Honeymoon: 7-10 nights on 1 island
Duration : 10 days
Route : Malé flight → seaplane to resort (Anantara Veli, Conrad Rangali, Soneva Fushi) → 8-9 overwater nights → return flight
Custom travel to the Maldives
The Maldives is the world's most iconic archipelago for honeymoons — 1,200 coral islands across 26 atolls, scattered over 90,000 km² of Indian Ocean south of India. 99.7% of the territory is water, 0.3% tiny islands (average 1-2 km long, 1-2 m altitude). Overwater bungalows invented here in the 1990s, unreal turquoise lagoons, world-class diving (giant manta rays, whale sharks, coral gardens). Democratic Muslim country of 540,000 inhabitants, capital Malé on a 6-km² island. Each resort occupies its own private island — you take a seaplane or speed boat from Malé. Expensive destination but unmatched refinement for honeymoon or absolute relaxation.
Highlights
- Iconic overwater bungalows
- World-class diving: manta rays, whale sharks
- Baa Atoll and Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO biosphere)
- Seaplane: spectacular transfers
- Exceptional resorts (One&Only, Soneva, Cheval Blanc)
- Malé and Maldivian culture
Sample itineraries
Diving and manta rays: Baa Atoll
Duration : 10 days
Route : Malé flight → Baa Atoll resort (Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru) → 8-9 nights with 5-6 days diving → return flight
Family: 2 islands (couple + children)
Duration : 12 days
Route : Malé flight → resort 1 (Conrad Rangali or Anantara Dhigu, 5 nights family villas) → speed boat or seaplane → resort 2 (Soneva Fushi for children, 5 nights) → return flight
When to go
Dry season (December-April): ideal climate (28-30 °C), little rain, calm sea, optimal diving visibility. Wet season (May-November): frequent but short rain, prices reduced 30-50%. For Hanifaru Bay manta rays: June-November (monsoon season, peak August-October).
- Dry season (high) (December – April) — All resorts, optimal diving
- Manta season (June – November) — Hanifaru manta rays + whale sharks
- Peak prices (December – January (Christmas/New Year)) — Prefer February-April if possible
- Low season (May – July) — Tighter budget trip
Practical information
Very safe (isolated private resorts). Free 30-day visa on arrival. USD accepted everywhere in resorts. Strict Muslim country: alcohol only in resorts, modest dress in Malé. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Tipping 5-10% appreciated in resorts. Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory.
Frequently asked questions
When?
December-April (dry season). For manta rays: June-November (Hanifaru Bay).
How long?
7 nights minimum (10 nights ideal). 2-island combination possible (5+5).
Budget?
€4,200-€6,500 per person for 7-10 nights in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €8,500-€15,000. Exclusive: €18,000-€40,000. Flights: €800-€1,400.
Visa?
No, free 30-day visa on arrival.
Which resort?
By your profile — couple/honeymoon (Anantara Veli, Soneva), family (Conrad Rangali, Anantara Dhigu), diving (Six Senses Laamu), ultra-luxury (Cheval Blanc, One&Only). My expertise guides you.
Beach or overwater bungalow?
Overwater is the iconic experience but 50% more expensive. Beach villa gives direct sand access. Advice: 3-4 nights beach + 3-4 nights overwater.
Family?
Yes, from age 6 in family resorts (Conrad Rangali, Anantara Dhigu, Soneva Fushi). French-speaking kids clubs available. Some resorts are adults-only (Cheval Blanc).
Seaplane or speed boat?
Seaplane for remote atolls (Baa, Noonu) — spectacular scenic flight but expensive ($300-$500/person round-trip). Speed boat for resorts near Malé (15-30 min).
Combine?
Yes: Maldives + Sri Lanka (Malé-Colombo 1 h 30 flight), Maldives + South India (Malé-Cochin flight), Maldives + UAE (Dubai stopover).
Tips?
5-10% appreciated in resorts (often added as service charge). USD or EUR accepted.