Looking for the perfect honeymoon? The Maldives is the ultimate playground for loved-up newlyweds, says Terri Cody-Owen

From your luxurious beach or water villa you can spot couples snorkelling together, holding hands over coral reefs teeming with marine life. Down on the beach, lovers snuggle in rope hammocks, sheltered from the midday sun by coco palms. And as the sun sets, the beach is transformed into a candle-lit restaurant as couples dine al fresco beneath clear moonlit skies. Is this honeymoon heaven? Yes. This is the Maldives.

In the Maldives, Mother Nature has created perfection, which the Maldivian government is carefully nurturing for the enjoyment of tourists. Hotels are built using natural materials indigenous to the islands and everywhere the lush vegetation has been preserved, marine life protected and beaches groomed and extended to create paradise on Earth.

Marriage blessings

Although you can’t legally marry in the Maldives because the Maldives Family Law does not accommodate marriages of religions other than Islam, the breathtaking scenery and sheer luxury of the resorts makes this a wonderful place for beach blessings and romantic non-religious ceremonies, which can be arranged through your hotel or wedding planner. These ceremonies can take place in a choice of exotic locations – from unspoilt powder beaches and tiny sandbank islands to catamarans at sea and even during diving excursions on the coral reefs.

Spa pampering

Sun-drenched Robinson Crusoe islands with white powder beaches, tall palms and dazzling lagoons are quite simply the ultimate place to fall in love all over again. Lovers will adore being indulged further with bespoke treatments in world-class spas – including the world’s first underwater and over-water spas. The spa culture in the Maldives is second to none.

Year-round perfection

The Maldives is a tiny island nation of around 1,190 islands, grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered across the middle of the Indian Ocean, south of India and Sri Lanka in an area covering 90,000 sq km. The islands (of which only 200 are inhabited) are low-lying, with the highest point just eight feet above sea level. However, coral reefs provide a natural defence against wind and waves, forming lagoons that provide some of the world’s finest opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, diving and water sports.

The capital, Male, the seat of the government is located at the centre of the atoll chain, and provides an excursion opportunity for visitors wanting to mingle with the natives and shop for local produce and crafts.

There are two main seasons in the Maldives, a dry and a wet monsoon. From December to May the weather is sunny and fairly dry, whereas between June and November there are occasional brief downpours followed by sunshine. Temperatures range from mid-20s to mid-30s and peak in April and May. So whatever time of year you marry, you can be sure of warmth and sunshine on your Maldivian honeymoon.

Getting There

Scheduled international flights to The Maldives from the UK include Oman Air, Emirates, Sri Lankan Airlines and Quatar Airlines. There are also a number of charter flights. Most international flights have stopovers in Muscat, Dubai. And Sri Lanka before landing at Male Airport. Transports to the island resorts are either via luxury motor launch or seaplane, depending on the distance from Male.

Worldwide Weddings & Honeymoons editor Terri Cody-Owen and husband Martin flew business class courtesy of Oman Air, via Muscat. Return flights with Oman Air from London Heathrow to the Maldives, aboard luxurious Airbus A330 aircraft, start from just £619 including taxes. Tickets can be booked by contacting Oman Air on 08444 822309 or by visiting www.omanair.com

One & Only Reethi Rah

If you are one of life’s über achievers with a bank balance to match, 35+ and in search of a slice of Paradise, the One & Only Reethi Rah is the perfect choice for your honeymoon.

The island is so stunningly beautiful that if you were given an endless supply of powder white sand, turquoise water and an abundance of lush vegetation and asked to create perfection, you would create One & Only Reethi Rah: it’s the most exquisite island on the planet.

After a smooth flight via Muscat with Oman Air, Martin, my new husband and I were transferred from Male aboard the resort’s 55 ft luxury yacht on a 75-minute voyage to the resort where the boat moored in the marina outside reception.

On the approach to the resort the view of One & Only Reethi Rah, with its unique shape, is truly breathtaking. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the resort has a stunning six-kilometre coastline fringed by lush tropical forest and twelve picture-perfect bays of white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons – ample space to ensure that each and every villa has an ocean view, a generous private veranda and over-water deck or stretch of powder-soft sand.

Toasting the sunset

This all-villa resort offers guests an unrivalled level of style and unprecedented privacy that is especially essential on an intimate romantic honeymoon, or for VIP guests who don’t want to be disturbed.

Accommodation is in Beach and Water Villas. Beach Villas enjoy direct views of the ocean and a private stretch of beach, whilst Water Villas are on stilts perched over the lagoon connected to the island by walkways. Water Villas have split-level decks with netting suspended like hammocks from its edges for perfect breezy sunbathing.

We were lucky enough to be staying in a Water Villa on the sunset side of the island, which meant that we enjoyed incredibly romantic sunsets, which we toasted with a glass of chilled bubbly – of course!
Our Water Villa, which offered incredible panoramic views across the Indian Ocean, was situated at the end of a romantic backwater, reached by a sandy roadway that looked like a snow piste. Just a few yards away the heavenly Grand Beach bay beckons. This vast, crescent-shaped bay is fringed with lush vegetation, which cleverly conceals the occasional beach villa. However, during our visit we rarely saw another person on that long stretch of white sand, it felt just like our own private beach, christened by imprints of my ‘Just Married’ honeymoon flip flops.

Cycle of health

Outside each villa, two bicycles are parked for guests to cycle around the island. This is not only a fun way of getting around but it’s also a great way to keep fit as guests follow the sandy paths through the vegetation to various facilities, including the main restaurants, spa, water sports centre and hotel reception. Those with less energy (or one too many drinks) can always use the services of the golf buggy taxis.

Restaurants

At the centre of the island, the Reethi Restaurant is set in thatched over-water pavilions and offers a glorious fusion of Far Eastern, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and a cellar housing 18,000 bottles of the world’s greatest wines.

Beach dining is magical at Fanditha, a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves healthy char grills and mezze in a chilled ambience with live DJ entertainment. Guests are encouraged to flump and laze with toes in the sand on Arabian divans and hammocks.

My personal favourite is the Tapasake Japanese over-water restaurant, where freshly-caught sushi and sashimi are served in a romantic setting overlooking Grand Beach bay from which guests can watch the sun set. Or you can simply snuggle up and enjoy villa dining 24 hours a day.

Spa

The magnificent One & Only Spa by ESPA is set within a tranquil spa garden, with open-air relaxation pavilions and a Chi Pavilion, positioned over the lagoon where complimentary Kundalini yoga and meditation classes, with resident yoga guru Coco Ryoko Maruno, take place to the sound of lapping waves.

At the spa the journey to wellness begins as guests are given a well-being consultation they are then taken through a range of revitalising holistic rituals and treatments, including Thai massage, European aromatherapy, Ayurveda and the speciality Bastien Pedicure, a totally natural foot treatment created by French ‘foot vikrtuoso’ Bastien Gonzales. There are separate resting areas for men and women, each with a hot vitality pool, crystal steam room, ice fountain and stone sauna.

Never a dull moment

With a fully-equipped state-of-the-art gym, a wide range of complimentary water sports, including canoes, kayaks, pedal and paddle boats, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment, a PADI dive centre and an international Tennis Academy with two floodlit synthetic grass tennis courts and beach volleyball and badminton, there’s no shortage of things to do. And if that’s not enough, excursions are also available for deep sea fishing trips and visits to the capital, Male.

Wedded bliss

For those wanting to exchange vows in paradise, One&Only Reethi Rah offers ceremonial blessings in the dedicated wedding pavilion under a traditional thatched roof adorned with fresh flowers and orchids; at Reethi Restaurant; or a ‘barefoot ceremony’ on one of the resort’s 12 picture-perfect beaches, down a petal-strewn ‘aisle’ through a fresh flower arch. At the end of each ceremony, the ‘bridal buggy’ whisks the new couple off to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars on a private beach.

For ease of planning, The Legendary Sunset Wedding is a complete wedding package, which utilises the service of the resort’s Celebration Consultant. Newlyweds will also cherish the chance to escape to a private sandbank for a romantic moonlit dinner.

BOOK IT!

Stay seven nights at the One & Only Reethi Rah in a Beach Villa B&B from just £3,215 per person, saving up to £724 per couple. Honeymooners receive one complimentary candle lit meal at Reethi Restaurant. Price applies to departure on 2nd and 24th and includes flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow.
Call: 0117 927 2009 and quote ref: WWH KU9344.

Baros

Younger newlyweds will find themselves in good company at Baros, a stunning little coral island, where the profile of the average honeymoon couple is under thirty, successful and very much in love. We were perhaps a little long in the tooth for Baros, but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves anyway!

Baros prides itself on being almost totally dedicated to the privacy and enjoyment of honeymooners – at every turn you will witness displays of true love as couples snuggle up in hammocks, stroll hand in hand along the beach or enjoy romantic meals under the moonlight.

My husband and I transferred to Baros by boat, where we discovered a lush, tropical island, set in the shimmering waters of a shallow lagoon. The island is in the North Male Atoll; close to Male, yet in total contrast to the buzzing capital. On Baros a peaceful tranquillity descends, with no traffic, no pool, no motor sports or loud music, just the sound of lapping waves and a gentle breeze, it is clear that this island has been designed as a place to flump and relax amidst nature’s elements.

One of its most striking natural elements is the oval-shaped house reef, rich and alive with marine life, which is so close to the shore that even non-divers can swim to it and spend hours effortlessly snorkelling.

Beach versus Over-water

A golf buggy transferred us to our beachside villa, winding its way through the sandy paths and exotic vegetation to a timber and sandstone villa, hidden from view by green foliage and tropical blooms.
The beach villa was small, but chic with a king size bed, snug patio equipped with sun loungers and a stunning open-air bathroom with waterfall shower and trendy freestanding bathtub. Once on our patio, the beach beckoned just a few yards away, with the turquoise lagoon beyond, enticing us to take a dip, which of course we did!

During our stay we were fortunate enough to experience both beachside and over-water villa accommodation – two contrasting experiences. After a couple of days we moved to a luxurious water villa on stilts over the lagoon, reached via a wooden walkway. The water villa offered a secluded terrace with total privacy and views out to sea, with steps down into the water allowing us a quick dip whenever we wanted to cool off. Absolutely ideal for loved-up couples!

Wining & dining

Romantic dining is an intrinsic part of the Baros experience, with a superb choice of first-class restaurants, all set on stilts over the lagoon.

The contemporary Lighthouse is the flagship restaurant, offering modern fusion cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean influences, and a Lighthouse Lounge Martini and Champagne bar with ambient jazz music and 360-degree ocean views.

The Lime Restaurant is thatched, arched and open-sided and serves breakfast and all-day dining, while Cayenne Grill specialises in alfresco dining in thatched gazebos and hosts traditional Maldivian Nights every Saturday.

The Sails Bar is situated under the shade of palms and serves refreshing drinks all day. In the evening mellow background music transforms this area into the perfect place for couples to snuggle in the soft furnishings or hammocks, which sway gently in the evening breeze.

Our ‘Honeymoon Dinner’ on the beach was a tad disappointing. We turned up to discover a row of candlelit tables with couples choosing from a special honeymoon menu. Although it was romantic, there were too many couples doing the same for it to feel like an exclusive experience.

Aquum Spa

The spa is set in the natural surroundings of a teak atrium and is a sanctuary of calm where couples are invited to renew their strength and inner wellness through spa treatments. Verdant gardens, water features and spa cocoons lie behind the spa’s intricately-carved doors.

In one of the exotic couples treatments rooms, my husband and I enjoyed couples massages. I indulged in a Thai Massage, while he had a more traditional body massage. The Thai massage is one of my favourite spa treatments, offering the stretching benefits of yoga and Pilates without the effort as the therapist massages and manipulates your body into various shapes to increase flexibility.

BOOK IT!

Enjoy seven nights in the fabulously intimate Deluxe Villa at Baros from £1,449 per person including breakfast, transfers and BA flights. To book your honeymoon, call Turquoise on 01494 678 400 or visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

The Beach House

Tucked away in Haa Alifu Atoll, the northernmost Atoll of the Maldives, The Beach House has been taken over and newly renovated by Waldorf Astoria to create a chic new luxuriously contemporary resort.

My husband and I took a half-hour domestic flight from Male with Maldivian Air Taxis to The Beach House, which flew us over deserted islands and breathtaking Atolls to a tiny island airport in the remotest corner of the Maldives, where we were met by a speedboat for the short hop to The Beach House. Since our visit The Beach House has acquired its own seaplane so guests can fly directly to the resort – which will speed up the journey by half.

A love affair

It was love at first sight when we landed on the jetty at the Beach House to a warm greeting from the manager before checking in to our luxurious west-facing Over-Water villa.

The boutique-style resort offers barefoot luxury and sophistication against a backdrop of natural beauty – with a spectacularly wide stretch of white sandy beach plunging into the turquoise lagoon, complimented by an unspoilt jungle-filled interior. It’s a place where nature has been preserved and nurtured.

Beach villas are tucked away behind the tropical vegetation for privacy and shade, whilst Water villas stretch out on stilts over the tranquil lagoon and offer indoor-outdoor living space with sundecks, a private Jacuzzi and steps down to the sea, so you can swim or snorkel straight from your villa.

Wining, dining & cocktails

Tucked away in our Water Villa, we enjoyed luxury and total relaxation in the bubbles of our Jacuzzi as we toasted the sunset with a cocktail before strolling to one of the superb restaurants for dinner – often an intimate candlelit table on the beach beneath a canopy of stars. There are four excellent restaurants to choose from in stunning settings offering organic cuisine from around the world – from pizzas to Maldivian feasts. – dining at The Beach House is a celebration.

The delicious afternoon tea is a memorable event. It is served in the Waldorf Astoria’s newly created Maldivian Art Gallery and Café. Local Maldivian ingredients are used to create a range of delicious pastries with a tropical twist, from Breadfruit cake to a Maldivian Pine Nut and Coconut Scones, served with a selection of hot teas and local juices.

All day entertainment

Unspoilt reefs provide world-class diving opportunities and two additional uninhabited private islands offer the ideal escape for a romantic castaway experience or a blessing ceremony. At The Beach House a selection of unique facilities keep all ages amused – from bungee trampolines to a golf simulator.

Guests have a choice of two fabulous pools – the infinity pool is perfect for swimming and watching the sunset, while the Amazon pool weaves its way through indigenous vegetation and overhanging trees like a river in the rainforest. For active rest you can choose from an abundance of free watersports including kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. Water skiing and jetski safaris are available at extra charge.

Entertainment continues into the evening with live performers, including the local Maldivian band with their drum extravaganza, who invite guests to join in and have a go. I have great holiday snaps of my husband beating out a drum rhythm with his new ‘bandmates’!

Rainforest Spa

A trip to the Rainforest Spa, tucked away in the centre of the island, is a sensory experience. It reflects the local healing culture, using Aromatherapy, Ayurveda and traditional Maldivian philosophies.

After an initial consultation guests are prescribed spa treatments from a range of massage, body and facial treatments top suit their emotional and physical needs – or you can have a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who will prescribe Indian rituals such as the Shirodhara, where a stream of warm herbal oil is continuously poured on the forehead for the ultimate stress-relief.

BOOK IT!

Seven nights from £3,660 per person in a Water Villa, including breakfast, British Airways, inter-island domestic flights & speedboat transfers. Elegant Resorts 01244 897 881 www.elegantresorts.co.uk

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

For affordable luxury, the all-new Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo is a great choice for an unforgettable honeymoon. This pretty little island is in Ari Atoll, just a short seaplane hop from Male.

We transferred to Lily Beach by Maldivian Airways seaplane, which landed in the turquoise lagoon in front of the resort, and pulled up alongside a floating pontoon to dispatch the passengers. The 25-minute flight had been mesmerizing as we flew over spectacular islands and unique formations of reefs – infinite memories to last a lifetime. Soon a traditional dhoni arrived from Lily Beach to transport us across to the island.

The resort officially opened last year as a Luxury ‘Platinum Plan’ Resort, a Premium All-Inclusive resort that is the first of its kind in the Maldives. The ‘Platinum Plan’ offers a fantastic array of quality services including premium wines and spirits, sumptuous dining experiences, handcrafted excursions, sporting activities and the Spa.

All the island resorts in the Maldives have a their own distinctive character. Lily Beach was fun, relaxed and thriving, yet couples can still find their own intimate solitude if they preferred to keep to themselves.

Glass Bottom Villas

Luxurious accommodation is in Beach Villas and Over Water Villas. We stayed in a beautifully appointed Water Villa with state-of-the-art bathroom and amazing glass floor in the hallway, allowing breathtaking views of the marine life – which can range from colourful reef fish to six-foot-long stingrays!

Diner’s delight

Lily Maa, the resort’s main open-sided restaurant has sand floors, views of the lagoon, and showcases a wonderful variety of ‘world cuisine’, with two open-cooking stations adding variety to a sumptuous and relaxed dining experience. For a more romantic meal, Tamarind offers distinctive fine dining with signature dishes and a wonderful selection of fine wines.

It was nice to curl up with my loved one in romantic seclusion, but sometimes a more lively experience beckoned when we headed down to The Spirit bar, an ideal spot for chilling out. Sandy floors, day loungers and tastefully selected lounge music make it a very inviting venue to spend evenings.

Fit and beautiful

The resort’s Tamara Spa boasts seven Over-Water spa pavilions – sanctuaries in which to refresh and rejuvenate your spirits and physical being as you are pampered with invigorating signature treatments.
We were feeling surprisingly invigorated, so enjoyed active rest in the gymnasium and plenty of water sports including canoeing, windsurfing, wake boarding, catamaran sailing and exhilarating banana-boat rides! There’s also a floodlit tennis court, table tennis, darts, billiards/pool, beach volleyball and a fully equipped Dive Centre, plus two freshwater swimming pools with bars. There’s not a chance of being bored for a moment!

Or why not just soak in your own private hot tub together, as we did, and watch the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean!

BOOK IT!

Stay seven nights all inclusive at Lily Beach in a Beach Villa from just £2,345 per person, saving up to £410 per couple. Honeymooners receive a bottle of champagne, baby wedding cake, flowers, plus one candle lit dinner and a 50-minute massage for two. Price applies to departure on 2nd and 24th and includes flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow. Call: 0117 927 2009 and quote ref: WWH MV1113.