A small nation of islands, Maldives lies strategically between the landmasses of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. With its collection of coral islands, this nation is one of the most coveted honeymoon destinations in the world. Yes, it is that beautiful and that famous. Imagine a stretch of private beach land, a small villa on the Indian Ocean, turquoise waters touching the horizon in the distance and endless palm trees swaying as you relax with your beloved… that’s a day in Maldives in a nutshell. 

Since you are already here, it means Maldives is on your radar for a honeymoon. So what are you waiting for? Here’s a fulfilling little travel guide to show you what a honeymoon in Maldives would look like.

The only ways to reach Maldives are by air and sea, the former being the most widely used option.

By Air:

The Male International Airport is where you shall land when you take a flight from anywhere in the world for Maldives. Male is the capital island-city and you have regular flights from Indian cities of Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkatta and Delhi operating to Male. Indians instantly get a 90 day visa on arrival too. From Male, depending on which island you are staying at, you can take a taxi cab or one of the local ferries that operate on fix timings in a day. Jet boats, seaplanes and choppers are also available for booking but are quite expensive.

Getting Around:

While on private resort islands in Maldives (where you will inevitably be if you are on your honeymoon), you don’t need anything for transport per se. Once the jet boat or seaplane drops you off at the island’s resort, you will easily be able to explore the whole island on foot. Most private islands can be walked around in less than 20 minutes. If you want to go island hopping, then check out the local ferry system timings and make sure to catch them on time as they are infrequent. Dhoni boats and jet boats can also be hired, as can the small seater planes to island-hop privately.

Maldives is mostly a year-round destination. Obviously, some are better than the others, especially for honeymooners, because the average temperature range more or less remains the same here while the rains come and go.

Dry Season / Iruvai (November - April):

With a temperature range of 25°C to 29°C, this is the tourist high season in Maldives as the rains have receded. There may be some mild showers now and then but the tranquility and pristine clarity of the ocean remain undisturbed for the most part. This is the best time to take your Maldives holiday because travel by sea is at its best, the island resorts are amazing, you get to indulge in all water sports and outdoor activities, and enjoy the sun on your skin. But this is also an expensive time.

Wet Season / Hulhangu (May to October):

Torrential rains, high velocity winds and lesser sunshine characterise the wet season or Hulhangu in Maldives. The temperature fluctuates between 28°C to 29°C. The lowest season here is between May and September, when the tourism is at an all time low due to the rains. If you want to plan a relatively cheaper honeymoon then come at this time. You may not be guaranteed all the water sports, but if your goal is to just snuggle up together and relax in the luxury of the sea or your beach villa then you are in for a great bargain.

A honeymoon in Maldives sure has some adventure, some snorkelling and scuba diving, some sailing and swimming. But for the most part, the most coveted here is a lie-in at your luxurious villa with your partner, maybe go for a relaxing spa or sit in your own personal infinity pool while snacking on some tropical fruit. 

Live in a luxury Villa:

First thing to do to make your honeymoon a hit for the two of you is to ensure that you have booked a nice luxury villa in a nice private island resort. It is the best idea to splurge most of your money on a plush accommodation. You can either choose the on-sea-villa that Maldives is famous for or go for a beach villa that will afford you more privacy. 

Go Diving or Snorkelling:

Obviously the country of seas and oceans has many diving and snorkelling clubs that offer professional courses. But if you are proficient in the art of exploring the underwater then you can just dive in from the balcony of your sea-villa. Most of these villas afford you a direct ladder into the pristine ocean right off your balcony or bedroom.

Explore some Beautiful Islands:

Maldives is a collection of 1000+ coral islands, so if you are a little bored with the one you are staying at then island hopping is the best thing for your partner and you. From Male to Biyadhoo, Hulhumalé to Maafushi, make sure to check out each for its unique beauty. Some islands are locally inhabited so you will also get to meet the people of Maldives and see their culture, while others are private and will afford you that much needed privacy.

Have an Underwater Dinner:

You read it right. The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the world’s first all-glass space of its kind, situated under the sea, to give you the experience of dining amidst the breathtaking marine biodiversity. While eating some sumptuous food you will have everything from string rays to turtles to sea anemones passing you by.

Experience Maldives’ Glowing Beach 

Take you partner to the Glowing Beach on Vaadhoo Island, where the Bioluminescent Plankton’s produce this phenomenon and glow like neon lights in the dark under water. It is an otherworldly experience and binds you closer, the romance in the air only sweetening your honeymoon. 

Go on a Couple’s Cruise:

The Dhoni Boats in Maldives are supposed to be great local delights to ferry between islands; they are small crafts made of wood. You can also choose a modern cruise with your significant other, with cocktails and canapés at sunset. On the cruise you will get to meet other couples, enjoy the sites of coral reefs and sandy shores, even snorkel or kayak across short distances when the boat anchors.

Swim with the Sharks:

Yes, in Maldives you get to experience this thrill and swim with giant white sharks. You and your partner can visit one of the two bays - Baa Atoll or Ari Atoll to see some white sharks, whales and other huge fish, as well as go to Manta Bay to swim with them. The creatures in protected areas do not attack swimmers but you must always listen to your operator while in the water with these magnificent creatures.

Maldives’ traditional cuisine is really a mix of Indian, Sri Lankan, African and Arab. But since you will be staying at a private island resort you will get this and any other cuisine you like. From continental breakfasts to Indian lunches, hand-tossed pizzas to sushis and seafood, Maldives packs it all. Do not miss out on their tropical fruit platters, served at almost all hotels, at all times of the year, containing an assortment of seasonal fruits like mangoes, guavas, pineapples, grapefruits and kiwis. If you want to try local recipes then try Fihunu mas or barbecued fish, bajiya, keemia, masroshi and thelui mas.

Maldives is not a shopping destination, sorry ladies. You will not get to pick out brands, or shop endlessly for shoes or tops or dresses. Most of the shopping here is limited to local wares like coconut shell masks, lamps and seashell jewellery, straw hats, beach apparel like sarongs and bikinis and suntan lotions. If you wish to check out their shopping arcades then Male is the best place - Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu (Singapore Bazaar).

While at it, do pick up Thundu Kunaa or locally weaved traditional mats, Maldivian sarongs, lacquer work items and furniture as souvenirs to take back home.