With over 1000 individual islands and coral reefs, a Maldives honeymoon destination is perfect for white sands, clean air, crystal blue water and an abundance of unique and amazing tropical wildlife. Considered by many to be the best island honeymoon destination in the world, it is frequented by celebrities which is not surprising with what this tropical paradise has to offer. Its honeymooners can be treated with access to private islands, world renown diving locations, diverse marine life, quality restaurants, resorts and water sports to cater for all offering a unique opportunity to relax or explore this perfect island honeymoon location.
WHY HONEYMOON TO MALDIVES?
A top place to honeymoon, the Maldives offers couples an opportunity to engage in private activities with a choice of over 100 resorts – most resorts having their own private islands. For those that enjoy the water, it has excellent diving and snorkelling locations, marine life, postcard beaches, warm weather and water and a selection of cultural activities for all. A honeymoon to Maldives is sure not to disappoint.
WHERE IS MALDIVES ISLAND
The Maldives is approximately 600 NM to the south west of southern India and is made up of 26 atolls and approximately 1000 islands. The main way of getting to the Maldives is Velana international airport (also known as Mali international airport) which is in the north Male Atoll near the capital island Male. Once you are there, transfer to one of the individual islands will be by internal flights, Ferries, speed boats or sea planes depending on where you are planning to honeymoon.
Flight times from:
| New York: 14 hours | New Delhi: 6 hours |
| L.A.: 24 hours | Beijing: 9 hours |
| London: 13 hours | Dubai: 4 hours |
| Sydney: 14 hours |
THINGS TO DO IN MALDIVES ON HONEYMOON
Follow the link above for the full list of relaxing, cultural and adventurous activities in the Maldives. Also listings of which islands are best to stay at to dive or snorkel with the marine life of your choice as some are better than others for rays, turtles and sharks.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT
Why not dine underwater – 2 restaurants in the Maldives off the unique opportunity to have a meal whilst being surrounded by a selection of tropical marine life. Truly a not to be missed experience if you after something special for your first honeymoon night. (ITHAA Undersea Restaurant Alif Dhaal Atoll, or 5.8 Undersea Restaurant Lhaviyani Atoll)
FESTIVALS IN THE MALDIVES
Ramadan – Celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the Muslim nation fasts during sunrise to sunset for the duration of the month. It will not generally effect the resorts however some local restaurants will be closed during the day time. Opportunity to see celebration with dancing / bands.
Independence day – Celebrated on the 26th of July each year, the Maldives celebrate the independence of the Maldives from the British by parading and performing in the streets.
Republic day – Following the independence from the British in 1965, 11 November each year marks the celebration of establishment of the republic. Marching bands and parading can be seen throughout the streets.
National day (Quamee Dhuvas) – Celebrated on the first day of the third month of the Islamic calendar, National day celebrates the sessation of 15 years of portugese rule in 1973. It is celebrated by marching and parading throughout the streets.
Eid festivals – Celebrating 2 Eid festivals throughout the year – One at the end of Ramadan and the other after the Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca, locals will meet in the mosque for morning prayer followed by a series of parades and feasts and dancing with friends.
AROUND MALDIVES TRAVEL
The majority of islands in the Maldives are only small ranging from 200m to 3km in length so you can generally get around on foot once you are established at your location.
Getting from island to island can be either Ferry, speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane depending on how far you are looking to travel.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE MALDIVES
Budget: Around $50 + pn
Mid: $150-$500pn
Luxury: $500+pn
The Maldives offer an opportunity for pure luxury accommodation if you are looking to splurge a little for your honeymoon. Having an abundance of resorts on private islands, there is plenty of opportunity to stay in overwater bungalows with private plunge pools and Jaccuzzi’s. The cheapest you can expect to pay for an all-inclusive overwater bungalow will be upwards from $500 per night.
If you can’t afford to spend your entire honeymoon in an overwater bungalow, consider a night or 2 in the luxury accommodation at your resort for a truly memorable experience.
MALDIVES ALL INCLUSIVE HONEYMOON PACKAGES
Many resorts in the Maldives offer all inclusive honeymoon packages. Be aware of the following if you are looking for an all inclusive package to satisfy your desires.
- Full Board – No alcohol, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- Half Board – No alcohol, Breakfast and dinner included
- All inclusive – Alcohol, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (be sure to check the type of alcohol included as some will only include basic alcohol packages and may not include the cocktails you are planning to sip on all day)
ADULT ONLY RESORTS MALDIVES
Looking to celebrate your new marriage without the kids running around, below a list of resorts with adult only opportunities:
- Centara Ras Fushi Resort and Spa – North Male atoll
- Komandoo Maldive island resort – Lhaviyani atoll, Maldives
- Como cocoa island resort – makunufushi – south male atoll
- Veligandu Island resort – veligandu island
- Conrad Maldives rangali island – rangali island
- Kuredu Island Resort and spa – Lhaviayani atoll
- Meeru Island resort and spa – North Male atoll
LOCAL CUISINE IN THE MALDIVES
The majority of local maldive local cuising consists of fish, rice and coconut. Fish is the staple food for the Maldives with Skipjack Tuna being one of the most prevalent. Below a list of the most common local foods:
-
- Mas Huni – One of the most popular local foods consisting of smoked fish with onio
ns and coconut - Mas Riha – Chicken Curry
- Keemia – Deep fried fish rolls
- Bajiya – fish pastry with coconut and onion
- Garudhiya – Fish broth with onions, chilli, lime and rice
- Gulha – Pastry balls stuffed with smoked fish
- Thelui mas – Chilli and Garlic Fried Fish
- Fihunu Mas – Chilli Barbecued Fish
- Kulhi Boakiba – Chilli fish cake
- Mas Huni – One of the most popular local foods consisting of smoked fish with onio
LANGUAGE IN THE MALDIVES
The most widely spoken and official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi – a mix of various languages. The second most used language in the Maldives is English and is widely spoken by many of the Maldivian locals.
Useful Dhivehi phrases
- Hello = Kihineh
- Good morning = Ba’ajjeveri hendhuneh
Good afternoon = Ba’ajjeveri mendhureh- Good night = Ba’ajjeveri reygade
- Goodbye = Dhanee
- How are you? = Hihineh
- Good Thanks = Ran’galhu, shukuriyaa
- Not good = Ran’galhu noon
- How much is this? = Meethi kihaavarakah?
- Please = Adhes kohfa
- Thank you = Shukuriyyaa
- You’re Welcome = Maruhabaa
- Sorry = Ma’aaf kurey
- Yes = Aan
- No = Noon
- Where is the toilet = Koba faahana?
WEATHER IN THE MALDIVES
The temperature in the Maldives is fairly consistent all year round with high humidity however there is a prominent wet and dry season. Regardless, the wet season can still be a good time to visit as all day rainy days are uncommon, the prices are cheaper and weather is still warm.
High season: December to April
Dry Season: December to April
Rainy Season: May to November
| Months | min. Temp. | max. Temp. | Average Sea temp. | Rain days | Rainfall | Season | |||
| January | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 28°C | 82°F | 7 | 75 mm | Dry |
| February | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 28°C | 82°F | 3 | 50 mm | Dry |
| March | 27°C | 81°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 5 | 75 mm | Dry |
| April | 27°C | 81°F | 32°C | 90°F | 30°C | 86°F | 9 | 130 mm | Changing |
| May | 27°C | 81°F | 32°C | 90°F | 30°C | 86°F | 15 | 230 mm | Wet |
| June | 27°C | 81°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 14 | 170 mm | Wet |
| July | 27°C | 81°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 13 | 150 mm | Wet |
| August | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 14 | 190 mm | Wet |
| September | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 15 | 250 mm | Wet |
| October | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 15 | 220 mm | Wet |
| November | 26°C | 79°F | 31°C | 88°F | 29°C | 84°F | 13 | 200 mm | Wet |
| December | 26°C | 79°F | 30°C | 86°F | 28°C | 82°F | 12 | 230 mm | Changing |
COST OF THINGS IN THE MALDIVES
| McDonalds Combo Meal | $11.33 USD |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | $2.75 USD |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | $5.34 USD |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $2.47 USD |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | $0.75 USD |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | $0.26 USD |
MALDIVES TIPS AND TRICKS
Muslim state – The Maldives is a muslim state operating under Sharia law so ensure you are respectful of the cultural differences. Note that alcohol will not be available outside of the resorts. You will also be required to sign a document on arrival confirming you are not bringing alcohol, pork products or any other items contrary to Islamic beliefs into the country.
Tipping – The is a 10% service tax added to most things to tipping is not compulsory, however if the service is good, it is a good gesture.
ATM – Access to ATM’s can be difficult so make sure you take lots of USD and MVR with you if you are travelling for extended periods to the more remote island destinations – particularly if you aren’t staying in one of the resorts.
IS THE MALDIVES SAFE?
The Maldives is generally considered 
a safe honeymoon destination, particularly if spending the majority of time in the resorts. However consider sticking to the main streets in Male if you are walking around after dark. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the Maldives page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for the Maldives.
I hope you enjoyed the review of the Maldives honeymoon destination – Safe Travels!!