Maldives Vacation | Beautiful Places To Visit In Maldives For Couples
Toward the end of 2024, Maldives vacation reached an all-time high, with the number of visitors reaching 1.7 million by the month of November.
Further, this data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that Maldives is already close to the total number of visitors in the previous year (1.8 million in 2023) with one month left.
So, this data is proof that despite Thailand taking over Maldives as the best honeymoon destination, the tourist inflow to Maldives is growing fast.
| Maldives Vacation Data At A Glance: A Romantic Destination With Booming Tourism ‣ Despite a dip in the number of travelers from India, a rise in the tourist numbers from countries like China, Russia and the UK is helping Maldives inch closer to its ambitious target in tourism. ‣ 2024 fetched Maldives laurels from two of the biggest names in global tourism. Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards gave the fourth position to the Maldives. ‣ Travel+Leisure conferred the numero uno position to the Maldives as the most beautiful island. ‣ According to the World Tourism Ranking, Maldives is the number one destination when it comes to the Asia Pacific Region. |
Now, let’s come to romantic or honeymoon tourism in Maldives. In the global tourism market, (likely to grow at a 6.6% CAGR between 2025-30), Maldives tourism has a place of honor with the country’s amazing beaches and posh villas.
Moreover, it shows a huge scope as a country and an important destination for honeymoon tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
Further, the romantic Maldives vacation moments of names like Taylor Swift & Joe Alwyn or Gwyneth Paltrow & Brad Falchuk give us the impetus to travel to this beautiful country.
So, are you also excited, like me, to plan a trip to Maldives with your S/O? This Dream and Travel guide talks about the most beautiful places to visit in Maldives for couples.
What Is The Best Time For A Romantic Maldives Vacation | Schedule Your Trip Right
Maldives is a year-round destination, and being an island country, the temperature here is moderate.
The highest temperature in the country hardly shoots beyond 30-degree Celsius and the lowest temperature remains around 25-degree Celsius throughout the year.
However, November to April, or the dry season, is the best time for a Maldives vacation. The level of humidity is minimal and rainfall is less during these months. So, if you are visiting Malé Atoll and other beaches and have focus on water activities, this is the best season.
Moreover, during the dry season, you can visit the following places.
| Northern Atolls | Central Atolls | Southern Atolls |
| ‣ North Malé Atoll ‣ Haa Dhaalu ‣ Lhaviyani ‣ Haa Alifu ‣ Shaviyani ‣ Noonu | ‣ Baa ‣ Alifu ‣ Kaafu | ‣ Ari Atoll ‣ South Malé Atoll ‣ Addu ‣ Gaafu Dhaalu ‣ Gaafu Alifu |
Now, the dry season in the southern atolls sets in a little later. So, you can plan a visit from December to April.
Again, if you want to relish the quietness of the Maldives islands, the wet season, spanning from May to October, is the ideal time. You will also get the best discounts during these months.
However, do you want a month-wise breakdown of Maldives temperature to plan your travel well? The table below explains it all.
| Month | Highest Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Lowest Temperature(Degree Celsius) | Days of Rainfall |
| January | 28-29 | 25-27 | 12 |
| February | 30 | 25-27 | 10 |
| March | 30 | 25-27 | 4-5 |
| April | 30 | 25-27 | 14 |
| May | 30 | 28-29 | 20-21 |
| June | 30 | 26-27 | 14 |
| July | 30 | 26-27 | 7-8 |
| August | 30 | 26-27 | 9-10 |
| September | 30 | 27 | 15-20 |
| October | 28-29 | 25-26 | 20-25 |
| November | 28-29 | 25 | 20-25 |
| December | 28-29 | 25 | 20-25 |
Furthermore, remember, despite being a part of the tourist season or the dry season, November and December have copious rainfall. So, carry your raincoat, boots, and rainwear.
Planning The Perfect Maldives Vacation | How To Reach Maldives
Velana International Airport, or the Malé-Velana International Airport, is the main airport of Maldives. You can fly to this airport from all the major international airports in India.
Further, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll of Hanimaadhoo Island is another airport to fly to from India. Popular airlines offering flight services between India and Maldives are Air India, SpiceJet, and Jet Airways.
Moreover, based on the Indian airport you fly from, an air ticket will cost you around INR 20000.
Tourist Visa Requirements For Maldives Vacation
You are entitled to get a Tourist Visa once you reach Maldives from India or any other country. You don’t need a pre-approval for the visa.
However, you need to fulfill the following requirements to get immigration clearance and Tourist Visa. (Requirements shared as updated by Maldives Immigration, The Republic of Maldives.)
- A Passport/Travel Document with MRZ or Machine Readable Zone (At Least 1 Month Validity)
- Confirmed Return Tickets
- Booking Documents At A Registered Facility
- Submission of Duly Filled ‘Traveller Declaration’ Form At Least 4 Days Before Your Arrival in Maldives. Visit the IMUGA portal for the submission of the form.
- Certificates of Yellow Fever Vaccination for Select Countries
- Provision of Sufficient Funds
Transportation In Maldives | Exploring The Country
The public ferry service or Slow Dhoni Transfer is the cheapest transportation option in Maldives. You can take the service from Male City and the charges will be at least INR480 per person.
You can even take fixed-price shared taxis to roam around Male City. These are available at a fixed charge of 20 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is roughly around INR 113. However, charges for these taxis shoot up after 11 PM.
Other modes of transportation in Maldives and for moving from one island to another are:
- Charter Launches
- Speed Boats
- Seaplanes
You can enjoy the best aerial views of the islands while traveling by seaplane in the Maldives. These planes are expensive and will cost you around $300-800 for a round trip.
Maldivian Seaplane and Trans Maldivian Airways are two prominent seaplane services in Maldives.
Maldives Package From India | For Couples And Family
Before getting into the Maldives package price from India, I want to briefly highlight how important Indian tourists are to Maldives. In 2024, there will be a sharp decline in the number of Indian tourists to Maldives.
The pro-China stance of President Muizzu and social media debacles are said to be the reasons behind the fall in the number of Indian tourists to Maldives.
With the deterioration in the bilateral ties and tourist footfalls from India, Faisal, the Tourism Minister, requested Indians to be a part of “Maldives Vacation.”
| “We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism.“ Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, Maldives |
So, do you want to travel to Maldives from India this season and be a part of Maldives tourism?
The Maldives packages from India for couples range between INR 70000-200000 (per person). On the other hand, the Maldives packages for families range between INR 90000-250000 (per person).
However, the expense of your Maldives vacation will shoot up if you choose luxury resorts or something unique like underwater stays. In such cases, the budget can shoot up to INR 8-10 Lakhs per person.
Many tour organizers also offer discounts on the Maldives tour package for couples or families. So, keep checking for the discount codes. Usually, 4-5 days are enough for a Maldives trip.
Places To Visit On A Romantic Maldives Vacation
Maldives is a tropical paradise with beautiful palm trees, stretches of turquoise water, and white sandy beaches.
Moreover, Maldives is home to unmatched underwater biodiversity. So, while scuba diving, you will find over 1000 species of fish and coral reefs. Moreover, the country has unique geological spots like Maldives Glowing Beach, which is bioluminescent.
So, do you want to know what more wonders await you on your romantic Maldives vacation? Let’s explore!
1. Maldives’ Atolls And Islands
Along with 1192 coral islands, Maldives also has 26 atolls. The atolls or the reefs are reasons for Maldives being rich in biodiversity.
Let’s plan a Maldives vacation with the following atolls and islands on the destination bucket list.
⁍ Malé Atoll
North Malé Atoll is the first place where tourism in Maldives was introduced. So, it is historically important, and the Manta Point is a hotspot here.
⁍ Ari Atoll
If you want an unforgettable marine experience, Ari Atoll is the go-to place. You will see whale sharks, reef fish, and manta rays here.
⁍ Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is home to Hanifaru Huraa. This bay is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). Here, you will find manta rays and whale sharks.
⁍ Alimatha Island
Atop Vaavu Atoll, Alimatha Island, stands out due to its lush greenery and tranquil water. It is close to the Velana International Airport in Male and it is an internationally acclaimed spot for scuba diving.
2. Banana Reef
The amazing marine life and the dramatic reef shape make Banana Reef the ideal destination for the Maldives vacation.
Today, this protected marine area is one of the foremost dive sites of Maldives. Also, with caves, canyons, rocks, and overhangs, a diving experience at Banana Reef is going to be the most adventurous.
Further, you will meet marine animals like black snapper, yellow snapper, humpback red snapper, barracuda, and shark during a dive at Banana Reef.
3. Maldives Glowing Beach
The Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll houses the famous Maldives Glowing Beach. In the dark, the beach and water look electric blue as the planktons here release luciferin.
Further, you can visit the Maldives Glowing Beach between April to November to witness this natural phenomenon. However, warmer months like April and May are the best time for the visibility of the glow.
4. Male City
- Where to Stay: Summer Beach Maldives
- Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé
- Contact Number: +960 333-5550
Malé, in Kaafu Atoll, is the capital city of the Maldives and it is the country’s getaway to the world. The city is small and has the hustle-bustle of being a capital city.
However, the local culture and geography of Male are intriguing, and you must explore them if you want to know about the country.
Also, when you are in Male, you can plan a day trip to Hulhumalé and Hulhulé Islands by ferry. Further, it has The Tsunami Monument that remembers the victims of the 2004 Tsunami victims.
Again, here, you can visit the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or the Malé Friday Mosque, or the Old Friday Mosque. The oldest structure in Male, this mosque has beautiful architecture and the Quranic scriptures carved on the walls look amazing.
Moreover, to learn about the history of Maldives, you can plan a visit to the National Museum in Male.
Also, if you want to bring some flavors from Maldives home, you can buy some local species, dried fish, fruits, and Maldivian chilies from Male.
5. Maafushi
- Where to Stay: Arena Beach Hotel
- Address: Ziyaaraiy Magu Road, Maafushi
- Contact Number: +960 665-6000
Maafushi is in the South Male Atoll of Maldives. Despite being an island of just 1.5 kilometer length, Maafushi offers a luxurious experience with its spas and resorts. Further, it is the place to live your dreams of aquatic pursuits.
It has Bikini Beach, where you can take a sunbed on rent throughout the day and enjoy sunbathing. You can even swim and snorkel here to discover schools of trumpet fish, triggerfish, and unicorn fish.
Other water activities to try here are kayaking at Maafushi Beach, and don’t miss scuba diving and the snorkeling tours of nurse whales and the shipwreck.
Furthermore, Maafushi is a great place to be if you want to try authentic Maldivian food, and you can try salmon steak and a variety of seafood at the small shacks.
6. Maamigili Island
- Best Resort To Stay: Cora Cora Maldives
- Address: Raa Maamigili Raa Atoll
- Contact Number: +960 658-4888
Maamigili, or the Fishing Island of Maldives, is the crown jewel of Raa Atoll. It is densely populated and it is accessible thanks to the presence of the Villa International Airport.
Further, it is known as the Whale Shark Island. So, you can do snorkeling, scuba diving and a lot of water activities here as whale sharks swim by your side.
Moreover, Maamigili has the Dutch Onion Museum. And as they say, it is the “Museum at Cora Cora Maldives, where heritage meets the horizon.” So, the relics and the findings of excavations in Maamigili are carefully curated in this museum.
Don’t Miss These Best Things To Do In Maldives | Maldives Adventures
Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and beach hopping! These are the staple things to do on Maldives vacation. But do you want to make your romantic vacation unique? So, why don’t you opt for stargazing?
Resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have special observatories and telescopes if you want to watch the celestial bodies in action.
Moreover, you can plan a movie date by the Maldivian beach under the stars and this is the best date night plan if you want to cozy up with your partner while indulging in the serenity of nature.
Further, with the nights being so romantic, you can have a great start to your next day with a floating breakfast under the morning Sun. Coco Bodu Hithi, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Gili Lankanfushi Maldives are some luxury resorts offering this service.
The table below enlists other romantic things to do in Maldives for a couple.
| Things To Do | Location |
| Dining At Underwater Restaurant | Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Address: Conrad Rangali Island, MaldivesContact Number: +960 668-0629 |
| Private Beach Picnic | Kudadoo Maldives Private Island Address: Kudadoo Island, Lhaviyani AtollContact Number: +960 662-2000 |
| Candlelight Beach Dinner | Medhufushi Island Resort Address: Meemu Atoll, MaldivesContact Number: +960 672 0026 |
Moreover, after all the aquatic pursuits and romantic date nights, you can take a couple massage for much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation.
Find The Best Accommodations On Your Maldives Vacation
During your Maldives vacation, you can plan your accommodation in luxury resorts or even opt for more unique options like eco-friendly resorts and underwater hotels.
Further, while traveling on a budget, you can choose economy accommodations in Maldives. So, have a look at the table below for the best options.
| Luxury Resort | Budget-Friendly Accommodations | Eco-friendly Resorts |
| The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands | Crown Beach Hotel – Hotel by the Beach | Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa |
| Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa | Liberty Guest House | Villa Park, Maldives |
| Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi | Splendour Grand | Gili Lankanfushi Maldives |
Further, you can plan an underwater stay at The Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. It is located at Rangali Island Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, and you can reach out to them at +960 668-0629.
What To Eat | Dining And Cuisine During The Best Maldives Vacation
The traditional food of Maldives is comforting and tropical and comes with the magic of coconut used in various forms. If you are especially from South India or Sri Lanka, a food tour during your Maldives vacation will be a sheer delight.
So, here are the most popular traditional Maldivian dishes you must try in the country.
| Traditional Maldives Dishes | Specialty | Where to Eat |
| Garudhiya or Fish Soup | This is a tuna fish soup flavored with curry leaves and onions. You can have it with rice. | Kaage, Sun Siyam Resorts Address: Medhufushi, Maldives Contact Number: +960 656-0591 |
| Mas Huni or Shredded Smoked Tuna | The smoky flavor of tuna fish in this delicacy is enhanced with onions, lemon, and grated coconut. You can have it with Roshi, the Chapati of Maldives. | Have Mas Huni at the small restaurants of Raaveribe Maizaan or the west harbor area in Male |
| Bis Keemiya or Samosa | Bis Keemiya or Samosa is one of the best snacking options in Maldives. Also, it has hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and shredded cabbage as the filling. | It’s a popular street food of Maldives and you will find it at the cafes of Hulhumale and Male. The Cloud Restaurant also makes delicious Bis Keemiya. Address: Samann Grand, Roashanee Magu, Malé Contact Number: +960 330-6633 |
| Maldivian Live Lobster | In this dish, the Maldivian lobsters taste the most buttery, and they almost melt in your mouth. | Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Address: Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives Contact: +960 668-0629 |
| Sago Pudding or Saagu Bondibai | Sago pudding has coconut milk and condensed milk. Further, the subtle taste of cardamom makes all the difference. | Sea Fire SaltAddress: Anantara Dhigu, Gulhi, Maldives Contact: +960 664-4100 |
| Banana Flower Salad or Boshi Mashuni | Crunchy banana flowers taste awesome with grated coconut. Also, it gets all the flavors from Maldivian chilies, turmeric, curry leaves, and cumins. | Crystal SandsAddress: Mirihi Magu Road, Maafushi Kaafu, Maldives Contact: +960 779-0660 |
Do you want to try more traditional Maldivian dishes? You can have fish cakes, cassava coconut cakes or Aluvi Boakibaa, and the healthiest Maldivian Vegetable Curry.
So, that’s it for your next Maldives vacation! Enjoy the beaches and food with your partner. Happy journey!
Read Next…
