Travel tips
Maldives honeymoon: 6 resorts for newlyweds
An overwater villa, dinner on the sand and a sky full of stars. These are the six resorts we would choose for a Maldives honeymoon, and how to pick between them.
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In short
Six Senses Laamu is our first choice for a Maldives honeymoon, with villas over the lagoon far in the south of the country. The best time to go is December to April, in the dry season. If you want everything included, Constance Moofushi and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi are the two we would choose.
Our first choice: See rooms at Six Senses Laamu
The seaplane flies low over the atolls, and the water turns from deep blue to almost white where the reef sits just below the surface. Then you land at a jetty and someone hands you a cold towel. In the Maldives every resort has its own island, which is why choosing the hotel matters more here than almost anywhere else.
How to choose a resort in the Maldives
Boat or seaplane: Resorts near Malé are reached by speedboat on the day you land. Further out you take a seaplane or a domestic flight, and seaplanes only fly in daylight.
Overwater or beach villa: An overwater villa gives you steps straight into the lagoon. A beach villa gives you more shade and often a bigger terrace.
All inclusive or half board: Everything you eat and drink is bought at the resort. All inclusive makes it easier to relax when the bill does not grow with every drink.
Six resorts for your honeymoon
Laamu Atoll
The reef at Laamu starts right outside the villas.
Six Senses Laamu: far south and far away
Six Senses Laamu is on Laamu Atoll, a domestic flight and a short boat ride south of Malé. The villas stand on the beach or out over the lagoon, with steps down into the water. Little happens after dinner, and that is the whole point.
Best for: couples who want peace and good snorkelling, and do not miss nightlife.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Six Senses Laamu
Baros
From the airport to the beach at Baros is a short boat ride.
Baros Maldives: the classic close to Malé
Baros is in North Malé Atoll, around half an hour by speedboat from the airport. You skip the seaplane and can be on the beach the same afternoon you land. The dive centre is right by the sand, and The Lighthouse, one of three restaurants, is the place for the evening you want to dress up.
Best for: couples who want to arrive quickly and spend their days on the reef.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Baros Maldives
Baa Atoll
Milaidhoo is a small island in Baa Atoll, north of Malé.
Milaidhoo Maldives: manta rays next door
Milaidhoo is in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Hanifaru Bay in the same atoll is known for the manta rays that gather there in the wet season, from summer into autumn. The resort has three restaurants and a spa, and the villas stand in a curve out over the lagoon.
Best for: couples who want to snorkel with mantas and stay on a smaller island.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Milaidhoo Maldives
North Ari
The jetty at Constance Halaveli runs a long way out to the overwater villas.
Constance Halaveli: a long jetty and good service
Constance Halaveli is in North Ari Atoll, with a long jetty out to the overwater villas. Jahaz, one of three restaurants, serves every meal, and the spa offers Ayurvedic treatments. Guests on Hotels.com single out the friendly staff.
Best for: couples who want the classic overwater villa and service that gets it right.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Constance Halaveli
South Ari
In South Ari a whale shark can turn up on your snorkelling trip.
Constance Moofushi: all inclusive in South Ari
Constance Moofushi is surrounded by South Ari Atoll, an area known for whale sharks all year round. Everything is included, and Manta, one of two restaurants, looks straight out over the beach. The days go on snorkelling and diving, and the evenings on a drink you do not have to count.
Best for: couples who want to spend as much time in the water and as little on the bill as possible.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Constance Moofushi
South Malé
You reach Bolifushi by speedboat, not seaplane.
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi: five restaurants, all included
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi is in South Malé Atoll, so the transfer from the airport is by speedboat. With five restaurants you can eat somewhere new almost every night without leaving the island. Mornings start with yoga on the beach, and the spa offers Ayurvedic treatments.
Best for: couples who want all inclusive with plenty of variety at the table.
Book your honeymoon: See rooms at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
When should you go to the Maldives?
The dry season from December to April brings the most sunshine and the calmest sea. From May to November it is the wet season, with showers and more wind, but also fewer guests and better chances of seeing mantas in the north. Book early if you are travelling around Christmas or Easter.
Frequently asked questions about a Maldives honeymoon
When is the best time for a honeymoon in the Maldives?
The best time is December to April, in the dry season, with the most sunshine and the calmest sea. May to November is the wet season, with showers and more wind. In return there are fewer guests, and the mantas gather in Hanifaru Bay.
How long should a Maldives honeymoon be?
Plan for at least seven nights. From the UK there are direct flights to Malé as well as routes via the Middle East, and many resorts need a boat, seaplane or domestic flight on top. With less than a week, too much of the trip goes on transfers.
Is all inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
Often, yes. All food and drink is bought at the resort, and there are no restaurants to walk to off the island. All inclusive makes the budget predictable, but check what is covered, especially excursions, diving and spa.
Which Maldives resort is best for a honeymoon?
Our first choice is Six Senses Laamu for peace and snorkelling in the far south. Baros suits couples who want a quick transfer from the airport, and Constance Moofushi or Ozen Reserve Bolifushi suit couples who want everything included.