A guestroom at Taj Exotica Resort. Photo by Taj Exotica Resort
A guestroom at Taj Exotica Resort. Photo by Taj Exotica Resort

For a honeymoon bursting with romance, picturesque scenery, crystal clear waters, and golden sands, the Maldives is a perfect destination. As newly weds heading to these islands, we all want to know how to make the most of a honeymoon in Maldives.

Maldives, officially the Republic of the Maldives, and referred to as the Maldive Islands, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean-Arabian Sea area, consisting of a double chain of twenty-six atolls that lie between Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago.

How to make the most of a honeymoon in Maldives

Kayaks in Maldives. Photo by Jonathan Garcia, flickr
Kayaks in Maldives. Photo by Jonathan Garcia, flickr

The chains stand in the Laccadive Sea, about 700km south-west of Sri Lanka, and 400km south-west of India.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both population and land area. With an average ground level elevation of 1.5m above sea level it is the planet’s lowest country.

With a tropical-monsoon climate, two seasons dominate Maldives’ weather. The dry season, associated with the winter north-eastern monsoon, and the rainy season which brings strong winds and storms.

The dry northeast monsoon occurs during April and May. During this period, the northeast monsoon forms which reaches Maldives in the beginning of June and lasts until the end of August.

MORE: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HONEYMOON IN THE WHITSUNDAYS

What to do in the Maldives

Wake-boarding at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort. Photo by Ibrahim Muneez, flickr
Wake-boarding at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort. Photo by Ibrahim Muneez, flickr

While the Maldives is a great place to relax on the beach and enjoy the pristine waters and beautiful scenery, honeymooners keen for an adventure have plenty to do.

Water sports are a great attraction, with an abundance of options available. Parasailing, surfing, jet skiing and power boat rides are among some of the options available for vacationers.

SCUBA diving or snorkelling is a must-do in the Maldives. The reefs, where little diving activity has occurred  promise an unforgettable experience.

The best places to wine and dine

Banquet setting at Cocoa Island by COMO. Photo by comohotels.com
Banquet setting at Cocoa Island by COMO. Photo by comohotels.com

Dine under the sea at Ithaa, the very first undersea restaurant in the world. Located five metres below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, this restaurant is a must-see in the Maldives.

Marvel at 360° views of reef and marine life, sip champagne cocktails, and dine in style at this spectacular Maldives restaurant.

The dinner menu is equally special with luxurious ingredients such as caviar, lobster, or foie gras making star appearances. Food served in the restaurant is best described as contemporary European with Asian influences.

The small restaurant has a capacity of 14 people. It was designed and constructed by M.J. Murphy Ltd, a design consultancy based in New Zealand, and was opened on April 15, 2005.

Spa treatments and being pampered

Dinner for two, Maldives. Photo by Jamie Frith, flickr
Dinner for two, Maldives. Photo by Jamie Frith, flickr

Fine food, wine, and cocktails are an important indulgence in the Maldives, but honeymooners shouldn’t forget to pamper themselves with multiple lavish spa treatments and massages available at the different resorts.

The Maldives has long been famous for its overwater pavilions with glass floors through which travelers can watch fish swim while technicians pamper them with a wide assortment of beauty treatments.

The Lime Spa at the Huvafen Fushi five starresort takes this concept one step further with two underwater treatment rooms.

Watch fish swim by while enjoying any one of the exotically named signature treatments, such as the aromatic scalp and body massage called the Marine Wave, or a full body exfoliation with sea salts and botanical oils called Pulp Friction.

Treatments are pricey, and it is recommended to book at the spa before arriving at the resort to ensure a spot.

3 Places we recommend to stay

Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives

Cocoa Island by COMO. Photo by Yassin Hameed-f8
Cocoa Island by COMO. Photo by Yassin Hameed-f8

Cocoa Island Maldives offers luxurious accommodation on the private shores of Kaafu Island in South Male Atoll. It provides indulgent spa treatments, two private diving reefs, and an infinity pool.

Honeymooners can stay in one of the elegant air-conditioned suites with beautiful views of the crystal ocean from $715USD a night.

Cocoa Island is about 31km, or a 40-minute speedboat ride, from Malé International Airport.

For more info, check out Como Hotels

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Taj Exotica Resort. Photo by Ashley Monteriro, flickr
Taj Exotica Resort. Photo by Ashley Monteriro, flickr

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, is a private and romantic island resort lush with tropical plants and encircled by clear blue waters of one of the largest lagoons of the Maldives. The resort is a Member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World.

From $720USD a night, honeymooners can enjoy their stay at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa which spreads along a pristine beach and serene lagoon.

Jiva Grande Spa, an authentic Indian spa, offers a range of signature wellness experiences. The resort offers choices of gourmet cuisine, water sports, and recreation.

The resort is located 15 minutes by a private luxury speedboat, available 24 hours, from Malé International Airport.

For more info, check out Taj Resort

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Photo by Hotels.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Photo by Hotels.com

This is where barefoot luxury meets unpretentious style. Conrad Maldives is set on two islands and accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight. The luxury resort is home to whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles.

Select from 11 restaurants and bars including Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, as well as 101 of the world’s best cheeses at the Cheese Bar, an underground Wine Cellar with 20,000 bottles of fine wines.

Relax at one of two spas or on the beautiful white sand beaches. The South Ari Atoll is a fabulous spot for diving or watercraft play. Honeymooners can choose from the many excursions available, including a mini-submarine ride to enjoy the vibrant coral reef.

Conrad Maldives was included in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2013 Gold List of the best 100 hotels in the world. Stay from $586USD a night.

For more info, check out Hilton Hotels