The Maldives, a picturesque archipelago dotted across the Indian Ocean, has long been known for its impressive coast. It is definitely one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world and for good reason. Other than their pristine waters, the islands have amazing luxurious island resorts and warm temperatures of 25-32 degrees Celsius (around 77-90 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round, perfect for donning that swimsuit and enjoying the cool waters! There are a few airports in the Maldives but the main international one is located in Male (the capital island) where tourists enter the Maldives. Subsequently, they transfer to a domestic flight and/or a speedboat to reach their hotels all the while enjoying the beautiful sights the islands have to offer. Read this article for the ultimate guide to a honeymoon in Maldives.
The best time to go
With its extraordinary panoramic views, the Maldives is a beautiful vacation spot for those who love beaches but the experience (and price) may differ during different parts of the year. And you may want to select the best period to make the most out of your honeymoon in Maldives.
The Maldives’ dry season lasts from December to April. During this period, the rainfall is much lower, and there is much better visibility in the water and on land (think crystal clear waters and unobstructed views of the sunrise and sunset) and a higher chance of being able to just bask in the sun. Unfortunately, this also means that it is the peak tourism period for the Maldives and the prices for resorts and air tickets tend to surge.
The off-peak season is during the rainy season from May to October/November when the average precipitation per month ranges from 5 to 10 inches (12.7 - 25.4 cm). On the bright side, the lower influx of tourists means that the prices for the honeymoon resorts in Maldives are likely to be slightly lower in these months. During this period, the winds are also stronger which means that it would be a better time for surfers to catch those waves!
Another period worthy of note is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which does not consistently coincide with any month in the solar calendar. During the month of fasting, the working hours shorten as government offices open from 9 am to 1.30 pm and the private sector till 3 pm, so it may be harder to get hold of certain services during this period of time. Food choices may also be slightly limited as most restaurants other than those specially catering to tourists and expatriates close during the day in Ramadan. Although this means that there is a strict no-party rule during the day, the Maldives is jammed packed with cultural celebrations at night towards the end of Ramadan to celebrate Eid-ul Fithr.
No matter the time of the year, the Maldives has something to offer and it all depends on what you want to enjoy the most during this adventure with your new life partner.
Maldives honeymoon packages
With so many options today, making the best choice for your honeymoon in Maldives may not seem like an easy feat. A popular getaway destination like the Maldives certainly has many packages, seemingly catered to your every need. But should you really go for these packages? Are they too commercialized for the unique honeymoon experience you crave? Here is a list of the pros and cons of booking honeymoon packages.
Pro: You don’t have to worry about planning your honeymoon
Many of these packages include accommodation, food, drinks (all the cocktails you could want), spa access, and usually a few activities or excursions for the couple. After paying for the package upfront, you can sit back and enjoy what they have in store. Furthermore, many packages also include the pickup from the airport to the resort and back. Everything is well taken care of which is great because, after the stress of planning a wedding, a honeymoon package could be a true opportunity for you to really kick back and relax.
Pro: Getting more out of your money
While this is not guaranteed, packaged deals often come out a lot cheaper than buying all the separate items or services included. Thus, if you feel that you are likely to make use of most of the things in the package, taking it up would save some money and who wouldn’t want that?
Con: It is a lot of money to pay at once
As compared to just paying for the accommodation and the air ticket and choosing what to buy, a packaged honeymoon will most likely involve a daunting amount of money to be paid upfront. And the idea of having to spend so much money at once after probably spending a significant sum on the wedding may be quite scary. That being said, it also depends on what different individuals prefer. If you have your own itinerary planned or do not intend to use most of the facilities provided, a honeymoon package would likely be unnecessary.
Con: Possibility of extra charges
It is important to take note of what is covered in the package and what is not. For example, if you were to constantly choose to go for things that are not covered in the honeymoon package, the additional charge on top of the package cost may really come up to be a hefty sum. Even seemingly all-inclusive honeymoon packages may not contain something that you really want to do and it is important to take that into account and read the details before making a purchase.
Thomas Cook
Website: Thomas Cook Maldives Honeymoon Packages
Unforgettable Honeymoons
Website: Unforgettable Honeymoons
Kuoni
Website: Kuoni Maldives Honeymoon
All-inclusive packages
Compared to public beaches where you may have to compete with other visitors for the perfect spot in the sun, all resorts in the Maldives not only have a private beach exclusive for their customers but many of these resorts are the only ones on the island, which guarantees the desired privacy on a honeymoon. Also, taking the perfect shot without having to crop out people in the background will be so much easier! Many of these resorts also offer all-inclusive packages where food and entertainment are included along with the accommodation. Here are some romantic honeymoon resorts categorized by their price range:
Budget
Dravida Hotel boasts an impressive rating of 9.4 on booking.com. It is much cheaper than other resorts but has access to equally beautiful beaches. The reviews also praised the staff and the food at the Dravida Hotel.
Rated to have the best value in Maamigili, Koimala Hotel is located right at the center of a whale shark point. At the hotel, guests can purchase packages with help from the friendly staff to explore the island and what it has to offer.
Mid-range
Both Palm Beach Resort Island and Spa and Kiha Beach are excellent resorts in the mid-range category. Palm Beach Resort has a jaw-dropping 4 km (2.48 miles) stretch of private beach and Kiha Beach offers many activities such as snorkeling, cycling, and diving.
Luxury
may not be the cheapest option among other hotels but it more than makes up for it with its fantastic sea views from the balcony. It also offers a wide variety of dining options - from local to international, Italian to Japanese cuisine.
One of the best places to stay in
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon also provides breathtaking sights. The bathrooms in this resort are semi-outdoors which means that guests can enjoy the beautiful Maldivian sky even while bathing. Ellaighoo also organizes daily diving trips, especially for its guests, to the reefs at Northern Ari Atoll to enjoy the spectacular sights of nature.Dravida Hotel
Address: Abuharee Magu Shady Corner, 00100 Maamigili, Maldives (see map)
Star Rating: 3 Star
Travelers Review: Superb 9.4 (from 8 reviews)
Koimala Hotel
Address: Bodu Magu, 00100 Maamigili, Maldives (see map)
Star Rating: 3 Star
Travelers Review: Superb 9.0 (from 173 reviews)
Palm Beach Resort Island
Address: Madhiriguraidhoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, 20700 Naifaru, Maldives (see map)
Star Rating: 4 Star
Travelers Review: Very Good 8.2 (from 90 reviews)
Kita Beach
Address: Dharavandhoo, 06060 Dharavandhoo, Maldives (see map)
Star Rating: 4 Star
Travelers Review: Superb 9.0 (from 176 reviews)
Places (things to do)
As comfortable as the best hotels in Maldives for honeymoon may be, most of us probably do not go all the way to the island just to enjoy the wonderful accommodation. Enjoying what else the islands have to offer is also a great way to spend your honeymoon in Maldives. With so many choices to make, sometimes a small guide is needed to find out what are the best things to do in the Maldives. Some of the more obvious activities to do in the tropical paradise include booking a spa session, indulging in street food, or just walking along the beach. However, there also many more interesting things to do in the Maldives such as diving to explore underwater wrecks and riding in a submarine!
Honeymoon Cost in Maldives
The Maldives has never been known for being a cheap vacation place and as much as you may want to pamper yourself in a luxurious setting during your special honeymoon, it may be wise to come up with a budgeting plan to prevent getting an unpleasant shock when the bill arrives. Fortunately, there are many resources that can be used to help in the process of budgeting. Budget Your Trip is a useful platform that lets you calculate the expected cost of your honeymoon destination in Maldives based on data from past travelers. The site provides details like average accommodation expense, travel price, and the cost of staying for a number of days.
More budget-conscious travelers could get by spending around 45 USD a day including food (if you choose not to go for any package deals). One is expected to spend around 13 USD a day on food.
Other things to note
As always, when going to an unfamiliar location, it is important to learn a little about their customs and try to respect them. It is also essential to take note of the different way things may be done there. The Maldives is a Muslim country and has a strict law against alcohol. Although it is freely consumed in most tourist areas and resorts, where rooms are often stocked with its own mini bar, bringing any liquor in and out of the Maldives is strictly prohibited. Also, at the local islands like Male (where the international airport is located), it is vital to respect local customs and dress more conservatively. For instance, females have to cover their arms down to their elbows.
As compared to many parts of the world where Sunday is a rest day, as a Muslim country, the Maldives has its weekends from Friday to Saturday, during which many offices may not be open.
Enjoying the tropical paradise
Regardless of when or where in the Maldives you are going, it is sure to be a wonderful experience spending time with that special someone. It is a beautiful place to be and no matter which resort you choose, once there, you’ll have access to turquoise waters, white sands and a rich culture that is the Maldives.
On the other hand, it goes without saying that you don’t have to be on a honeymoon to go to the Maldives. If you’re craving a seaside vacation and the indulgent pampering synonymous with luxury resorts, go ahead and book your next vacation to this amazing tropical paradise.
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