The Maldives is a natural choice for those looking for a relaxing honeymoon with clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and stunning sun sets.
However choosing you place in paradise isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are over 132 island-resorts to choose from, located on various different atolls, with prices varying from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds a night.
When we were asked by a client to plan her honeymoon in the Maldives, we started to research the options.
What is your style?
Properties in the Maldives vary dramatically but I think they can be grouped into 3 different styles:
- Modern Luxe: some resorts break with the traditional image of the Maldives and its thatched roofs. These resorts are modern, with clean lines, trendy eateries and youthful vibe.
An example of this would be LUX* North Male Atoll.
- Paired back elegance: these resorts offer a contemporary slant on conventional Maldivian design, with lots of natural wood and elegant furnishings.
Hurawalhi is an example of this style.
- Rustic chic: Very traditional Maldivian style, with thatched roofs, these Robinson Crusoe style resorts are what many dream of when they think of the Maldives.
An example of this would be Soneva Fushi.
Kids or no kids
It came as surprise to me that people even take kids to the Maldives (lucky things!), but it is something to take into consideration. For my honeymoon client, I recommended adult only as the way forward!
If you do want to take the kids, the Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is a great option and offers quick access by speedboat from Male airport, avoiding the need for a seaplane transfer or a scheduled flight.
Exploring the ocean
Diving and snorkelling are big in the Maldives. Whilst 99% of its territory is water, the different Atolls have their own personalities and chances of seeing different types of sealife. It should also be noted that some resorts have seriously damaged coral reefs. Our honeymoon client was keen to do lots of diving so we needed to find somewhere that could keep them interested.
Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll may be the place with the greatest reliability for seeing passing big fish such as whale sharks, mantas, hammerheads and eagle rays.
Vaavu Atoll
This area boasts Fotteyo Kandu - considered by many to be the best dive site in the Maldives with its swim-throughs, caves and overhangs.
North Male Atoll
One of the most popular sites in the Maldive Islands, it includes Gaathugiri, also known as Banana Reef. You can expect breathtaking topography with magnificent rock faces, numerous caves, steep drop offs and precipitous overhangs.
Size of resort
Resorts sizes vary hugely in the Maldives. At one end you have boutique style resorts, on small islands offering peace, tranquillity and an ‘away from it all’ experience. The Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a good example.
Larger resorts, offer more by way of facilities and restaurants, and are a better option for those that need entertaining. Dhigali is a good example.
All things considered, we suggest Hurawalhi for our honeymoon clients. It is an adult only resort, with truly remarkable sea life and the world’s largest underwater restaurant.
British Airways flies direct to Malé, and seaplane transfer are booked directly with the hotel.
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