These are the best resorts in the Maldives for a honeymoon – whatever your couple style.
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.
Best for romantic couples
Definition: couples who dig a candlelit dinner, drinks at sunset and a spa treatment for two.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Dhonakulhi Island
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).
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…
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Feature image: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
Discover Maldives
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Ultimate Indulgence: The Maldives’ Best All-Inclusive Resorts.
