Pallavi is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based freelance journalist. She writes about design, travel, and lifestyle for leading publications like Travel & Leisure, Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveller, GQ, Thrillist, and Observer. An avid traveler and design enthusiast, she finds inspiration in everything she encounters, be it her immediate environment or her travels around the world.
The Maldives are the ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway immersed in the beauty of nature. The country is home to thousands of islands, each with its unique character. There are serene beaches, opulent resorts, rich marine life, and awe-inspiring sunsets that make it the perfect backdrop for couples to enjoy alone time. Additionally, the Maldives boast some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world, where honeymooners can discover the underwater world together.
Here are the ten most luxurious Maldives honeymoon resorts for your dream romantic trip. These resorts are surreal sanctuaries that offer unrivaled beauty and utmost privacy in scenic landscapes. Bookmark this guide for a honeymoon steeped in luxury!
1. LUX* South Ari Atoll Maldives
LUX* South Ari Atoll, the award-winning resort of The Lux Collective and one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, recently unveiled its newest accommodation — romantic beach pool villas. These ten one-bedroom Romantic Beach Pool Villas offer direct access to the beach and lagoon. Ideal for couples, these villas are on a secluded beach with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a spacious indoor-outdoor bathroom. The villas comprise master bedrooms offering panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean. They showcase an elegant minimalistic design aesthetic with thoughtfully curated furniture and cozy soft furnishings. Moreover, to make every stay in the Romantic Beach Pool Villa memorable, the expert LUX* South Ari Atoll team has curated a collection of private experiences, which include a bikini lunch served in the pool, a dedicated in-villa mixology experience, and a private cinema screening on the beach.
2. Soneva Fushi
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi features 53 beachfront villas and eight overwater retreats, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms. The beachfront villas are encompassed by a verdant jungle and are a few steps from the ocean. The eight overwater retreats are among the largest of their kind in the world, housing a terrace with a private pool and a water slide into the ocean. All Soneva Fushi villas also come with a 24-hour butler service. In addition to relaxing in their villas, honeymooners can partake in unique experiences such as dolphin spotting, ziplining through a rainforest to dine in the treetops, snorkeling in the house reef with an expert marine biologist, swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, and taking a speedboat to escape for a picnic on a private island.
A 15-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport brings you to this picturesque beach resort on Emboodhu Finolhu island, which is surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This serene property houses well-appointed, overwater, and beachside villas with private sundecks and pools. Taj Exotica’s overwater Rehendi Presidential Suite comes highly recommended. It features a private infinity pool and an expansive bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of the Indian Ocean. In addition, the property’s restaurants — Deep End, 24 Degrees, and Equator Bar are very popular. For honeymooners, the resort’s spa has curated the Soma therapy, an aromatherapy massage in a romantic candle-light setting, followed by an indulgent rose petal bath with a bottle of complimentary champagne. From luxury villas that are a cozy cocoon for two to unique experiences that will up the romance, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives is a lovers’ paradise and one of the best honeymoon resorts in Maldives.
Spread over 12 separate private beaches, One&Only Reethi Rah is one of the most secluded resorts in the world. This hotel is very private, and the villas are well-spaced out, so couples can truly relax and enjoy each other’s company. The best stay option at One&Only Reethi Rah is the Grand Sunset Residence, a three-bedroom residence with a private beach, an outdoor cinema, and several pools. Additionally, the resort has numerous excellent eateries that serve a range of cuisines. Guests can enjoy private in-villa dining or romantic candlelit dinners at the beachside ClubOne Beach Club or Tapasake, the overwater eatery. Furthermore, there are numerous activities for honeymooners at One&Only Reethi Rah, including diving, private beach picnics, and couples’ spa treatments. Couples can even charter a private yacht for a sunset cruise.
Coco Bodu Hithi is a sprawling retreat with 100 guest villas, offering guests an intimate and secluded private island experience. The property boasts pristine beaches, well-manicured gardens, and turquoise waters. Coco Bodu Hithi features four types of accommodations — island villas, water villas, escape water villas, and coco residences. Each lavish villa houses a private plunge pool and an outdoor deck. The retreat also features six restaurants and bars, a spa, a gym, and a water sports center. Coco Bodu Hithi offers several special amenities for honeymooners, such as a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, a three-course candlelit dinner, and discounts on spa treatments.
6. Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is widely considered one of the top Honeymoon resorts in Maldives, and for good reason. Situated amidst the tranquil waters of the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is a favorite among celebrities. Renowned for its low density of people, this hotel is home to 51 overwater and seven island residences surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. This sumptuous resort has several restaurants and bars that serve delicious Mediterranean, Asian, and Maldivian cuisine. From private sunset cruises and diving excursions to sandbank picnics, outdoor movies, and in-villa spa treatments, the resort offers a range of experiences tailored for couples. Furthermore, honeymooners are offered a bottle of complimentary wine, and honeymoon couples staying for at least four nights are eligible for a free 60-minute couples massage.
7. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
This well-appointed hotel in the South Ari Atoll is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane ride. While the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has several villas and suites, the Muraka villa with an underwater bedroom is the most well-known. This villa’s primary bedroom is submerged over 16 feet below sea level. The resort is also home to 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, two spas, and a water sports center. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provides a blend of privacy, luxury, adventure, and personalized service, making it a haven for newlyweds seeking an unforgettable and romantic honeymoon experience.
8. W Maldives
W Maldives is all about stylish indulgence with a dash of whimsy. Providing thoughtful hospitality, a spectacular backdrop, and numerous fun adventure activities, this heart-shaped island hotel is a favorite among honeymooners. Picture overwater villas with glass-bottomed floors, private plunge pools, and infinity baths offering unobstructed views of the ocean. Along with its aesthetically pleasing villas, the resort is well-loved for its bespoke experiences, which include sunrise sailing excursions, secluded sandbank picnics, boxing classes, and snorkeling at their house reef with marine biologists. At W Maldives, couples can dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, snorkel hand-in-hand, or learn to surf together. In addition, the hotel’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service makes sure guests’ every whim is catered to.
9. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Nestled on the quiet Vagaru island in Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a 55-minute seaplane flight away from Malé. Each of its 60 villas comes with a private pool and state-of-the-art amenities. The interiors of the villas are visually arresting and highly functional at the same time. The hotel also houses a library, two pools, a spa, a kids’ club, five restaurants and three bars. Honeymooners can enjoy private chef experiences, romantic candlelit dinners, and themed nights with live music while savoring exquisite international and Maldivian dishes. Additionally, the award-winning Spa by JW is a sanctuary for couples. Honeymooners can spoil themselves with side-by-side couples massages in deluxe treatment rooms with a steam room, ice room, and plunge pool.
10. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a secluded haven nestled within the Raa Atoll. This luxurious resort boasts stunning overwater, lagoon, and beach villas, each with private pools and ocean views. Exhibiting the concept of Musafir, an Arabic word conveying the concept of wanderlust, the resort showcases artworks by several local artists and Maldivian architectural influences. Moreover, as the hotel is located near a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to abundant marine life, including a manta ray sanctuary. For honeymoon couples, the resort’s team offers a bottle of champagne upon arrival, a bath ritual and bed decoration once during the stay, and a complimentary floating breakfast once during a stay for over five nights.
Have you stayed at any of these honeymoon resorts in Maldives? Let us know in the comments.