The Maldives, renowned for its tranquil beaches, inviting pools, and overwater villas, offers a plethora of activities designed to cater to the tastes and preferences of its visitors. From high-energy ventures to more serene endeavors, the Maldives ensures that there is no question of boredom. Engage in a host of water-based and land-based activities and craft your unique adventure.
Water-based activities, the crown jewels of the Maldives, offer a wide array of pursuits that include the illustrious big four: snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and surfing, supplemented by a variety of watersports offered by the resorts. Snorkeling, a guest favorite, enables guests to explore the rich marine life that adorns the reef's edge. Visitors are also treated to snorkeling excursions with marine biologists, nocturnal snorkeling to witness the magic of bioluminescence, and trips to the best snorkeling sites, including Hanifaru Bay, famous for its high concentration of manta rays.
Scuba diving, another well-loved activity, affords extraordinary experiences facilitated by resort dive centers catering to all skill levels. With daily diving excursions and a variety of certification classes, visitors can effortlessly hone their diving skills while seeing beautiful coral and aquatic life.
The Maldivian waters also provide ample opportunities for fishing, from deep-sea adventures yielding impressive catches to the traditional Maldivian handline fishing method, offering a taste of local tradition.
Surf enthusiasts can find their nirvana in the Maldivian waves. With surf breaks accommodating various skill levels, surfing promises a thrilling escapade. For more details, check out our recent surfing story.
Other watersports include jet skis, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, banana rides, and windsurfing. Indulge in boat excursions, sunset cruises to observe dolphins, and the exquisite experience of a private picnic on a deserted island, offering the ultimate retreat.
On land, the Maldivian adventure continues. Explore Maldivian culture and customs through local village tours. Immerse yourself in resort activities by visiting fully equipped gyms with professional trainers, exploring walking and jogging paths, and bicycling around the island. Tennis and Pickleball are also common on many resort islands and can be a fun way to start out the day.
Culinary enthusiasts can partake in cooking demonstrations and classes, spanning cuisines from Italian and Thai to Maldivian and Japanese. Complement this with cocktail making classes or wine tastings guided by expert sommeliers and dinners with vintners from around the world.
Revitalize yourself at some of the world's finest spas. Experience an array of treatments and facilities, such as a variety of yoga and meditation classes.
Educate yourself about the underwater life of the Maldives at a resort marine biology lab, with marine biologists on staff ready to impart their knowledge.
Having been a guest of the Maldives over 30 times, I can affirm its rich tapestry of activities, making it not only a destination to unwind but also a haven to broaden your experiences. It remains an ideal spot for disconnecting from the chaos of daily life and recharging your batteries, promising a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.
Ah, the Seychelles - a dazzling constellation of over 100 islands nestled south of the equator, lounging approximately 1,000 miles off Africa's east coast in the Indian Ocean. These terrestrial gems come in two distinct flavors: Granite and Coral. The Granite islands, renowned for their breathtaking beauty, feature colossal boulders adorning immaculate shores. With verdant tropical foliage creating a striking juxtaposition against pristine beaches and cerulean waters, the Granite islands are truly a sight to behold.
The triumvirate of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue forms the epicenter of Seychellois life, where the majority of inhabitants reside and work. Mahé, the largest of the bunch, houses the vibrant capital, Victoria, the international airport, and the bulk of the population. The island is a treasure trove of experiences, from snorkeling and diving to hiking, shopping, or sunbathing on a secluded beach. Our favorite accommodations on Mahé include Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, Four Seasons Seychelles, Hilton Northolme, and Constance Ephelia.
Praslin, the second largest island, boasts awe-inspiring beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. As if that weren't enough, it also harbors the UNESCO World Heritage site, Valle De Mai—an ancient palm forest that shelters the alluring Coco de Mer coconut. A brief 15-minute flight suffices to traverse from Mahé to Praslin. For unparalleled luxury, consider Raffles Seychelles or Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island.
No discussion of Seychellois beaches would be complete without mentioning the pièce de résistance: Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue Island. This beach is the most photographed in the Seychelles, characterized by its massive granite boulders strewn across the shore. La Digue, accessible by a short boat ride from Praslin, offers day-trip opportunities or overnight stays. Our preferred resort on La Digue Island is the boutique Le Domaine De L’Orangeraie, while Six Senses Zil Pasyon on nearby Felicite Island enables effortless excursions to La Digue.
Several private islands have also welcomed the development of luxury resorts, providing ideal havens for relaxation, dining, privacy, and diving at some of the most secluded and opulent island retreats in the World. For the ultimate experience in seclusion and privacy, one can even arrange to rent an entire island. Island hopping is a popular pastime in the Seychelles, and convenient transportation between the islands makes it easy to savor multiple destinations during your stay.
As someone who has spent two decades crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences across the Indian Ocean and having had the privilege of staying in the most exquisite villas, I am pleased to present our curated list of the ultimate honeymoon villas.
While a spectacular villa is certainly a prerequisite for an unforgettable honeymoon, we believe that the overall experience is what truly sets these resorts apart. That's why we've selected only the most exceptional villas at resorts that offer everything from world-class wine cellars and Michelin-starred quality dining to impeccable service and a plethora of activities and excursions. Of course, each resort boasts romantic settings and experiences that are sure to leave you and your partner feeling utterly enchanted. Without further ado, here's the list!
This magnificent overwater villa features a retractable roof that opens with the push of a button, allowing you to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your bed. With its waterslide that leads straight into the lagoon, spacious swimming pool, ample deck space, and kitchenette stocked with delicious snacks, the Water Reserve at Soneva Jani offers an unforgettable experience. We're also smitten with the resort's overwater movie theater, observatory, and superb spa.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is among the finest resorts in the Maldives and indeed the world. With its breathtaking villas, exquisite architecture, lush gardens and beaches, exciting activities, and world-class service and cuisine, it's no wonder that it's a favorite among our guests. We are particularly taken with the Island Villas, which are located on a pristine beach and feature an excellent design. A capacious swimming pool, garden, and opulent bathroom make this the perfect romantic retreat.
Accessible only by boat, this freestanding overwater villa boasts a private swimming pool, its own beach deck, direct access to the ocean, a spa treatment room, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a luxurious bathroom. The Romantic Residence at Velaa Private Island is a rare and exclusive experience that you won't soon forget. The resort offers an impressive array of watersports toys, a multi-story wine tower, the Maldives' best chef (Gaushan De Silva), an overwater spa, and tables in the pool for enjoying cocktails at sunset.
With only 15 overwater villas, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island offers an extremely private all-inclusive experience where you can indulge in anything your heart desires. Whether it's a private picnic, intimate dinner setup, wine tasting, or snorkeling adventure, almost anything is possible. The villas feature access to a fantastic house reef for snorkeling, and we highly recommend experiencing the romantic underwater restaurant at neighboring Hurawalhi.
Also known as Villa 11, Villa North Island is a one-of-a-kind villa nestled among granite boulders at the end of the main beach. This extraordinary villa spans multiple levels and features wooden walkways leading down to the beach. The highlight of the villa is the marble bathtub for two with breathtaking ocean views. Exploring North Island and enjoying a private beach is a romantic dream! North Island is a perfect spot for seclusion and privacy.
The Pasyon Pool Villa at Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers a truly breathtaking experience with its spacious bedroom, swing in the bathroom, and deck featuring dining and sitting areas, a large swimming pool, and sweeping panoramic views of the stunning Indian Ocean. These villas are uniquely positioned to allow honeymooners to explore the surrounding granite boulders in complete privacy. We're particularly enamored with the resort's spa, which is one of our all-time favorites in the world. Moreover, we recommend taking easy day trips to nearby La Digue Island, which boasts one of the world's best beaches.
Located in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, Uga Ulagalla is in close proximity to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our favorite activity in the area is hiking up to Sigiriya, but there are plenty of other cultural treasures to discover, including a cave-temple complex, ancient cities, and the opportunity to engage with friendly locals. The resort's luxurious villas are exquisite, providing a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. We strongly recommend adding an extra day or two to your stay here as the villa and resort are so beautiful.
Did you know that you can enjoy a safari experience in the Indian Ocean? Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is home to the world's highest density of leopards, along with sloth bears, elephants, and many other fascinating species. Chena Huts, located on the park's border, offers the ideal location to experience this stunning wildlife. You might even spot an elephant strolling along the beach during check-in - as we did. Chena Huts features 14 luxurious villas complete with private pools and decks.
If you're looking for a way to break up the long flights getting to the Indian Ocean, stopping over in Dubai is an excellent option. And why not create the ultimate honeymoon combination by combining any of the aforementioned resorts with a stay at Burj Al Arab?
The Club One-Bedroom Suite at Burj Al Arab is an over-the-top and utterly unique accommodation that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Spread across two levels, this suite boasts a spacious bedroom and bathroom upstairs, as well as a separate study. Downstairs, you'll find a lavish living room, bar, and dining area, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Dubai's skyline. The resort's discreet butler service, room service, and daily romantic surprises make for an unforgettable experience. We also adore the stunning main pool area and exceptional restaurants. Burj Al Arab is a great spot to decompress for a few days after a long flight and a big wedding.
Adding a desert experience to your honeymoon can bring an exciting and diverse element to your trip, and Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to do so. The Liwa Desert, located in The Empty Quarter, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring desert landscapes in the world.
Situated amidst breathtaking sand dunes, Qasr Al Sarab offers a range of exhilarating activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, falconry, desert hikes, and archery, among others. These experiences add a fun-filled and uniquely beautiful romantic element to your desert getaway. The Royal Pavilion Villas, which are located over a quarter mile from the resort, are for adults only and provide the ultimate in Abu Dhabi luxury, with the privacy and intimacy of a remote desert location.
At Linara Travel, we have specially negotiated rates and amenities at all of the above properties. We are passionate about helping make your honeymoon an unforgettable dream come true!
If you are searching for the crème de la crème of overwater villas in the Maldives, look no further. After 20 years of luxury villa hopping in the Maldives, I have compiled a list of the 12 best overwater villas (and one underwater bedroom, just for fun!) that are sure to make you feel like royalty. I’ve picked villas from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms in size as some are designed for romantic getaways, while others are better for families and friends.
This 4,392 sq. ft. two-bedroom beauty is the epitome of serenity, with breathtaking sunset views that'll make you want to pinch yourself. From its central living room to its luxurious primary bedroom, this villa will make you feel like royalty. And let's not forget about the stunning deck with its very own swimming pool and direct access to the lagoon - a true tropical paradise.
Ready for a wild ride? This two-story overwater villa has a 75-foot water slide that'll take you from the upper level into the crystal-clear lagoon. And as if that wasn't enough, this villa comes in at over 4,500 sq. ft. and boasts a primary bedroom, a second bedroom and bathroom, a living room, and a deck with a pool. Talk about living life on the edge!
With only 15 villas on the private island, you can expect a truly secluded escape. And the 1-bedroom villa? A whopping 3,300 sq. ft. of pure luxury, complete with a spacious bedroom, a living room with a top-notch sound system, a beautiful bathroom, and a deck with a swimming pool. And the cherry on top? The villa's steps lead down to one of the best house reefs on the list.
Coming in at over 5,800 sq. ft., The Nautilus Retreat is a spacious two-bedroom overwater villa that's a circle of luxury. From the living room to the dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms, every room in this villa boasts a unique, curved design. And the best part? The Nautilus is in the Baa atoll, putting you just a stone's throw away from Hanifaru Bay, one of the best places to snorkel with manta rays.
This overwater villa is a game-changer, with its pool stretching from the deck to the living room. The living room alone boasts a bar, dining area, and sitting area. And let's not forget about the primary bedroom and bathroom with the best shower in the Maldives and a second bedroom with a stunning bathroom. And the outdoor multi-tiered deck? It has direct access to the lagoon, perfect for snorkeling.
This two-story, 3-bedroom overwater villa is a stunning 18,000 sq. ft. in size, offering a luxurious and spacious experience. The main level features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, dining area, and movie theater, while the upper level houses the primary bedroom and bathroom with breathtaking views. The living room opens to a large swimming pool with endless ocean views.
Stella Maris is a magnificent freestanding overwater villa located in the lagoon and accessible only by boat. The 1-bedroom villa is over 5,700 sq. ft. in size, featuring a gorgeous living room, dining area, spacious bedroom and bathroom, a fantastic deck with a pool and overwater hammocks, and an upstairs sitting area perfect for watching sunsets.
Step into style at the overwater villas of Cheval Blanc Randheli. These spacious 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas are the epitome of luxury and attention to detail. With a large living room, huge doors that open to the outside and into the bedroom, and a changing room accessible from the bedroom and bathroom, and a kitchen area, every detail has been thought out. And let's not forget about the huge bathtub in the bathroom and the large pool on the deck, which is a quarter the length of an Olympic-sized pool. If you're looking for the ultimate in stylish and sophisticated overwater villas, Cheval Blanc Randheli is the place to be.
Step into luxury at The Romantic Residence, a stunning freestanding overwater villa accessible by boat. The spacious 1-bedroom villa measures over 6,400 sq. ft. and features a 50 ft long pool, a private sand area on the deck, a gym, spa treatment room, jacuzzi bathtub, and living room. The exceptional service and cuisine at Velaa are sure to enhance a romantic getaway.
Discover the ultimate overwater villa experience at the Reserve Villas of Soneva Jani. The Reserve Villas are either 1 or 2-bedrooms between nearly 6,000 sq. ft. (1-bedroom) and 8,300 sq. ft (2-bedroom). These unique villas boast a retractable roof in the primary bedroom, a waterslide from the upper level into the lagoon, a large swimming pool, enormous deck area, living room, and kitchen. Soneva Jani is a popular choice for honeymoons and is known for its exceptional service and amenities. Soneva Fushi, the sister resort of Soneva Jani, also offers a few similar overwater Reserve villas for a similarly luxurious experience.
Discover more...at Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi
Experience pure barefoot luxury with a side of adventure at The Private Reserve, the largest freestanding overwater villa in the world, boasting 18,000 sq. ft of pure relaxed luxury. Arrive in style via a private yacht, attended by your personal butler, ready to fulfill your every desire. The villa features 4 spacious bedrooms, a shimmering swimming pool, fully equipped gym, spa treatment room, and a sprawling central living area complete with movie theater. But the fun doesn't stop there - dive into the crystal-clear waters with a thrilling water slide from the upper level into the lagoon. Enjoy the ultimate blend of privacy, impeccable service, and limitless space, perfect for a family gathering or a fun-filled trip with friends.
A one-of-a-kind experience not found anywhere else in the world. This luxurious villa, located on its own private jetty, boasts a unique blend of overwater and underwater living. The underwater level features a glass-encased bedroom, lounge, and bathroom that offer breathtaking views of the marine life passing by. The upper level, reachable via elevator or staircase, offers a spacious living and dining room, bar, two bedrooms, a pool, and gym. During my stay, I was in awe of the mesmerizing underwater environment and was able to see a variety of marine life including several species of reef shark. My stay at The Muraka was truly unforgettable and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provides the perfect base for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of snorkeling with whale sharks.