TOP 10 ROMANTIC RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES

Imagine a beautiful tropical getaway where lovers lock eyes captivated by each other and the beauty surrounding them. Stunning white-sand beaches, palm fronds dancing in the breeze and turquoise lagoons with rainbow-coloured fish, dolphins and mantas. The extraordinary geography of the Maldives was designed for couples. The sky above spells romance with serene sunsets and night skies so clear you can trace the Milky Way. Draw inspiration from heavenly overwater villas with private plunge pools,

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

Celebrate cherished memories at Amilla, in the UNESCO World Biosphere of the Baa Atoll. Couples can gaze out across the lagoon from their bed and dangle their feet from the balcony into the lagoon in a passionate embrace, pausing to watch fish dart through their toes. A stay in the reef water pool villa is a magical experience and there is plenty of space as they span 220 square metres. Alternatively, the sunset water pool villas are perfect to admire the fiery evening sky. Amilla has a range of honeymoon packages that include Champagne, turndown, a love letter paper making class, private yoga, the chance to plant a coconut tree as a declaration of their affections, candlelit dinners on the beach, and painting classes. Glamp on the beach with your special one in a bubble adjacent to Javvu spa with sauna and a plunge pool. For lovers staying in overwater villas, start the day with a floating breakfast that includes poached egg on sourdough toast, avocado, pork sausage, sautéed mushroom, bacon and rocket, homemade granola, honey, fruit and nuts and porridge infused with cinnamon. Explore your water paradise be seduced by the secluded sandbanks and endless blue sea, spas for two, rose petals on the beds and candlelit dinners. Not only is this the perfect honeymoon destination, but a place to make a commitment. And while it is not possible for westerners to get ‘married’ here, many resorts have symbolic blessing ceremonies for couples to declare their devotion, while those already married can renew their vows. Love is in the air as Hotelier Maldives showcases the archipelago’s finest romantic resorts. with your own dedicated dive butler and swim among coral reefs and discover the wonders of the Blue Hole. Back on the island, there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy dinner for two be it Japanese, Italian or South Indian. Alternatively, stay in an incredible tree top pool villa among the tropical canopy, 12 metres above the island. Couples can unwind at the spa and indulge in massages and ‘sensora’ treatments that use light as a therapy to melt away stress.

Baros Maldives

Baros Maldives has been an unceasing favourite of honeymooners since opening in 1973. Named the ‘Most Romantic Hotel in the World’ eight times in a row by the Travel Awards, it’s even official. The Baros Private Residence is a spacious 270 square metres carrying all the amenities needed by newlywedsto start their married life. There’s an expansive timber deck with a private pool and your own stretch of beach out front.. The bedroom and living area give you all the space you need to feel at home, while an expansive bathroom pampers you with luxurious amenities. Arrive to a welcome champagne bottle and breakfast in bed paired with a tropical fruit platter; and daily sunset canapés are delivered to your deck by a bespoke butler.

When you do want to step out and experience Maldives at its finest, a series of enchanting experiences await you. Embark on a sunset cruise on Nooma, Baros’ traditional dhoni, or escape to the sandbank for a castaway experience as your private Chef prepares a gourmet dinner for you. Baros also is home to a remote wooden deck set up above the lagoon, shaped like a grand piano, where the waves ripple around you, setting the perfect ambience for a truly romantic dinner under the stars.For those who are seeking adventure, Baros has a world class house reef and top diving sites close-by. If you would rather master the art of doing nothing, Baros’ Palm Garden is the spot for you to enjoy the shaded beach, the sparkling lagoon and beyond. While the Serenity Spa is the perfect spot to laze your day away as the expert therapists perform signature massage rituals, The Lighthouse - one of the most iconic fine dining restaurants in Maldives - invites you to a classic dinner with the ocean views on the horizon.

Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi

In Shaviyani atoll, a blue lagoon encircled by the Indian Ocean’s turquoise tones, the mood is set for tenderness. The Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi has sunrise villas set within tropical foliage with a private pool right on the beach, so you can start the day exploring the 9km-long house reef. Each villa features a 14 square metre plunge pool, a private tropical garden, a relaxation sala, generous indoor and outdoor bathrooms with separate shower and twin vanities, a Bose sound system, and a California king-size bed. A villa host is available day and night. Its water-based equivalent rests above the gentle waves of the ocean. Key features that will appeal to those in love are the oversize copper bathtubs perfect for spending evenings intertwined in each other’s arms, en-suite indoor bathrooms, private relaxation decks for sunbathing and a plunge pool. Set sail on a luxury yacht for a private sunset dolphin cruise, with canapes and a selection of fine wines, before stopping off on a private island at Madi Point for a candlelit dinner for two under a starry Maldivian sky. Guests are greeted with a traditional bodu beru and bouquet of roses and the beach is draped in fairy lights to set the mood for romance. Deep in the heart of the island’s interior jungle, experience a date night to remember with dinner followed by a movie under the stars in a private tented jungle villa. Surrounded by fragrant flora and dressed in safari-inspired interiors, dine on a lavish five-course tasting menu, with a selection of Champagne, fine wines, and spirits. Retreat to your luxury villa and conclude the night with a romantic in-villa set-up, with a pool dressed in rose petals. Couples can spoil themselves with a treatment for two in Willow Stream Spa.

Gili Lankanfushi

Experience romantic castaway moments at Giil Lankanfushi. Find 45 villas crafted in a traditional style, from natural materials with rooftop and over-water sundeck, open-air bathrooms, sumptuous daybeds, personal entertainment centre and spectacular ocean views. Guest hosts, known as ‘Mr Fridays’ take care of everything so guests can relax in true comfort. The Gili Lankanfushi Villa Suite sleeps two and has a king-size plus sofa bed, satellite television, minibar, refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioning, separate bath and shower and balcony. Honeymooners will be able to enjoy a dining experience under a canopy of with dishes crafted by executive chef Hari Govindaraj accompanied by live music and beautiful decorations. Take the affair further with a gourmet dining experience in a secret location on the resort’s ‘dining for the senses’ which challenges guests to take part in a blindfolded private experience. Diners are picked up from their villa with their blindfolds on and taken by buggy to a secret table. Between each course, guests will need to put their senses to the ultimate test by guessing each dish. Alternatively, there is a wine tasting session in the underground wine cellar at the bottom of a flight of glass stairs, designed around a huge piece of driftwood. Lovebirds can unwind together at the overwater Meera Spa and start the romantic journey together with a foot ritual followed by a couples massage and an aromatic bath for two. Lovers can sleep under the stars on the rooftop of their villas, toasting the occasion with sparkling wine and cocktails followed by breakfast in bed the next morning delivered by Mr Friday. Take a dolphin cruise aboard a luxury yacht and enjoy sparkling wine and canapes as you spot these playful creatures. Finish off with sunset cocktails on a floating wooden island while seeing a glorious Maldivian sunset over the glistening waters.

The Nautilus Maldives

Known for its uber-bespoke experiences, from intimate sandbank picnics at sundown to private film screenings on the beach under the stars as night falls, The Nautilus Maldives is one of the highly sought-after gems of Maldivian hospitality in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that always leaves a mark on those who visit the ultra-luxury bohemian private island resort. Through shared moments of togetherness, celebrate love against the backdrop of The Nautilus’s tropical beauty. Of the 26 spacious and cosy houses and residences, couples can choose from exquisite Beach or Ocean Houses with separate living rooms, temperaturecontrolled infinity pools, and ample private spaces. Designed with immense privacy in mind, The Nautilus is a place of true freedom and richly customised space designed for indulgence in life’s richest pleasures. An island where romantic duos can enjoy the indulgence of liberation with free-spirited experiences or spontaneous gourmet journeys in one of the four stylish dining venues or anywhere on the island.

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

At Huvafen Fushi in North Male’ atoll, discover 44 beach bungalows and pavilions or ‘suites at sea’. Choose from 3 different categories, comprising 130 square metre lagoon bungalows stretching across aqua waters or the ocean bungalows spanning 160 square metres, with a oversized Jet-tub and glass floor in the living area. With three-tier decks, including a dining area, sunbathing terrace, direct access to the house reef, and a private freshwater outdoor plunge pool in each unit, there are plenty of places to steal an intimate moment. Even more secluded are the twobedroom ocean pavilions – at 330 square metres - facing the immensity of the Indian Ocean. With a dedicated ‘Thakuru’ service for all bungalows, couples needn’t leave their abode.

Alternatively, cosy up beneath the jungle canopy in a 125 square metre beach bungalow featuring turquoise ocean views, a private courtyard, bath, waterfall shower and private plunge pool. One step up is the deluxe beach bungalow, at 160 square metres, with a spacious outdoor living area, courtyard and two plunge pools - one private and another overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Beach pavilions is a colossal 800 square metres with two bedrooms. The generous spaces reveal a large living room, a master bedroom with glass floor, private spa treatment area in outdoor oasis, and an infinity pool. The resort has a range of restaurants: play footsie over breakfast at Celsius, for lunch - share a slice of pizza at Forno under a wistful canopy of the palms, before dressing up to the nines for a fine dining date at SALT, where modern Japanese cuisine with a flirtatious Latin twist can be enjoyed above the waves. Reserve a table for two on the rock, at the edge of the reef ot a private dining experience around a sunken tandoor with private chef or a seafood feast set in the waters of the infinity pool. At Vinum, a cavern of 5,000+ bottles and more than 450 labels awaits eight metres beneath the island. Sip designer cocktails at UMBar before visiting RAW for organic and wholesome food with uninterrupted ocean views. You and your beau can have opt for snorkelling/ scuba diving lessons, a dolphin cruise or just experience a couple’s treatment in the world’s only underwater treatment rooms at Huvafen Spa, before pandering to the joys of the fibre-optic lit infinity swimming pool and outdoor saltwater flotation pool.

Six Senses Laamu

As the only luxury resort in Laamu atoll, this offers the ultimate seclusion for lovebirds. Six Senses Laamu has 97 spacious overwater and beachfront villas. Duos looking for an adventure together can book diving courses, surfing excursions and water sports lessons or be accompanied by marine biologists for guided snorkels, daily presentations and turtle hatching experiences. Couples can experience ultimate privacy on a private picnic island, living their own true Robinson Crusoe experience and cosy up over a sunset cocktail or private barbeque on a sandbank just minutes away from the resort. Every evening at Six Senses Laamu is a date night with so many dining outlets. Delicious dishes are created from produce grown in the island’s organic gardens and menus are enhanced by tropical vistas, from inspiring equatorial sunrises above the lagoon waters to seductive sunsets that dissolve into the evening sea. Set on the beach, the Six Senses Spa offers nine uniquely designed treatment nests for couple treatments. Highly skilled spa therapists use natural products to provide a comprehensive range of award-winning signature treatments plus rejuvenation and wellness specialities of the region, all of which are favourites for pairs to sample together. Honeymooners get an arrival present, personalised bicycle tags, a honeymoon celebration cake and bottle of sparkling wine in a villa on arrival. They can also enjoy a complimentary couple’s massage or sunset dolphin cruise. Guests will remember their trip with a departure gift. Similar packages are also available for wedding anniversaries.

Soneva Jani

Enter a world of pure fantasy at this fivestar resort that was made for romantics. Soneva Jani, which means wisdom in Sanskrit, is unique because it has five islets surrounding it. This barefoot luxury resort is located on Medhufaru, the largest islet, where you can wander through the natural labyrinth or relax at one of the beach clubs. One of the world’s lowestdensity resorts, there are just 51 overwater and three island residences, each designed for the ultimate privacy, space and breathtaking ocean views. The most lavish of all is the incredible one-bedroom water reserve with a playful slide. This plush overwater villa has a vast living area and an outdoor bathroom with a shower sunken bathtub and as you lie on the bed with your beloved, open the retractable roof and reveal the starry skies above for a night you will never forget. Step out onto the deck and take a dip in the freshwater pool, down into the lagoon and take a swim with the vast marine life. This property spells intimacy all the way as the favourite of honeymooners. Start the day with a Champagne floating breakfast in your private pool before spending social time at The Gathering. At three stories high, it is the heart of the resort, with dining venues, spa, gym, library and a boutique, with a soaring open-sided atrium, a labyrinth of stairs and connecting walkways and most of all a giant slide going from the second floor to the ocean. Indulge in a cosy dinner at So Starstruck, which has just four tables, all hooked up to a telescope underneath the stars. Get closer to the cosmos as you spot constellations with an expert astronomer. Soneva Jani hosts a range of celebrity chefs as part of its Soneva Stars programme to whip up a Michelin-star-grade meal. At So Guilty, indulge in delicious chocolates, bonbons, truffles, and pralines and at So Cool, you choose from a multitude of ice creams and sorbets. Newly-weds can also dine on the best sashimi while taking in a classic movie at Cinema Paradiso.

You & Me by Cocoon Maldives

With gigantic bathtubs to recline in together, couples photo sessions, a champagne bar, and infinity pools within overwater villas at a private island resort, the stage is set for love on this adultonly island. On this secluded, rustic and dreamy island you’re a world away from the stresses of everyday life and you and your partner can enjoy quality time. You and Me showcases 109 rooms, 99 of which overlook the endless ocean. The décor is natural wood furnishing of African design. With sunrise view rooms, there are 42 manta villas, spanning 55 metres, perched over the water, perfect for a quixotic escape. The Aqua Suite, at 65 square metres, features an overwater room with a bathtub facing the ocean, ideal for passionate moments. Tender moments take place over lunch at the underwater restaurant for a dinner date surrounded by the fish and coral as you tuck into five-star cuisine at H2O by Berton. This is the first underwater restaurant in the Maldives managed by a Michelin star chef and the food is so exquisite that the table is set for an amorous encounter. Duos

W Maldives

can retreat for a sensual pamper at the Elizabeth Arden Spa. Therapists offer a wide range of therapeutic treatments with two beds for a couples massage and a jacuzzi overlooking the aqua lagoon.

This heart-shaped island is the perfect luxury playground for lovers with the soundtrack set by the resort’s bespoke music curator. Each of the 77 retreats has beach access or is set over the water. Inside they have a BOSE sound system, 46-inch plasma screen television, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, private plunge pool, outdoor tropical showers and day beds for limitless laps of luxury. The Spectacular Overwater Villa is an intimate one-bedroom ocean villa with a king-size bed, a hammock and a lagoon view. Lovers can spend their days dipping in the private plunge pool, hanging out on the deck or diving into one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Underwater lights illuminate the aqua landscape beneath the living room’s glass floors, allowing you to watch what comes alive at night. During your stay feast on a romantic three-course private dinner at the coral terrace under the stars. Unwind with bubble baths for two and a bottle of Champagne or massages for two at AWAY spa. Honeymooners can get closer to each other as they set sail on a two-mast 80-foot yacht called ESCAPE for a dreamy private sunset cruise or dinner. ESCAPE has two luxury cabins with W’s signature bed, a lounge and a stunning deck ideal for sunset Champagne. The luxury yacht has a private chef and kitchen, Bose sound system and a television. The yacht can take couples to Gaathafushi private island, W Maldives’ very own castaway island for a romantic sunset or private dinner experience or even a proposal!