Many couples pick the Maldives for their honeymoon long before the wedding day. And from Dubai, it just takes only 4 hours. Of course, it is an incredible destination for couples. White sand beaches, shimmering blue waters and scenic views everywhere – the vibe of the place is wonderful. But then the real planning begins, and that’s where the confusion starts. Resort website shows so many add ons, the agent also sends a long list of activities and every activity have a price in dollars. Now nobody wants to compromise on honeymoon, but at the same time paying for something that you will not even remember after few months is also not a good idea. Since majority of the couples from UAE go with a fixed budget, this is a very common question that they usually ask, which things are really worth paying for.
So below I am sharing those experiences which couples usually feel was worth the money, and also few tips on how to plan it from Dubai.
- Water Villa, At Least for Few Nights
Most people picture the Maldives with stunning overwater villas. Yes, it’s the first thing that strikes everyone’s mind, and staying in one is actually an unforgettable experience. After all, it’s completely different from a normal resort or hotel. You open the door in the morning and the lagoon is just under your deck, you can go down from the ladder and swim directly. Suppose the full stay in water villa is going out of budget, then you can do split stay, means 2 nights in beach villa and 2 nights in water villa. You get the experience and cost also remain in control. If the villa have private pool then that is extra plus point.
- Seaplane Transfer to the Resort
Many couples see seaplane only as a transfer but let me tell you that it is one of the best part of the whole trip. The plane flies low so from the window you can see the atolls, sandbanks and the water in different colours of blue. Yes it is costly compared to speedboat, but for honeymoon its worth it.
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Try to get the window seat on the side facing the islands for photos. Also keep in mind that seaplanes only fly in daytime, so if your flight is landing late in Male then you may need to stay one night near airport.
- Private Dinner on Beach or Sandbank
Almost every honeymoon couple books this and I have not heard many people saying that they regret it. Resort arranges a table on the beach or they take you by boat to a small sandbank, there is candles, a personal waiter and only the sound of the sea. Price is high compared to normal restaurant dinner, but this is the dinner you will remember. My suggestion is to book it at sunset time and keep it on second last night of the trip.
- Underwater Restaurant
There are few underwater restaurants in Maldives where you have food and the fish and small sharks are swimming around the glass. Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the most popular one. If you are staying in some other resort then check with them if outside guests can come with advance booking. Lunch is less expensive than dinner and in daytime the light inside is also better, so many couples go for lunch only. Dress code is smart casual, so keep one good outfit ready for this.
- Couple Spa Over the Water
After 2 to 3 days of snorkeling and sun, body also needs some rest and couple spa does the job. Many resorts have spa rooms over the water with glass floor, so during massage you can see fish below. Some resorts also gives one free spa session in the honeymoon package, so better to ask this before the booking is done.
- Snorkeling, Dolphins and Marine Life
Now if we talk about activities, sunset dolphin cruise is very calm and almost every resort has it. For couples who like the sea more, snorkeling with manta rays or whale shark trip in South Ari Atoll is something special. Also check the house reef of your resort, because if the reef is good then you can snorkel from the beach anytime and no need to pay for excursion also.
- Right Package and Tour Operator
All of these lovely moments with your sweetheart can feel good only when the basics are sorted. From flights and transfers to food – your honeymoon plan should be smooth. If any of these go wrong, the mood goes with it. That’s where Maldives holiday packages from UAE help. Most of the packages include return flights from Dubai, resort stay, transfers and meal plan, and honeymoon packages also have extra things like cake, room decoration, one free dinner or spa credit. Booking with the best tour operator in Dubai helps because they know which resorts are good for couples and which ones actually give honeymoon benefits. Always take the itinerary in writing and check what is included and what you have to pay in resort.
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At the end of the day, no need to do every activity in the list. Choose 2 or 3 experiences that both of you really want, plan them properly and keep some free time also to just relax in the villa and enjoy the place together.