Maldives for couples: 10 romantic things to do

With virtually every island in the Maldives ringed by a stretch of blinding-white, powdery sand and lush green palms, edging into sparkling blue seas, the hardest part isn’t finding a beautiful, romantic beach, it’s choosing between them. Stretch out on a deserted island or a sandbar for an even more amped-up beach lounging experience.

The mix of shallow lagoons and deep water channels in the Maldives’ waters are a playground for a lavish array of sea life. So, whether diving is your main reason for visiting or you’re a newbie to snorkelling, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll want to spend time with your head underwater.

Step aboard the traditional dhoni, a sailing vessel that combines classic Maldivian design with a motor, to experience life on the water. You might use one to get between islands, but there’s nothing more romantic than a peaceful sunset cruise on a dhoni, with all the colours of the sky changing and dolphins tailing your wake.

A trip to Malé makes for a great contrast to all the beachy islands, with its buzzing street life. To get a sense of daily life, there’s nothing like hanging out at the local market – it’s also a good bet for souvenir shopping.  

Whatever romance-drenched dinner set-up you can imagine, it’s likely you’ll find it here. Candlelit dinner on the sand? Check. Lavish seafood barbeque? Check. Deserted island Champagne picnic? Check again. Underwater dining? In the right resort – check!

Think Maldives accommodation and these thatched wooden water bungalows on stilts will most likely come to mind. The quintessential honeymooner’s experience, Maldivian resorts compete constantly to offer bigger, better and more spectacular villas. If you can swim right from your sundeck, you know you’ve made it.

While more languorous activities might come to mind when you think of the Maldives, there are actually loads of great surfing spots accessible from almost every atoll. Many guesthouses and resorts were set up to accommodate the growing number of boarders seeking waves of all sizes. It makes a fun activity for couples, whether you’re seasoned pros or newbies.  

You may be taking a day trip from a resort or choosing to stay in a chilled guest house or hotel locally, but no one should miss the chance to explore a village or two on an inhabited island. Meet local people, sample some short eats in a teahouse and shop for beautifully crafted souvenirs.

Every resort worth its salt will have spa facilities, which range from simple relaxation spaces to outrageously lavish ones, with the most famous being the underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi. Want the perfect backdrop? In recent years, resorts have added spas over water, on neighbouring islands, in beach pavilions set up for two, in the jungle – wherever you can set up a massage table. And let’s be honest, when you’re already on a dream relaxation or romantic holiday, there’s nothing quite like being pampered in style.

Picture the scene: in the dark of the evening, suddenly the wet sand on the beach glows bright blue and twinkling, as if with thousands of tiny lights. But it’s not magic – it’s bioluminescent (try saying that after a couple of cocktails) plankton appearing in warm coastal waters and using their chemical ability to glow to scare off predators. It’s an amazing sight, not least because managing to catch it is so unpredictable – but there’s no denying that witnessing the sea of stars with your partner would make for a once-in-a-lifetime romantic experience. Vaadhoo island is especially known for its prevalence, but it’s possible to see this natural wonder on any island if you’re lucky, mainly between midsummer and winter.