Crystal clear water lapping over water villas, palm trees swaying in the breeze, not a cloud in the sky. The Maldives really is as picturesque as all those photos make it out to be. But what do you do once you’ve made it to paradise? Despite what you might think, there’s more to a honeymoon in the Maldives than Pina Coladas and perusing your wedding photos on Instagram. I’ve just returned to my editor’s position at Expedia Australia after my dream Maldives honeymoon – and here’s my ‘Listopedia’ on how to make the most of your honeymoon in paradise.
Make a Rockstar Entrance
Start off the honeymoon with a rock star entrance. International flights arrive into the capital of Male, and from there the fastest way to zip out to your island resort is by seaplane. Aside from an awesome bird’s-eye view as you zip over the archipelago of islands, a seaplane ride is a seriously stylish way to arrive. You’ll touch down and be whisked away to paradise. If you’re staying at one of the islands closer to shore, a speedboat ride is very James Bond. PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi’s speedboats are available 24/7 so you can skip the Male stopover and head straight out to the island. Coconut water, cold towels and in-boat wifi are just the icing on the cake.
Stay Fit and Fab
Your health and wellness regime doesn’t have to end just because the wedding is over. We’re not talking about boot camp. Slow down and start the morning with a stretching class or a yoga session. Conrad Rangali has yoga and meditation pavilions dotted around the resort looking straight out to the ocean. No need to visualise waves lapping on the shore! For a more active start to the day, the Run Rangali is a guided jog around the two islands – don’t worry, they’re not very big islands. At One&Only Reethi Rah the well-equipped gym has a protein shake station, chlorophyll water and outdoor hanging yoga.
Soak up the Celebrity Lifestyle
Beloved by celebrities for the privacy and ultimate luxury on offer, the Maldives has plenty of activities designed to make you feel like a celebrity. A private dinner for two? Yes please. At PER AQUUM Niyama you’ll be whisked away to a private beach on the edge of their island. Lush jungle gives way to the stars, with thousands twinkling all around you as you sink onto a day bed on the sand. Drinks and canapés are served, before your personal chef whips up a decadent three course meal lit by candles and hurricane lanterns. Post-dinner, your butler will be waiting with a golf buggy to whisk you back to a rose petal bubble bath. The butlers are available 24/7 to do anything from restock the complementary ice cream to organising guided snorkel tours.
Get Back to Nature
A house reef is one of the biggest draw cards in the Maldives. Islands perched inside coral atolls offer access to some of the world’s best snorkeling. Hop in the water straight from your over-water villa at Kandolhu Island Resort and work your way around the entire island – the house reef is home to turtles, sting rays, thousands of fish and friendly reef sharks. At PER AQUUM Niyama, the coral adoption program allows you to assist with the rejuvenation of the reef. You’ll head out with the resident marine biologist to pick your very own baby coral to sponsor and will receive yearly updates on its progress on the reef.
Get an Adrenalin Rush
Thought the Maldives was all sunsets and long walks on the beach? For some. But for others, they’ll be racing to try out the jet skis and jet packs. Conrad Rangali’s water sports centre staff are busy all day long setting up water jet packs for guests. Then there’s the parasailing, jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards. At LUX South Ari Atoll freediving courses are hugely popular.
Go to Foodie Heaven
Who would have thought tropical islands would be famous for their food and wine? The Conrad Rangali’s cellars are stocked with more than 20,000 bottles of wine. Pair that with the 100 cheeses from around the world, and you have a very appealing cheese and wine night. Then there’s Ithaa. The hotel’s undersea restaurant is located on the bottom of the ocean floor, with a clear domed roof that is the ultimate dinner with a view. Watch the manta rays glide overhead during a six course degustation. At Amilla Fushi Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan has designed the menu at Lonu by Luke Mangan that showcases local seafood and international flavours to much critical acclaim.
Bliss Out and Relax
After the happiest day of your life come the most relaxing days of your life. No matter how small and intimate your big day was, unwind with a little bit of much needed pampering. Varu Spa is hidden among the trees on the tiny Kandolhu Island Resort. At just 150 x 250 metres, the island is small and intimate, but has given over plenty of space to the spa. Chill out in the pre-treatment saunas and hot tubs before heading in for a two hour couple’s massage. Try not to fall asleep! At PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi’s underwater spa you won’t have that problem. Tucked underneath the end of a jetty, the spa’s glass walls give you uninterrupted views of a stunning reef. Don’t worry, once you face down on the table, mirrors on the floor allow you to watch fish swim overhead while the therapists are at work.
Get Ready to Party
There’s plenty of peace and quiet in the Maldives but there’s also plenty of spots to party. The celebrity DJ nights at the W Hotel are legendary and at PER AQUUM Niyama, SUBSIX is a restaurant by day and underwater nightclub as soon as darkness descends. LUX South Ari Atoll’s Beach Rouge is a beach club with a difference – the floating dance floor (complete with disco bathroom and photo booth) is the place to party, or perhaps re-enact your first dance.
All images via Lisa Perkovic at Expedia Australia
Ms Chinoiserie Says: With dining, dancing and adventures aplenty, the Maldives is definitely a luxurious place to get busy on your honeymoon!
About Lisa Perkovic: I am the Expedia Australia blog editor and have spent the past decade getting out there, discovering the world and sharing my experiences. I make sure Expedia’s blog is always stocked with the best and most up to date travel stories, tips and news from our team of travel experts!
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