The divine Maldives is a tropical paradise nation in the Indian Ocean made up of 26 ring-shaped atolls with more than 1,000 stunning coral islands. Known for its powder-fine sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and amazing reefs with warm waters; its resorts offer unrivalled luxury; and Maldives-luxury comes with style and exclusivity. There’s little reason to wonder why it’s one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners, your only problem then is knowing which of the luxury resorts to pick, read on for our 10 Best Luxury Hotels In The Maldives For A Honeymoon…
1. Kanuhura Maldives
The island of Kanuhura is a pristine, untouched paradise in the Maldives (pictured above); its beaches gently slope into the warm lagoon and there are two private deserted islands that lie just 300m away, tempting romantic adventurers to explore. The luxury Maldives resort of Kanuhura resort is a really special place and offers something different from other resorts. The resort is perfect for the free spirited and the wild-at-heart; it offers a “gypset” concept that combines the bohemian unconventionality of the gypsy with the sophistication of the jet set lifestyle; basically, you have all the space to relax and unwind but there’s some wonderful activities to engage you too. The resort is conveniently reached by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from Male airport, the main international airport of the Maldives.
The chic accommodation is discreet and not at all showy; it blends beautifully in total harmony with your tropical surroundings. Despite being one of the largest islands in the Maldives, there are just 80 lavish villas and suites to choose from, they are scattered along the beaches or my favourite – on stilts over the water. The entrancing views of the turquoise lagoon are impossible to escape here; not that you’ll want to of course!
Facilities are really rather fabulous here too: there are eight exquisite gourmet dining restaurants as well as great locations to enjoy a sunset cocktail or two; the awesome Kokaa Spa, voted ‘the World’s Best Spa’ by National Geographic Traveller magazine; a stunning beachfront free-form swimming pool with water jets; an air-conditioned gym; a Beauty Salon; two floodlit outdoor tennis courts and an air-conditioned squash court! As promised, there’s lots to occupy you if you’re feeling active; you can scuba dive across the Lhaviyani Atoll, snorkel, cycle across the island, take a yoga or meditation class, try a huge variety of watersports, fish or catch a speed boat to view the dolphins and mantas. And in perfect honeymoon tradition, romantic excursions are a must; a castaway picnic on one of the deserted islands just the two of you, take a couples massage together or enjoy a full moon dinner on the beach with just the gentle sound of the waves to accompany you.
We adore this resort and think it would be the perfect place to make truly magical memories for newly-weds. It’s not just us that Kanuhura has seduced either; it reopened in December 2016 to worldwide acclaim, is multi-award-winning and has won recognition from Conde Nast Traveller among others.
2. Milaidhoo Island
This resort has been open just a year (it opened in November 2016) and is nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Milaidhoo Island is a resort for marine-lovers; a beautiful, chic boutique resort with just 30 over-water villas and 20 additional villas tucked in the tropical greenery along the beach. Top villa facilities include your own private freshwater swimming pool and your own personal concierge. There are 3 restaurants and 2 bars with a modern take on “island influenced” cuisine served in the signature restaurant. Activities available from Milaidhoo tend to centre from the protected marine area and include diving and snorkelling, fishing trips and cultural excursions. The resort lies a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight Malé International Airport.
3. Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru in the northern Atoll of Noonu, 40-minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. The resort offers barefoot luxury with 4 kilometres of unspoilt beach but with a modern eco-tourism angle; so, for example, the silent cinema allows you listen to the movie on Bluetooth earphones so as not to disturb the local wildlife. There are 24 spacious over-water villas, each with their own private pool; some of the villas even feature a huge water slide into the Indian Ocean! There’s also a private island villa for an extra-exclusive stay, just perfect for honeymooners. The bedrooms have retractable roofs made from sustainable materials, so you can sleep under the stars in perfect comfort.
4. Soneva Fushi Resort
Sister hotel to number 3 in our list, the magic of the Soneva Fushi Resort resort is definitely in the accommodation; its eco-chic villas are hidden within dense tropical foliage, so much so that many look exactly like tree houses; perfect for romantic Robinson Crusoe fantasies! The villas are all open to their own private stretch of sugar white sands, and most include private seawater swimming pools too. The resort is located in the stunning Baa Atoll island archipelago, there’s lots to entertain you here; a beautiful Six Senses spa, a stunning private beach where you can try out a range of watersports, you can borrow bikes and explore the island, visit the open-air cinema, there are tennis courts, badminton courts, a snooker table, group yoga and tai chi classes, a jogging trail and an ice-cream parlour. The resort can also organise scuba diving, motorised watersports, and local boat trips.
5. One&Only Reethi Rah
This achingly chic, ultra-luxurious 6-star resort is favoured by royals and A-list Hollywood celebrities. One&Only Reethi Rah resort is designed in an octopus shape with an extraordinary 6 km of coastline. It’s located on one of the larger islands in North Male Atoll, a 15-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport. The 130 stunning, spacious villas are nestled amongst beautiful landscaping, each has its own secluded area of white sandy beach or a private deck over the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon; the privacy, serenity and exclusivity are incomparable here. The six restaurants offer exquisite culinary adventures with exotic flavours and unique experiences. The impressive facilities include a spa, two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a dive centre, a beach club, floodlit tennis courts and a football field.
6. Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa
Located on a private island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa only opened in November 2016. Wonderful for newly-weds as it’s an adults-only paradise with unique extras such as the professional photo concierge who will capture life-long honeymoon memories. One of the most exciting things about this resort has to be the breath-taking underwater restaurant, ‘5.8’, so named as it’s located 5.8 metres beneath the sea and surrounded by a tranquil lagoon; this is an Aquarium restaurant like no other! Accommodation is a choice of 90 Ocean Villas, Beach Villas and Pool Villas, some are perfectly positioned for the magical sunsets. Activity seekers will love the wide range of water sports, multipurpose athletic courts and the fitness centre, while the overwater Duniye Spa is perfect for a spot of pampering.
7. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
For the ultimate in relaxation and a lovely “no news, no shoes” motto check out Gili Lankanfushi. The resort has a strong eco-tourism angle, personal butlers and all villas are guaranteed spectacular sea views. Accommodation consists of luxurious water villas, spacious residences with their own mini wine cellars or impressive complexes with private gyms that can house the whole family. Villas on jetty 3 are generally considered the most peaceful with impressive sunset views; ideal for a romantic honeymoon. There’s plenty of dining choice, perhaps the most romantic is the option to dine on the beach just the two of you surrounded by lanterns or in the garden where much of the produce is grown. There’s a stunning pool with luxurious loungers which almost melts into the ocean; snorkelling and diving are very popular here and you can also enjoy windsurfing, boat trips, take a yoga class or book a pampering treatment at the Meera Spa.
8. Reethi Beach Resort
In the north east of Baa Atoll lies the island of Fonimagoodhoo, home to Reethi Beach Resort as well as a white sand beach, lagoon and lush vegetation; a perfect paradise in a nutshell! Accommodation is built from natural materials in the traditional Maldivian style with villas on the beach and water villas on stilts out on the lagoon. There are 7 restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisine, despite the excellent food, the dress code is relaxed and informal, this is barefoot luxury at its most genuine. For unforgettable honeymoon memories, arrange to have dinner in private on the beach or even on a nearby uninhabited island! As well as the beautiful swimming pool and magnificent beach, the resort has an excellent spa with a couples’ treatment room, incredible diving, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and you can have a go at sailing a traditional Maldivian Dhoni.
9. Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili
Located on the beautiful Raa Atol, Loama Resort Maldives At Maamigili is easily reached by a 45-minute seaplane journey. There are 105 elegantly appointed Beach Villas and over-water Ocean Villas built on stilts, each one commanding spectacular views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. There are 6 restaurants at the resort which offer a variety of cuisines, from authentic Thai to a delicious and very fun barbecue on the beach. Activities include snorkelling, sunrise and sunset fishing by traditional Dhoni, scuba diving, kayaks, paddle boarding, Jet skiing and private island picnics.
10. Four Seasons Private Island Maldives At Voavah
The exclusive-use paradise hideaway of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives At Voavah in the Maldives is rented out as entirely yours. There are seven bedrooms, a dive school, a Beach House and a private spa. Located in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the fun here revolves around your impressive marine neighbours; dive with whale sharks, snorkel with manta rays, swim with neighbourhood turtles and fish for your dinner. You can also visit local islands and cruise into breath-taking Baa Atoll sunsets on your 62 foot (18.9 metre) private yacht. The island is only listed as number 10 in our list as you can bring 21 of your closest friends and family with you, so not the most traditional honeymoon but could work well if you’re in a sociable mood post-wedding!
You may also be interested in my top 5 best luxury resorts in the Maldives.
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