Overwater villas, incredible white-sand beaches and spectacular sunsets make the Maldives one of the top romantic destinations in the world. Check into one of these awesome island resorts for a vacation filled with fun ocean activities, exotic spa treatments and gourmet dining. Our list includes ultra luxury private islands as well as more affordable options. You'll be able to choose from resorts featuring cutting-edge design as well as more traditional thatched-roof architecture. Most offer programs for children and family-friendly accommodations. All are fabulous choices for couples planning a tropical honeymoon, anniversary or a romantic proposal.


Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef

Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef

© Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef

Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef is a stylish and sophisticated resort hotel set on Hembadhu Island in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives. Its tropical beauty, world-class diving, innovative cuisine and invigorating spa treatments make it a favorite getaway among cosmopolitan travelers, families, bon vivants, divers and honeymooners. The resort is reached via a 50-minute luxury speedboat ride from Male Airport. You'll be surrounded by warm tropical waters and spectacular ocean views. 62 villas and suites are fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, sun decks and loungers, open-air showers and hammocks overlooking the Indian Ocean. Choose from 12 Superior Charm Beach Villas, 16 Deluxe Delight, 32 Premium Indulgence and two double-level, two-bedroom Presidential Nirvana Beach Suites.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the hotel's main restaurant, The Latitude, and its specialty restaurant, Open-The Grill and Pizzeria, which has a teppanyaki counter and sushi bar offering grilled meats and seafood with an array of appetizers and desserts of choice. The Reef Bar refreshes guests with local and premium brands of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. De-stress at Jiva Spa, the hotel's haven of well-being, and get pampered with signature treatments using pure Indian herbs, all-natural creams, aromatherapy oils and award-winning therapies inspired from the secrets of Ayurveda and other ancient Indian wellness and beauty wisdom. Practice golf swings while on holiday at the nearby Kuredu Golf Club, a 6-hole, par-3 course with average lengths of 55 yards. It is situated in the eastern part of the Maldives and surrounded by dense natural forests and the roaring sounds of the ocean, making the course more challenging to play upon.

Families can go island hopping and enjoy Male sight-seeing excursions. The resort offers family-friendly facilities and activities at the pool and on the beach. You will find equipment for canoeing, snorkeling, glass bottom boat riding and a catamaran cruise. With the hotel's in-house wedding planner, any dream beach wedding becomes a reality. Spend your honeymoon on the romantic tropical island, enjoying its beaches, the spa and many activities. The hotel has event spaces, swanky boardrooms and stately halls that hold conferences, meetings and social functions: from traditional ceremonies and intimate gatherings to extravagant and whimsically themed galas.

Good to know: Best Time to Visit the Maldives


Coco Palm Resort Dhuni Kolhu

Coco Palm Resort Dhuni Kolhu

© Coco Palm Resort Dhuni Kolhu

A private island resort in the Baa Atoll, Coco Palm Resort Dhuni Kolhu is a unique with pristine beaches, clear blue ocean and excellent service. The island is home to 98 lagoon and beach villas. Choose from a beach villas among palm trees just steps from the sandy tropical beach, or a romantic lagoon villa on stilts with open views of the Indian Ocean. Sunset Beach Villas feature open-air garden bathrooms, spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and a private terrace with outdoor seating. These villas are the most luxurious, offering a spacious layout, a luxurious ocean-view bathroom, spa bath for two and indoor/outdoor showers. Each villa in this category comes with a private butler to attend to your every need. Spend your days lounging next to your own private overwater pool.

The resort spa offers treatments from Indonesia, Thailand and India in a calm, rejuvenating setting. The resort offers several dining options, including Cowrie Restaurant which serves international cuisine. Try their buffet - it's mouthwatering and it gives you a chance to sample many different flavors. Cornus Restaurant serves Maldivian, Thai, Indian and other Asian delicacies. The surroundings are tropical, with a view of the ocean. Cornus Grill offers grilled eats and stunning views of the water. Conch Bar lets you sip refreshing drinks with your feet in the sand. The Lagoon Bar is a unique swim-up bar built on stilts for those who want to get a drink while swimming around int he lagoon. More info


Maalifushi by COMO

Maalifushi by COMO

© Maalifushi by COMO

Escape to the private Thaa Atoll atol for a trip filled with scuba diving, surfing and relaxing at the Maalifushi by COMO resort. The hotel is reached by a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight from the capital of Male. Travelers have a choice of beach and overwater villas, all with a private pool with views of the Indian Ocean. Over-Water accommodations include 17 Water Suites, 13 Water Villas, 2 dual-bedroom COMO Villas and a two-bedroom Water Villa. Beachfront accommodations include 6 Garden Rooms, 14 Garden Suites, 9 Garden Villas, 3 dual-bedroom Beach Villas and a two-bedroom COMO Residence.

Tai is the hotel's premier fine dining restaurant that offers Japanese seafood dishes, a sunken sushi bar and Yakiniku tables for terrace dining. Madi is a classic all-day dining experience with menus showcasing Maldivian, Mediterranean, Indonesian and Thai accented dishes and the signature healthy menu of COMO Shambhala Cuisine. Thila Bar is a cozy lounge where guests play billiards while enjoying salads, pizzas and wood-baked seafood at any time of day. The spa has eight overwater, ocean-facing treatment rooms, steam rooms, a large pool, a fully-equipped gym and an open-air yoga pavilion. The lagoon offers calm waters for play and swimming for the youngest guests. A number of family-friendly excursions are available, including picnics, snorkeling with dolphins, diving and sea trips in a privately chartered dhoni. The hotel provides babysitting services and activities that can be tailored to children's and families' needs.

The property is a dream destination for couples whole love the ocean. Get married on the ocean's edge with a view of the sunset. The staff can assist you with wedding arrangements to create a perfect celebration.


Kanuhura Maldives

Kanuhura Maldives

© Kanuhura Maldives

At the Kanuhura Maldives, you get to choose from two overwater villa layouts, measuring 1,345 square feet or 1,450 square feet in size. The villas have a terrace right over the turquoise lagoon and the coral reef alive with colorful fish. If you plan on spending a lot of time sunbathing on the terrace, book one of the two Grand Water Villas which have spacious deck areas with plush lounge chairs. Stairs lead down into the lagoon, which means that your bed is just steps from the water. Each of the private villas has an outdoor shower, a semi-outdoor bath tub as well as air-conditioning which you probably won’t need because of the soothing ocean breezes. The interiors are made from hand-crafted natural materials, creating a soothing ambiance. And did we mention the dedicated private host standing by to attend to your wishes 24 hours a day?


Angsana Ihuru

Angsana Ihuru

© Angsana Ihuru

Angsana Ihuru is a romantic all-villa beach resort surrounded by white sandy beaches, palm trees, a shallow lagoon and a pristine coral reef. The tropical resort is 20 minutes by boat from the airport at Male. The beaches and clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the property are empty and secluded, providing its guests with privacy. The spa offers an array of relaxing services, ranging from massages and scrubs to facials and specialty treatments. This spa is the perfect place to relax. The reef is great for snorkeling and scuba diving, while the secluded sandy shore offers the perfect place to relax in the sun. Other activities include windsurfing, catamaran sailing, canoeing and glass-bottom boat rides.

The property has 45 thatched-roof villas with private gardens and verandas; there are no TVs, to help you relax. If you are planning a romantic trip, book a whirlpool Villa to enjoy your own open-air whirlpool. Riveli restaurant serves a combination of Asian, Mediterranean and Maldivian flavors. You can also order room service and dine in the privacy of your villa. he Velaavani Bar overlooks the lagoon and is a great place to spot turtles and dolphins while sipping a cool drink. Fly to Male International Airport and take a boat. Ask for details about transfers when booking your villa. VacationIdea.com Tip: Look for spa deals and honeymoon packages.


Taj Exotica

Taj Exotica

© Taj Exotica

Spend a few days in this coral paradise and realize why Maldives is referred to as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Taj Exotica is located in South Male Atoll, which is just a 15 minute journey on a speedboat. Water in the lagoon is crystal clear and lush tropical plants make you feel like you are in paradise. There are just 64 luxury villas, set over the lagoon or on the sand. The Lagoon Villas are built right on the water and are favored by couples. Sit on your private sundeck to work on your tan and take a dip whenever you want.

Ask for a villa with a private plunge pool for added luxury. The guestrooms are all elegantly decorated in Indian tradition. The Presidential Suite is incredible, featuring separate living and dining rooms. The suspended deck with soft sand, private pool and a hammock over the turquoise lagoon complete the picture of relaxation. There are two restaurants – 24 Degrees and The Deep End, where you will dine on world-class cuisine over the lagoon. The Deep End has an open hole over the water whichlets you watch the fish, especially in the evening when they are attracted to the light. You can choose from Mediterranean, Continental and Pan-Asian cuisines. 24 Degrees serves themes buffets five nights a week, including great barbecues, grills, seafood and Indian delicacies. The Equator Bar overlooks the lagoon and offers an inventive, varied and thoughtful cocktail menu. You can try the wine coolers, cold margaritas and sundowners.

The authentic Indian spa: Jiva Grande offers a diverse menu of treatments such as mud baths, body scrubs, aromatherapy, Turkish bath, hydrotherapy and other body therapies. (+960 664 2200).


One& Only Reethi Rah

One& Only Reethi Rah  

One& Only Reethi Rah is a luxury villa getaway where you can spend your days luxuriating on white sandy beaches, diving, and relaxing at the spa. This tropical island has over six kilometers of coastline and 12 beaches. The island is home to 130 spacious villas, some with their own private pools. The resort offers its guests a wide selection of complimentary water sports, and has its own PADI dive center. If you've always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, there are few better spots in the world to begin. Water villas are situated above the clear water of the blue lagoon in the Maldives. The houses on stilts are private and secluded, connected to the rest of the island via wooden walkways. Enjoy terraces on stilts where you can spend your days lounging in the sun. The verandas have steps into the ocean, perfect for a quick swim or snorkel around the lagoon.

The island is home to just a handful of Grand Water Villas with a private pool. These accommodations offer stunning island sunset views from their over-water hammocks and platforms with sun beds. There is a Dedicated Villa Host to serve you champagne, romantic dinners, breakfast and attend to your wishes on vacation. The restaurants on the island use organic ingredients from the resort's own organic Chef's Garden. Reethi Restaurant serves a fusion of Asia Pacific and the Mediterranean cuisine. You can look into the show kitchen through floor-to-ceiling glass screens. The restaurant's walk-in wine room offers an extensive collection of wine and is used as a private dining room for special events. Other dining options include a romantic lunch in the Chef's garden, Rah Bar, Tapasake Japanese restaurant and Fanditha, a restaurant in the sand.


Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

© Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

A private island getaway for ocean enthusiasts, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers its own PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Dive Center, a yacht, a luxury spa and just 48 guest villas. Spend your vacation trying a variety of watersports, including canoeing, wake boarding, water skiing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing. There are just 48 elegant villas on the island. The design for the villas was inspired by the seashell spiral and traditional Maldivian thatched-roof architecture. Oceanview Pool Villas has a romantic four-poster bed, extended wooden deck, a private garden area with a pool, jet pool and an outdoor shower. The Beachfront Pool Villa offers spectacular views of the beach and the ocean. The pool area is very private and secluded, ideal for honeymooners. The Vabbinfaru Pool Villa offers the most spacious layout, including an outdoor living pavilion, beachside terrace and a private garden pool.

The island spa offers an array of healing treatments by therapists formally trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies established in Bintan, Phuket and Lijiang. Start your visit to the spa with one of the awesome signature therapies. The dive centeroffers a full range of PADI and Nitrox courses in small dive groups. Professional diving instructors offers courses in English, Italian, French, German, Mandarin and Japanese. Plan the ultimate sailing adventure in the Maldives aboard Banyan Velaa, a 30-meter classic flagged double-mast yacht. The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 plush staterooms, all with ocean views.

Spend a few days on the private island in one of the luxury beach villas with private pools and gardens. Then go out to sea aboard Banyan Velaa and explore secluded islands and reefs. There are spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving spots that you can reach in your private yacht. If you want to get a diving license on vacation, the resort has a PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Dive Center where you can take classes and complete your training courses. The yacht has a spacious outdoor deck for dining and entertainment, rich wooden interiors and gourmet dining. Whether you are looking for an adventure in the Indian Ocean, or a romantic leisurely sail on your honeymoon, the resort staff can accommodate your requests. The resort has its own marina.

The island offers Ilaafathi, a beach restaurant serving Maldivian and international cuisine. There is also an open-air Naiboli Bar, in-villa dining, and private dining on sandy beaches and other exotic locations around the island.


Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

© Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

If you are looking for a remote tropical island where you can get away from it all, check into one of the incredible overwater villas at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi. Surrounded by pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, this spectacular resort stretches across two islands and is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef. If you want to be right on the water and have breakfast with your feet in the sand, book one of the beach villas. For those who love water, Overwater villas are a must. You will be surrounded by spectacular ocean views all around and just a step away from snorkeling in the pristine coral reef. They are a great choice for honeymooners because they are private and secluded. The hotel offers of 11 Beach, 5 Island, 3 larger Beach Houses and 14 Ocean villas. The 2 spacious Ocean Sanctuaries perched amidst the waters with views of the sunset are unlike any overwater accommodations you will find in the world.

International dishes are prepared for breakfast, and a la carte lunch and dinner menus are served at the Azara Restaurant. Johara has modern Pan-Asian specialties on its menu. Watch the colorful Maldivian sunset while browsing an extensive cocktail menu at the scenic Khibar cocktail bar. Relax in deep tranquility and rejuvenate at the luxurious Talise Spa which offers an extensive spa menu of individual signature treatments tailored to your needs. The facility has a state-of-the-art over-water gym with inspiring views of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in water sports like diving, deep-sea fishing and guided snorkeling at the The Best Dives Water Sports Center or splash in the crystal waters of beachside luxury surrounding the resort. Wedding planners at the resort can help you take care of every detail before you arrive. The property is located 400 kilometers from the capital Male. The resort is set on Meradhoo Island in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. (+960 682 8800).


Amazing Underwater Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Amazing Underwater Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island  

You've seen restaurants over the water and even restaurants surrounded by an aquarium, but underwater restaurants are not easy to build. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant where you can dine 16 feet below sea level and enjoy 180 degree views of marine life. The restaurant is housed in a transparent acrylic tunnel high enough so that you can stand in it. There are just 6 tables, so the ambiance is very intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner to celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant serves Maldivian-Western fusion cuisine. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner - both times give you a different view of the underwater world. During the day, you can see the light streaming through the water, illuminating the restaurant through the vaulted glass windows from above.

At night, the atmosphere is especially romantic, with the restaurant lights shining into the surrounding water and attracting the curious fish who swim by to have a look. Enjoy gourmet contemporary European cuisine in one of the world's most unique restaurants. During the resorts' 50th anniversary, the restaurant was converted into an exclusive underwater suite. Perhaps this unique suite will be available again in the future. It's a good idea to book at least 14 days ahead of time because the restaurant is very popular and it can accommodate only 12 guests at a time. Guests have to be over 12 years old to have dinner at the restaurant, but younger kids are welcome to have lunch.


Lily Beach Resort

Lily Beach Resort

© Lily Beach Resort

Lily Beach Resort and Spa has villas with glass bottom which allows you to look down into the the lagoon. The whirlpool on the private terrace is a beautiful addition to any honeymoon.


Constance Moofushi

Constance Moofushi

© Constance Moofushi

Constance Moofushi Resort is set on a private island, complete with a blue lagoon filled with colorful tropical fish. Some of the guest accommodations have stairs leading straight into the lagoon. There is also an overwater spa where vacationers enjoy unique treatments with views of the water.


Banyan Tree Madivaru

Banyan Tree Madivaru

© Banyan Tree Madivaru

Banyan Tree Madivaru is one of the most intimate (and priciest) private island resorts in the Maldives, offering just 6 stunning villas.


Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu

© Six Senses Laamu

Aerial photos of Six Senses Laamu make you want to dive into that fantastic blue ocean and cozy up in an overwater suite.

You may also like Soneva Fushi.


Anantara Naladhu

Anantara Naladhu

© Anantara Naladhu

Anantara Naladhu Maldives consistently receives a 5 star rating for its excellent service and elegant decor. The private island hideaway is home to pristine beaches and spacious villas with pools just steps from the azure Indian Ocean. Plan a tropical honeymoon, anniversary or a romantic proposal to this unique destination. The island has just 19 villas with pools, ideal for couples. Guest accommodations feature elegant design with soothing colors and wooden floors. The design incorporates many water elements and is centered around the pool and the sand. The smallest villa on the island provides vacationers with 3,200 feet of living space. Guests receive a butler to take care of your wishes. Every house is outfitted with WiFi, a Bose home theater system, LCD satellite TV, iPod and surround-sound stereo system.

Each Ocean House with a Pool has a cabana, perfect for lounging all day long. Take a shower outdoors surrounded by tropical plants after coming in from the beach. The Living Room restaurant offers a seasonal menu with farm-fresh ingredients. The resort offers a private dining option, complete with a chef and waiter. Enjoy a barbecue on your deck, have a champagne breakfast with a view or a romantic dinner under the stars. You can choose pretty much any setting for your romantic dinner. The hotel staff will take care of every detail. Some of the popular choices include picnics, dinner next to a fireplace and sunset cruises. The island offers a diverse range of activities, from cooking classes and wine tasting courses to sailing and deep sea fishing.


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