Ah, the Maldives – a place so idyllic it could make even the grumpiest crack a smile, and the most unromantic of people start swooning.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “The Maldives? Isn’t that just where the fancy lot go to throw around their cash?” This place (well, these places – there’s 1,190 islands here, if you wanna get technical) is more than just a postcard-perfect spot for the well-off. It’s a top-notch destination for couples for a reason, and here’s why.

Let’s get the fairly obvious out of the way, then. The Maldives are made for couples because they are ridiculously romantic, like sickeningly romantic. They are the cheesy rom-com of holiday destinations – the easy to reach for solution when you fancy some romance in your life, and you once you’re in you can’t get enough of ‘em.

Picture this: you and your other half, strolling hand in hand along a beach so white it makes a fresh dusting of snow look dirty. The water? Looks Photoshopped. And don’t get us started on those sunsets – proper knock-your-socks-off (or maybe something else 😉) stuff.

It won’t come as a shocker, then, that the Maldives is one of the top honeymoon destinations on the planet. Speaking of honeymoons, we’ve put a handy little guide together to help you plan just the right time to jet off into marital bliss because whilst you might be high on the first chapter of the rest of your lives, the Maldives weather might not always be on the same page.

Okay, so technically it’s not your own private island, but it’s as close as you’ll probably get to one unless you win the lottery. The way the islands of the Maldives are made up, in most cases one resort will stake claim to one island, which means – depending on the size of it – you’re likely to only be surrounded by a pretty small group of fellow resort guests.

Plus, there’s the whole island aspect, obvs. It really is just you, the white sand, and that blue, blue water – for most Maldives resorts you have to transfer from Malé , the capital, via seaplane or speedboat transfer. There’s no quick hop in a taxi down the road here. For proper privacy like this, you’ve gotta work a little for it first. Totally worth it.

Luxury in the Maldives is different. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about proper comfort. We’re talking overwater bungalows with direct access to the sea, private pools, and sometimes even your very own butler (yes, a butler). But it’s all done in a way that makes you feel relaxed, not out of place. You’ll be lounging in your flip-flops, cocktail in hand, thinking, “Oh yes, I could definitely get used to this.”

Despite its image as a splash the cash kinda place, the Maldives aren’t really all that ostentatious. But then, you don’t really have to work all that hard to impress when you’re – you know – the Maldives.

Because Maldives resorts basically all exist on their own perfect little island worlds, All Inclusive packages are pretty much the norm here. You can’t nip to the offy for a Fanta Limon, we’re afraid. But if there’s one thing about as romantic as a fungal toenail, it’s squabbling over where to eat, how much to spend, and what this means for the rest of the trip budget. All Inclusive means it’s all sorted, as easy as that. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and – most importantly – drinks.

You don’t have to go All Inclusive though, whilst some resorts only offer this option, many others give you the choice between Half Board and Full Board as well, so you can pick and choose as it suits you.

Plus, it’s not just about stuffing your face. Most resorts throw in a load of extras, like snorkelling trips, spa treatments, and sunset cruises.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

This vibrant adults-only playground is ‘for indulgence, connection and rejuvenation’. Accessed by speedboat, Centara Ras Fushi is idyllic AF and offers an intimate private villa experience, followed by culinary delights, perfect white sand beaches, and a lovely lagoon absolutely chocka with marine life.

Think resort-wide activities, beach games, snorkelling, water sports, and some of the top dive sites in the Maldives.

Anantara Veli Maldives

Fringed by a turquoise lagoon, at Anantara Veli Maldives you can loll around in your overwater bungalow, pufferfish and baby reef sharks beneath you. It’s perfect for a honeymoon, with its sneaky hideaway accommodations, dining under the stars and sunset cruises, as well as spa treatments for two.

The emphasis is on wellness here, with daily yoga and mediation, and even a dedicated wellness host. It’s just 30 mins by speedboat from Malé International Airport

OBLU SELECT Sangeli

In the North-Western tip of Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is chic, tropical, and set within postcard-perfect surroundings – palm trees, pristine beaches, and a lagoon bluer than Gatorade.

With a mix of villas and suites on offer, this is a family-friendly resort but comes with its own private, adults-only island – One Banyan.

We think the Maldives will have you made up – get started with some cheap flights