 200sqm, Amilla Maldives boasts some of the most spacious pool villas in the Maldives to unwind in. To really get away from it all, book the Maldives’ highest treehouse suspended above the canopy of coconut palms, where you can awake to the sound of tropical birdsong.
For foodies, the Dine by Design programme encompasses everything from sandbank picnics to jungle cinema dining and a Dig in Dinner, where you can watch the sunset with your loved one from your comfy sand chairs!
If you think you've seen it all, there's even a glamping experience. Choose between one of three transparent bubble tent programmes featuring champagne, a private chef, sauna, and plunge pool. Nestled amongst the tropical foliage, you'll be uniquely immersed amongst nature with 360-degree views of your surroundings and the sparkling night sky as you fall asleep.
8. JOALI Maldives
Adults-only?
There's a kids' club, though couples will be kept busy with plenty of activities and an excellent spa.
Small, tranquil and romantic; JOALI Maldives is pure honeymoon territory. Hidden away in the northern reaches of the Maldives in the ravishing Raa Atoll, you're right in the heart of the ocean where time stands still and distractions no longer exist.
Elevate your romance on this fairy-tale island with a variety of wellness options specifically designed for couples, including over-water spa rituals, rose quartz facials and tranquil meditations. If you want to learn more about the glorious ocean wildlife around you, join an expert marine biologist on a diving and snorkelling expedition. Perhaps you'll visit nearby Maldivian isles for glimpses of local life, or set off in a dhoni to chase a magical pink-hued sunset?
"Our Water Villa at Joali was by far the most luxurious overwater residence we have ever stayed in, and the infinity pool was huge! We explored the lagoon and saw magical stingrays from our spacious sundeck. There was even an outdoor rain shower and around-the-clock Jadugar (butler) service." Layla, copywriter
If you prefer, float between the pristine, white-sand beaches and your villa’s private pool. All rooms benefit from a dedicated private butler, who'll be on hand 24/7 to arrange virtually anything. Share a floating in-villa breakfast, plan a romantic proposal, or impress your other half with a five-course menu paired with fine wines overlooking the ocean.
JOALI Maldives is also the first and only art immersive resort in the archipelago; follow the Art Map through the palms to see one-of-a-kind installations from big-name curators. The resort is renowned for it's exquisite food, too. Learn to cook Maldivian cuisine in the teaching kitchen and in the evening, dress to the nines and head to Saoke. Located at the end of its own jetty, you'll dine on melt-in-your-mouth black cod and Maldivian lobster as you gaze out at the most incredible ocean views.
Discover Your Romantic Holiday in the Maldives
Whether you desire an adventurous island getaway or complete relaxation at a couple-focused resort, contact us to start planning your bespoke holiday in the Maldives.
Want to find out even more about the magical Maldives? Have a read of our blogs below:
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