Barefoot walks on paradise sands, intimate candlelit dinners, private villas suspended over opalescent waters and extraordinary experiences: the word ‘honeymoon’ and the Maldives go hand-in-hand.
With its high concentration of luxury resorts, it’s hard to go wrong in this paradisical corner of the world. But, as a honeymoon is likely one of the most high-value holidays you’ll ever have, finding the perfect fit for you both is a big decision.
So, which are the very best honeymoon resorts in the Maldives for this all-important escape? Read on to find out.
This resort is awesome. My husband and I had 12 nights at Villa Nautical and everything was perfect for us. The staff are all absolutely amazing which made us feel like part of their big family. The accommodation was just great. We were upgraded to a beach villa with a pool. This was very comfortable .The service staff were great and always asking if we needed anything. The location was great as we had a nice walk through the garden with amazing beachfront access. We had the Infinity package which was the game changer for us as everything was covered in this package. My husband dived every day as well as having an hour massage every day was incredible. The diving lived up to the hype with Arzan ,Hussein and boat crew running excellent dive charters. 13 dives all up and all amazing and with only 3 to 4 divers each trip .All dive sites within half hour commute. My husband is a very experienced diver so he was very impressed. Huge choices for dining which was great.
10.0
AnonymousEG
Perfect for the honeymoon
10.0
Matthew E.GB · 1 escape · 1 review
The staff and the stay were fantastic cannot recommend enough.
10.0
AnonymousGB
Had a wonderful stay at Villa Nautica, villa with pool amazing, food very good. Location excellent 20 minutes from Male. Our host Annika really lovely. Pool and facilities very good. It is a family resort so a few too many children running around for me – no adult only areas – but we still had a great time.
10.0
AnonymousLK
We had an absolutely wonderful two-night stay at Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort, experiencing both the beautiful Pool Villa and the breathtaking Water Villa. Our stay was truly special, and a big part of that was the exceptional hospitality we received from our island host, Dillon.
Both villas were beautiful, spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. The rooms were very clean and well maintained, and everything, from the comfortable beds to the facilities and amenities, was thoughtfully arranged to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable. We loved the unique experience of staying in two different types of villas. The Pool Villa offered a wonderful sense of privacy and relaxation, while the Water Villa gave us that magical feeling of being surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Maldives. Both experiences were amazing, and we honestly wished we could have stayed longer!
The food was another highlight of our stay. Everything we tried was really delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. Combined with the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities, it made our time at Villa Nautica even more enjoyable.
However, what made our experience even more memorable was our wonderful island host, Dillon. From the moment we arrived, he welcomed us with his warm smile, genuine kindness, and friendly personality. He took the time to show us around the island, helping us become familiar with the facilities and making it easy for us to find everything we needed.
Whenever we contacted him with a question, request, or something we wanted to arrange, he was always responsive, attentive, and right on time. He took care of everything so efficiently and made sure our stay was as comfortable and stress-free as possible. His willingness to help, combined with his professionalism and genuine friendliness, made us feel truly cared for throughout our visit.
Our stay was particularly meaningful because we came to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary, and Dillon made it even more special by arranging a beautiful surprise decoration in our room. ❤️ It was such a thoughtful gesture that added a lovely touch to our celebration and created a memory we will always treasure.
Villa Nautica is a stunning island paradise, with beautiful villas, delicious food, excellent facilities, and an atmosphere that makes you wish time would stand still. But for us, the experience was made even more extraordinary by the people who looked after us, especially Dillon.
Thank you, Dillon, for your kindness, your beautiful smile, your attentiveness, and for going the extra mile to make everything perfect for us. Your hospitality made our anniversary getaway more comfortable, relaxing, and memorable than we could have imagined.
We left with beautiful memories, grateful hearts, and one little regret that we couldn’t stay longer! ❤️
We would wholeheartedly recommend Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort to anyone looking for a beautiful and memorable Maldivian escape. And if you are fortunate enough to have Dillon as your island host, you are in wonderful hands!
Thank you, Villa Nautica, and especially Dillon, for giving us memories that we will cherish forever. You truly stole our hearts! ❤️
Best for romantic couples
Definition: couples who dig a candlelit dinner, drinks at sunset and a spa treatment for two.
Soneva Jani
Gwyneth Paltrow’s honeymoon resort of choice, Soneva Jani is one of the world’s lowest density resorts, with some of the largest villas in the Maldives, meaning privacy is king. Private outdoor cinema screenings, swinging loveseats, sunset dolphin cruises and dinner at the observatory with an in-house astronomer are all designed with lovers in mind. And did we mention some villas feature retractable roofs for stargazing? If it’s good enough for Gwynnie…
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa took the title of Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort in the 2023 World Travel Awards, and it’s easy to see why. Blissfully remote and quietly luxurious, it radiates romance at every turn, with a candlelit overwater restaurant and heart-shaped stakes in the ground to commemorate wedding and anniversary dates. When it comes to Maldivian islands, it’s on the larger side, so well-spaced villas offer exceptional privacy amid the jungle or over the lagoon, while butler service ensures you’ll never go wanting. Dinner for two is given a sense of occasion served on sandbanks, or in a HamacLand (a private floating pod on the lagoon, dressed with flowers).
This place is amazing. The pool villas are very clean and spacious. The snorkeling is so easy and beautiful. Saw many manta rays and spotted eagle rays. As well as many sharks and beautiful fish. Hala our butler was very attentive and professional. She was very kind to suggest any excursions we may be interested in. The grounds are beautiful and we really enjoyed riding bikes all around the island and to our meals. Highly recommend this place and would also recommend the meal plan.
10.0
Krist O.
Amazing experience. The highest sort of hospitality. Spatious and really nice villas, few high quality restaurants. Nice sports centre.
Especially we liked The Meeru Bar. Delicious food, fantastic team of people: chef Silva, Anity, Chamila, Chirag and Rahul. You made our stay very special. Thanks to our butler Shahin.
10.0
David D.
We came to Hideaway for our honeymoon and genuinely had the most amazing time. The island is absolutely beautiful and there was so much for us to enjoy, from tennis and snorkelling to our couples massage, romantic dinner and the beautiful romantic bath set up in our villa.
A huge thank you to Hala, who looked after us throughout our entire stay. Anything we needed, she organised for us straight away and made everything feel incredibly easy. She really helped make our honeymoon feel extra special.
We’ve made some amazing memories here and are genuinely sad to be leaving. We absolutely loved our stay and already can’t wait to come back one day! ❤️🏝️
10.0
Eissa A.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Experience – Truly a Paradise! ❤️
My wife and I had one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences of our lives at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
From the moment we arrived until the very last minute of our stay, everything was absolutely amazing. We genuinely enjoyed every single moment and wished our stay would never end.
What made this place truly special wasn’t just the beautiful island and peaceful atmosphere, but the incredible people working there. Every staff member we met was so friendly, welcoming, kind, and professional. They made us feel at home and treated us with genuine warmth and care.
A very special thank you to Hala! ❤️
Hala was with us from the very beginning until our last day. Her kindness, dedication, and wonderful personality made our experience even more memorable. We truly appreciated everything she did for us. She is one of the reasons we will always remember this beautiful place with a smile.
To the entire Hideaway team, thank you for giving my wife and me such beautiful memories. You made our vacation feel like a dream.
We came as guests, but we left with beautiful memories and a special place in our hearts for Hideaway.
We will definitely be back! ❤️🌴
Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for trendy couples
Definition: couples that put their best sartorial foot forward and document their weekends on Instagram, brunching, admiring contemporary architecture and perusing the latest art exhibitions.
SO/ Maldives
SO/ Maldives.
The SO/ brand is renowned for its fashion-forward approach and its brand-new Maldives outpost is no exception, bringing ‘castaway meets runway’ vibes to the Kaafu Atoll. From the bohemian Lazuli Beach Club to the striped villa pools and wellness camp, everything here is sleek and achingly chic. Endless picture-perfect moments await in every one of the beachfront and overwater villas, but for something truly spectacular, upgrade to The Two Bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier, which wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs with its futuristic architecture.
The stay at So was better than expected. Room was great, staff were awesome and food was exceptional
10.0
Sandra p.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
SO/Maldives exceeded all expectations, the jaw dropping photos are more stunning in reality. The team members went above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless, highly recommend this resort.
10.0
SERGEY S.AU · 2 escapes · 1 review
SO/ Maldives is exceptional. Room, ocean, food and service. Our special thaks to Maria.
10.0
George G.AU · 6 escapes · 2 reviews
Our over water, ocean villa was spectacular. The staff, facilities and location were all 5 star.
10.0
Flossy P.AU · 15 escapes · 7 reviews
We recently spent a week in a Beachfront Pool Villa at SO/Maldives, and we absolutely loved it! From the moment we were met at Male Airport, to the ease of the speedboat transfer, to the smiling welcoming committee, to meeting our brilliant Butler Limar, we couldn't have been more impressed. We loved the location of our Villa, which was totally private surrounded by lush gardens with direct access to the beach and blue water, and spotlessly clean and modern. Easy walk or cycle to the resort facilities & restaurants. The food & beverages on offer are fantastic, the Spa is so serene, the facilities are great and the staff are all friendly & professional. This is a super stylish modern resort. We loved our stay. Thank you! Terry & Flossy
LUX* South Ari Atoll
This resort certainly doesn’t toe the line when it comes to traditional Maldivian design. Instead, it takes inspiration from the Mediterranean, with contemporary Hellenic styling, whitewashed walls, cubic plunge pools and hanging nest seats. Relaxing in style is the order of the day here, with a focus on holistic wellness – think ‘keen on green’ vegan and raw dining options, floating yoga and healing reiki and spa treatments. An impressive eight restaurants and five bars means you’ll spend your honeymoon eating somewhere different every night.
The stay at So was better than expected. Room was great, staff were awesome and food was exceptional
10.0
Sandra p.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
SO/Maldives exceeded all expectations, the jaw dropping photos are more stunning in reality. The team members went above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless, highly recommend this resort.
10.0
SERGEY S.AU · 2 escapes · 1 review
SO/ Maldives is exceptional. Room, ocean, food and service. Our special thaks to Maria.
10.0
George G.AU · 6 escapes · 2 reviews
Our over water, ocean villa was spectacular. The staff, facilities and location were all 5 star.
10.0
Flossy P.AU · 15 escapes · 7 reviews
We recently spent a week in a Beachfront Pool Villa at SO/Maldives, and we absolutely loved it! From the moment we were met at Male Airport, to the ease of the speedboat transfer, to the smiling welcoming committee, to meeting our brilliant Butler Limar, we couldn't have been more impressed. We loved the location of our Villa, which was totally private surrounded by lush gardens with direct access to the beach and blue water, and spotlessly clean and modern. Easy walk or cycle to the resort facilities & restaurants. The food & beverages on offer are fantastic, the Spa is so serene, the facilities are great and the staff are all friendly & professional. This is a super stylish modern resort. We loved our stay. Thank you! Terry & Flossy
Best for foodie couples
Definition: couples that cook together, browse farmers’ markets at the weekends and enjoy date nights at the hottest new restaurants.
One&Only Reethi Rah
One&Only Reethi Rah.
If food is your couple love language, the flames of passion will certainly be stoked at One&Only Reethi Rah’s six restaurants and two bars. The omakase-style Hoshi transports you to ancient Japan with its fine tempura, sashimi and nigiri sushi. Tucked away beneath the fronds of a twisting banyan tree is the candlelit Botanica: here, farm-to-table dishes crafted using herbs, spices and vegetables from the chef’s kitchen garden celebrate the freshness and flavour of handpicked fare. Conversations into the night take place at the Gin Bar, where 34 global varieties are paired with local fruits and spoils from the gardens. Looking to take the romance up a notch? Indulge in a private dining experience on a moonlit sandbank or a seven-course dinner in a candlelit treehouse.
One&Only… paradise, only better!
From day one, we were overwhelmed by the colors, the light, the air, the sea, and the incredible friendliness of the entire team. One&Only embraces you with a warmth and welcome unlike anything we've ever experienced. The exceptional comfort of the villas, the incredibly generous gifts each day, and the care, service, and cleaning are unparalleled. So many towels!!! It's truly amazing!
But we also loved their commitment to sustainability: everything in glass bottles filled with tap water, coffee without a filter, just a squeeze. All freshly pressed, homegrown, and not to mention the excellent food in all the restaurants!!!! Incredible.
We had absolutely no complaints; we ate everything, which speaks volumes about the high quality.
We especially grew fond of our host, Rasheed. He truly anticipated our every need; he's a wonderful person and very friendly.
What impressed us most was the absolutely fantastic TAPASAKE restaurant. We ate teppanyaki and were more than delighted by Mr. Teppanyaki, the head chef, who not only cooked beautifully but also had some amazing card tricks up his sleeve—the David Copperfield of the stovetop! We had a wonderful time, and it was a very fun birthday evening for me. Many thanks again for the delicious birthday cake in our villa.
We had a beach villa with a pool, where we could enjoy the sunset every evening, or we would go to the TAPASAKE lounge for a sundowner!
It was truly incredible. The empathetic friendliness of the entire team made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole week. Dear Mr. Tibaldi, you and your team give the resort a soul; One&Only is more than just an island.
My conclusion: Once you've tried it, you'll be hooked forever! We will definitely come back, we already miss this paradisiacal place and its people, and we've only been home for 2 days.
10.0
ANASTASIOS T.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is the right rating of the resort.As soon as we arrived at the airport, the luggage service was organized and professional for the Reethirah trip. The reception by the Resort Manager and the Staff was an unforgettable experience. The host, Hameed, a very kind person, was very helpful, gave a short tour of the facilities and then we arrived at the villa. The villa was the villa of our dreams. The food was worthy of our expectations. We only stayed for 2 days but it seemed that it was enough to feel calm.
6.0
Caius M.
For our returning trip to this hotel we were disappointed. However this hotel has many positive sides so let me rank them for you:
– to begin with, the location is really good. 45 mn from the airport is really practical and avoid you to take a seaplane and spend a night at the airport.
– rooms are very nice and comfortable and the hotel went the extra way to provides a lot amenities like sunscreen, hat, beach bag, soothing cream and so on. And yes the ocean view is amazing.
– the gym is just incredible. I never thought I would find so many new machines and equipment on an island . For those who wonder why it is important, when you visit during the raining season it is good to have an outlet to go rather than being stuck in your room.
– breakfast selection is impressive for an island and caters to all types of clients : Asian, Middle Eastern or European. You will definitely find something you like .
– service is excellent with all departments but it is the case all over the Maldives . Special mention to the beach team who is attentive to your every needs despite the searing heat in which they work.
But it is not enough for a luxury hotel of this caliber . I won’t dwell on the ongoing renovation that disturb your peace because the hotel alerts you in their website but they don’t alert you for the following
– when you arrive you are charged a deposit , not hold but charged . So if you happen to have some money left it will take 2 weeks to get your money back. This procedure is unique to this resort . Bearing in mind you pay your stay before arriving , your credit card works. So what are you going to do if you don’t want to pay for the extras during your stay . Swim back to the airport with your suitcase in tow? A simple hold should be enough.
– the most important issue is the food. You have a half board package but the portions for dinner are really small and the side dish is tiny if any. It makes you feel the hotel wants you to pay extra to have a reasonable dinner even I don’t believe it is the goal. Then at breakfast most fruits were not ripes and we had to ask them to replace them until it was done the following days .you got the amazing choice but the fruits are green! Fair enough everything comes from mainland or Dubai and you might have a bad batch but several days in a row is not an option . Better not to put anything than unripe fruits.
– when you are at the pool or the beach , you have to pay for your own water while in the room the hotel is very generous with the locally filtered water . Why not give clients a bottle of local water to begin with? I mean of course you can pay the 14 usd for a mineral water but a courtesy water to begin with would be appreciated.
It is the details which separates a luxury resorts from another and in this case some works needs to be done.
Having said that the management took note of our comments and hopefully when we come back next all the above points will have been resolved.
2.0
Aksandra C.
Very disappointing experience — definitely not what we expected
Our experience at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon was extremely disappointing, starting from the moment we arrived.
The biggest problem was the lack of transparency. We were told that certain things were included in our package, which created a completely different expectation from what we actually experienced during our stay. Only later did we discover that several things were charged separately. If something is not included, guests should be clearly informed beforehand, not after they have already arrived and made decisions based on what the staff told them.
The way the information was communicated to us was particularly frustrating. We felt that we were being told one thing at the beginning and then faced with a completely different reality afterward. For a resort at this price level, this is simply unacceptable.
Unfortunately, the service did not make up for it either. From the beginning, we did not feel genuinely welcomed or properly taken care of. Instead of feeling like valued guests, we felt like we constantly had to question what was included, what we would be charged for, and whether the information we were given was actually reliable.
A holiday in the Maldives is a significant investment, and guests deserve transparency, respectful treatment and clear communication from the moment they arrive.
The island and the reef may be beautiful, but a beautiful location cannot compensate for poor communication, unexpected charges and disappointing customer service.
Based on our experience, we would not return to Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon and would not recommend it to friends or family.
Before booking, I strongly recommend asking for everything included in writing, including drinks, activities, transfers and any possible additional charges. Do not rely only on what you are told verbally at check-in.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Gastronomes are truly spoiled for choice at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, with seven restaurants and bars across the resort and the adjoining Fari Marina Village – a luxurious lifestyle hub of boutiques and fine dining. A global culinary tour awaits, spanning Chinese at the overwater Summer Pavilion, Middle Eastern at the Bedouin-tent-style Arabesque, and Asian bao buns and noodles at the Tum Tum food truck. Slip away for occasion dining for two on a secluded sandbank, or beneath a 30-metre banyan tree in the Mystique Garden.
Best for active couples
Definition: couples that train together, enjoy a weekend hike and head straight to the watersports kiosk on arrival.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort.
If you prefer your luxurious island escape with an added splash of adventure, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort should be your go-to, with its curated experiences and thriving house reef. The resort offers not only butler service on land, but under the sea too, with ‘marine butlers’ – all trained by a resident marine biologist – leading personalised snorkelling tours. Maintaining your fitness routine is a pleasure at the ocean-view Life Fitness® gym, where personal trainers are on hand to optimise your technique. Yoga at sunset is simultaneously invigorating and relaxing, with private candlelit couples’ sessions available in-villa.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Sheer indulgence is offset with blood-pumping activity at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island. Volleyball on the beach, yoga at sunrise, watersports; whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find it here. The surrounding beauty is embraced at every point, from the 24-hour overwater fitness centre with a glass floor to the beachside tennis court, where you can play by night to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. Experts are on-hand to up your game, with personal trainers and tennis coaches available for one-on-one sessions. But the true adrenaline hit can be found on the water: from gentle stand-up paddleboarding to kite surfing, parasailing and high-speed banana boating, how wet and wild you go is up to you.
