The Maldives' Top 10 Honeymoon Resorts, According to an Expert

WITH TIFFANY BOX-BLUE lagoons and satin white sands, is it any wonder this Indian Ocean archipelago graces the Pinterest boards of nearly every soon-to-be-wed? The poster child for post-nuptial bliss, the Maldives offers up everything you want from a honeymoon, but in high-def, private-island intensity: ocean-side couples’ massages, snorkeling hand-in-hand on house reefs, basking in an overwater bungalow with nothing but blue on the horizon.

I’ve been to 36 Maldives resorts in the last five years, and while family-friendly accommodation and kids’ clubs are certainly on the rise, there are still dozens of romantic stays that cater to specifically couples. Here are my picks for the 10 best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives.

Gili Lankanfushi

Known as one of the country’s most beloved resorts since it opened in 2000, visitors here recount a hard-to-describe “magic” permeating this small island near Malé. It could be the unparalleled service, the breezy overwater spa, or the relaxed island atmosphere, but “intoxicating,” “genuine,” and “incredibly romantic” are a few of the words coming from the mouths of sun-kissed couples.

Book a stay in one of Gili Lankanfushi’s ultra-private thatched-roof Crusoe Residences. Suspended and standing alone in the lagoon, you can only reach these all-wood ocean palaces by boat. And when you do venture on the island, no kids’ club means a blissfully chilled-out vibe. 

gili-lankanfushi.com; rates start at US$1,556 per night.

Naladhu Private Island

It doesn’t get more intimate than a 20-villa resort. Naladhu Private Island shares a lagoon with Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli but feels worlds away. A stay here is entirely bespoke, with no menus and no set dining times, so if you want an omelet with caviar at 2 p.m. and a Tomahawk steak at 10 p.m., that can be arranged.

Although lounging by your private pool and listening to the lapping waves is a dreamy way to spend a day, Naladhu offers some amazing marine experiences. Couples can book snorkeling sessions dedicated to spotting various types of underwater animals, including manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles and dolphins.

naladhu.com; rates start at US$1,154 per night.

Soneva Jani

Waterworld meets Robinson Crusoe, but make it ultra-luxe. Soneva Jani is one of the most coveted honeymoon hotels in the world, and after one go on your villa’s private waterslide, you’ll see why.

The resort is split into Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, connected via a palm-fringed island; Chapter 2 is newer and is entirely all-inclusive. That means endless spa treatments at the new Soneva Soul spa, unlimited wines from the hand-picked wine list, and a dedicated barefoot butler to plan as much or as little as you want on this island paradise. One of your villa’s many perks includes a retractable roof. What could be more romantic than staring up at the stars, legs intertwined on sustainable cotton?

soneva.com/resorts/soneva-jani; rates start at US$2,400 per night.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

This tropical Raffles outpost doesn’t rest on the laurels of its brand legacy—a stay here is uniquely blissful. Split into 38 beach and overwater villas accessible only by speedboat; this tiny sliver is one of the country’s southernmost five-star resorts.

And while toes in the sand may sound appealing, opt for one of its overwater villas. Decked out with a private pool, a soaking tub and the largest bed in the Maldives (seriously, big enough for five), Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers an extra layer of luxury and privacy. Jetting back to the island takes a matter of minutes, and once there your butler can arrange a dinner at The Firepit, where your table will be hand-carved into the sand.

raffles.com/maldives/; rates start at US$1,270 per night.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Situated on an old coconut plantation, its glamorous new interiors make for one seriously stylish honeymoon destination. Pearl-white walls, black wood timber and pops of coral pink decorate the villas, pairing beautifully with the island’s lush green trees and the electric blue waters.

Here, guests can arrange for “Manta On Call,” where a designated phone will ring when the marine biologists spot manta rays in nearby Hanifaru Bay.

While you wait, book an Ayurvedic couple’s massage in one of the spa’s sprawling open-air treatment rooms. Then, treat yourself to complimentary gelato by the beach from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and for a romantic dinner, try the best Arabic food south of Lebanon at Al Barakat.

fourseasons.com/maldiveslg; rates start at US$1,738 per night.

Kudadoo Maldives

“Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” is the mantra of Kudadoo Maldives mantra. With just 15 overwater Zen residences, its all-inclusive ethos will spoil couples for every other vacation, well—ever. The cherry on top? This small resort is powered entirely by solar.

Your butler can arrange several romantic getaways, including a private picnic on Dream Island, where you can live your deserted island fantasies. If you’d rather spend as much time in your ryokan-inspired overwater residence, order a floating Champagne breakfast and toast to wedded bliss with pancakes and bacon from your private pool.

kudadoo.com; rates start at US$3,022 per night.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The epitome of a playground for adults, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is the epitome in #honeymoongoals. Guests make one of the Maldives’ most over-the-top arrivals via a massive yacht stocked with sparkling and sweets. Once on the island, the activities are endless, from jet skiing to snorkeling, pickleball, and massages in a glass-bottom treatment room.

As with the activities, the food options here are also endless. Book in for Peking duck in a wood-fired oven at Li Long, a boatful of toro tuna at the world’s first floating Zuma, Australian pavlova at The Ledge by Dave Pynt, and wagyu at Terra, a series of bamboo pods floating in the treetops. 

hilton.com/en/hotels/mleonwa-waldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi/; rates start at US$3,032 per night.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Many will tell you Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has the best house reef in the country, and I tend to agree. Uniquely, it’s 360 degrees of uninterrupted reef, perfect for couples who love to spend hours floating amongst the schools of fish.

Out of the water, the resort has 51 villas, with just 14 overwater. Here, privacy is paramount with a host of private couple’s activities, including a deserted island getaway, a bespoke spa treatment in the dedicated couple’s spa villa and a private, candlelit dinner on the beach complete with Maldivian lobster and Champagne.

hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/maldives/park-hyatt-maldives-hadahaa; rates start at US$755 per night.

The Nautilus Maldives

Beloved for its boho-chic aesthetic, this Maldivian-owned resort is perfect for couples looking for total relaxation. The resort’s 26 ocean and beach houses have curved walls designed to reflect the curve of gentle waves and of time, which, according to The Nautilus Maldives, “stands still” while on the island. True to the theme, there are no scheduled dining times or set menus here; it’s a “your wish is my command” sort of place. 

The Baa Atoll address means you’re surrounded by some of the country’s most stunning marine life, including the manta rays in UNESCO-designated Hanifaru Bay. After a day of swimming, book an Ayurvedic couple’s treatment at the overwater Solasta Spa.

thenautilusmaldives.com; rates start at US$2,376 per night.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

The sands here on Olhahali are as white as Jumeirah’s sugar cube-style villas that dot the island and its lagoon. Perfect for young couples looking for a more contemporary feel, this resort and its super-spacious accommodations fit the bill.

Fun activities like a ceviche cooking class, wine tasting with a charcuterie board, or a jet ski safari are on offer here. Honeymooners can also indulge in a private yoga session on a deserted sandbank or a private moving screening on the sand with popcorn and cocktails.

jumeirah.com/en/stay/maldives/jumeirah-maldives; rates start at US$950 per night.

Lede and hero image courtesy of Soneva Jani.

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