By Expedia Team, on May 23, 2022

How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in the Maldives

An oasis of chic bungalows hovering over sparkling turquoise water, the Maldives beckons romance-goers seeking the ultimate honeymoon dream destination. This idyllic island nation lies far out in the translucent waters of the Indian Ocean, where coral reefs are alive with sensational sea creatures and the sand is so soft and white it’s almost blinding.

When Expedia polled 1,500 people in relationships about their ideal honeymoon destination, the beach was the number one place folks most wanted to be, and an impressive 45% of our participants said they were seeking all-inclusive accommodations. On both accounts, the Maldives really delivers! If planning a honeymoon is in your future, consider all these reasons to choose the Maldives.

About the Maldives

Getting to the Maldives can be a bit of trek, but the destination is well worth the jetlag. From the US, fly into Valena International Airport, in the capital of Malé, then take a small plane or speedboat over to your private island resort. Most long-haul flights stopover in fascinating cities like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul, so why not make those cool layover spots part of your trip, as well! In terms of lodging, Maldives boasts over 1,200 postcard-perfect islands, and most of the resorts are on their own private islands. You’ll find a plethora of luxurious all-inclusive properties to choose from, where you don’t have to fiddle with a single bill until the end of your stay.

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What to see and do

Centera Grand Island Resort is a fantastic stay for snorkeling

Enjoy the Maldives for its pure and blissful pampering. The resort spas usually steal the show in this honeymoon haven. You’ll find everything from over-the-water treatment rooms with glass-bottom floors to private couple’s pavilions and romantic rose-petal filled soaking tubs. If you want to turn the adventure up a notch, dive into the vibrant reef-filled waters of the Indian Ocean. All the resorts offer aquatic experiences ranging from beginner snorkeling or sea turtle searching to world-class diving with hammerhead sharks.

Where to eat

Incredible seafood, fine wine and spectacular views: Azure restaurant at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Most dining in the Maldives happens at your private island resort. Each resort typically has 4-6 restaurants, so there’s plenty of variety. Maldivian food revolves around fresh seafood and incorporates lots of tasty, flavorful influences from Arabic, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Each property offers a variety of dining styles, so take advantage! Enjoy fine-dining restaurants, casual poolside cafés, bountiful breakfast buffets, and don’t forget to book a private couple’s dinner on the beach for an extra special dinner experience.

Where to stay

Known as one of the best 5-star, all-inclusive resorts in Asia, Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers both beachfront villas and idyllic over-the-water bungalows on a private island. Boasting the full-service Tamara Spa, and proximity to a vibrant coral reef, honeymooners can choose to relax or explore as much as they like. Divers from around the world flock to this area’s South Ari Atoll for some of the best scuba diving in the world. 

All-inclusive luxury at Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Also in the famous South Ari Atoll region, Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa is a heavenly hideaway for honeymooners. Couples can nap the day away above shimmering lagoon waters in their private villa’s deck hammock or enjoy sunset cocktails at the over-the-water Aqua Bar—all while keeping an eye out for reef sharks and stingrays below!

At Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, each of the 48 villas include a private plunge pool. Spend your days lazing beneath the swaying palm trees or try a Maldivian cooking class. Come evening though, you won’t want to miss the Banyan Tree’s beloved Sunset Dolphin Cruise.

The Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is another dreamy Maldives property with splurge-worthy overwater bungalows. You won’t be hanging out in the villa too long though, once you see the resort’s sleek beach set up. Hammocks and loungers dot the white sands and a long, deep blue pool with palm trees extends dramatically out over the beach offering a very Instagrammable moment!

And with these hotels, you can count on your honeymoon being an unforgettable experience. Each property is part of Expedia’s VIP Access program, meaning they consistently meet tough standards for quality and service—plus Expedia Rewards members can take advantage of free added perks.