For couples · Maldives
Romantic things to do in Maldives
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
The Maldives is one of the world's best-known honeymoon destinations: overwater villas, private sandbanks, candlelit beach dinners and sunsets over the lagoon. Couples on a budget can find the same sea and sand on local islands, minus the alcohol. Couples tend to stay in North Malé Atoll.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 5
- Couple-friendly sights
- 3
- Area for couples
- North Malé Atoll
- Best months
- December–April
Romantic ideas
1.Overwater villa sunset
Watch the sun go down from a deck above the lagoon, with reef fish and sometimes baby sharks swimming beneath.
2.Private sandbank dinner
Resorts set up tables on an empty sandbank with a private chef and a boat to bring you back under the stars.
3.Ithaa undersea lunch
Eat five metres below the surface surrounded by reef fish at the Conrad Rangali Island.
4.Seaplane arrival
Arrive by seaplane over turquoise atolls, a memorable start to a honeymoon.
5.Night snorkel or stargazing
With little light pollution, the night sky over a remote atoll is spectacular, and some resorts run guided night snorkels.
Sights couples love
Experience · All atolls
Sunset dolphin cruise
Sit near the bow for the best views as dolphins ride the boat's bow wave.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Couples
- Nature
Beach · All atolls
Sandbank picnic and snorkel
Take shade, reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water; there is no shelter on a sandbank.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Experience · Ari Atoll
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Lunch is usually less expensive than dinner and has better natural light for seeing the reef.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Food
Where couples should stay
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, couples and luxury
North Malé Atoll
North Malé Atoll holds many of the oldest and newest resorts, most reached by speedboat in 15–60 minutes, which saves the cost and timing limits of seaplanes. Dive sites such as Banana Reef and Lankan Manta Point are close by, and the local island of Thulusdhoo is a surf base with famous breaks.
- Good
- Short, cheaper speedboat transfers; Arrive at any hour; Wide choice of resorts
- Watch out
- Some resorts have views of Malé or the airport; Busier waters than remote atolls
- Nearby
- Banana Reef, Lankan Manta Point, Thulusdhoo
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Garudhiya, Mas riha and Fihunu mas. Maldivian food is fish-based and can be spicy; ask for chilli on the side.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Maldives romantic?
The Maldives is one of the world's best-known honeymoon destinations: overwater villas, private sandbanks, candlelit beach dinners and sunsets over the lagoon. Couples on a budget can find the same sea and sand on local islands, minus the alcohol.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Maldives?
Overwater villa sunset: Watch the sun go down from a deck above the lagoon, with reef fish and sometimes baby sharks swimming beneath.
+Where should couples stay in Maldives?
North Malé Atoll: Resorts within a short speedboat ride of the airport, plus the surf island of Thulusdhoo.