Planning Your Dream Maldives Honeymoon: Costs, Packing List & Resorts
Sep 04,2025 | Milo
Table of contents
Where is the Maldives (Location, Time & Currency)
How Much Does a Maldives Honeymoon Cost
What to Pack for a Perfect Maldives Honeymoon
Best Resorts in the Maldives for Honeymoon
FAQs about the Maldives Travel
The Maldives has become one of the most dreamed-about destinations in the world, known for its turquoise waters, luxurious overwater villas, and unmatched honeymoon experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a solo retreat, a Maldives vacation offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the Maldives’ location, time zone, and currency, how much your vacation may cost, top resorts for honeymooners, essential travel tips, and how to stay connected with a Maldives eSIM.
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Where is the Maldives (Location, Time & Currency)
The Maldives is a breathtaking tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, about 700 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is made up of around 1,200 small coral islands organized into 26 natural atolls, each offering stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The islands are spread across roughly 90,000 square kilometers, making the Maldives one of the most dispersed countries in the world. Popular islands for tourists include Malé, Ayada, Velavaru, and Hideaway, where resorts and activities are concentrated.
Maldives Time Zone
The Maldives follows Maldives Time (MVT), UTC+5. This means it is five hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. Many travelers often ask, “What time is it in the Maldives?” Knowing the time zone is useful when booking flights, coordinating with tour operators, or staying in touch with family and friends back home. Keep in mind that there is no daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent year-round.
Currency for the Maldives
The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Banknotes come in denominations from 5 to 500 Rufiyaa (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500), and coins from 1 to 50 (1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50) Laari, as well as 1 rufiyaa, 2 rufiyaa. While local transactions are usually in MVR, US dollars are widely accepted in resorts, restaurants, and many tourist areas. Credit cards are also commonly accepted. Exchanging currency at banks or authorized exchange centers in Malé is straightforward, ensuring you can easily pay for accommodation, activities, dining, and local transportation.
How Much Does a Maldives Honeymoon Cost
A honeymoon in the Maldives is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with crystal-clear lagoons, overwater villas, and private white-sand beaches. While it’s known as a luxury destination, there are options for couples with different budgets. Here’s an overview of honeymoon costs to help you plan the perfect romantic escape.
Couples on a budget can enjoy boutique guesthouses for $80–$150 per night, while mid-range travelers may opt for private beachfront villas at $300–$700. For the ultimate romantic escape, overwater villas offer unparalleled privacy and breathtaking ocean views for $800–$3,000+ per night. Flights vary by origin, with return tickets from Southeast Asia or the Middle East starting around $300, and from Europe or North America around $600–$1,200. Many honeymooners splurge on premium or business-class tickets for added comfort.
Once in the Maldives, transfers and activities add to the experience. Local ferries are budget-friendly, while speedboats cost $50–$200 per person, and scenic seaplanes—perfect for honeymoon photos—range from $300–$500 per person one-way. Dining options include local restaurants for $5–$20 per meal, resort dining packages, and romantic private beach dinners costing $100–$300 per person. Popular excursions such as snorkeling, diving, island hopping, private yacht cruises, spa treatments, and candlelit dinners on secluded sandbanks typically range from $200–$600+, offering couples a perfect blend of adventure and romance.
What to Pack for a Perfect Maldives Honeymoon
Planning a honeymoon in the Maldives is all about balancing comfort, romance, and adventure. Packing the right items ensures you can enjoy sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and private romantic moments without any stress. Use this detailed packing list as a guide for your dream honeymoon.
Clothing & Accessories
Light, breathable clothing is a must for the tropical climate. Swimsuits and bikinis are essential for beach and pool days, while lightweight dresses, linen shirts, and shorts keep you comfortable during daytime excursions. For romantic dinners or resort events, bring elegant evening wear. Cover-ups and sarongs are perfect for walking around local islands or relaxing on the beach.
Sun protection is equally important—pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen to shield your skin from strong tropical rays. Comfortable footwear like water shoes or flip-flops is ideal for beaches, coral reefs, and resort pathways, while a light jacket or shawl comes in handy during breezy sunset cruises.
Beach & Water Essentials
The Maldives is famous for snorkeling, diving, and other water adventures. While many resorts provide equipment, bringing your own snorkel mask and fins ensures a perfect fit. Waterproof bags and pouches keep valuables safe during water activities, and an underwater camera or GoPro lets you capture stunning underwater scenes and romantic moments together.
Other Accessories
Staying connected is easy with a Maldives eSIM, such as ByteSIM, which allows instant activation without swapping physical SIM cards. Don’t forget your smartphone, charger, and a portable power bank for long days on the beach or boat trips. Bring standard toiletries—like toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and skincare—and a small first aid kit with pain relievers or seasickness tablets. Some local islands may have insects, so a small bottle of bug repellent can be useful.
To enhance your honeymoon experience, consider packing a few romantic extras. A portable speaker for background music, a travel journal to record memories, scented candles, or matching swimwear can make your honeymoon even more memorable.
Best Resorts in the Maldives for Honeymoon
Soneva Jani (Noonu Atoll)
A favorite among honeymooners, Soneva Jani offers dramatic overwater villas with retractable ceilings, slides into the lagoon, private freshwater pools, and outdoor sunken baths. Personalized touchpoints like butler service (Barefoot Guardian), stargazing observatory, and sunset dolphin cruises create an unforgettable romantic escape. Its “Honeymoon and Anniversary Offer” adds special perks, making Soneva Jani a dreamy choice.
Baros Maldives (North Malé Atoll)
Baros Maldives is a luxury resort renowned for its romantic atmosphere and exceptional service, just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé. Couples can enjoy private sandbank picnics, candlelit beach dinners, and villas adorned with romantic touches like sparkling wine, chocolates, and special décor. Its intimate ambiance and award-winning hospitality have earned it the reputation of being one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives — perfect for honeymooners seeking privacy and elegance.
Hurawalhi Maldives (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Hurawalhi Maldives offers a sophisticated, adults-only escape featuring the iconic 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass underwater dining venue. The resort focuses on sustainability with solar power initiatives, desalination plants, and coral reef protection programs. Surrounded by abundant marine life, including manta rays and dolphins, Hurawalhi combines eco-luxury with extraordinary experiences for couples wanting a unique and environmentally conscious honeymoon.
Milaidhoo Island Resort (Baa Atoll)
Milaidhoo is a boutique resort set in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, offering a serene and ultra-private setting for honeymooners. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, embark on manta ray snorkeling excursions, or enjoy a romantic dinner aboard a traditional Maldivian boat. Unique offerings, such as personalized star-naming ceremonies, create magical memories that make Milaidhoo an exceptional choice for couples seeking meaningful luxury in the Maldives.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa (North Malé Atoll)
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is a charming adults-only escape that balances affordability and romance. Guests can choose from stylish overwater or beachfront villas, enjoy all-inclusive dining with a variety of international cuisines, and take advantage of complimentary water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. With options for private candlelit dinners, spa treatments, and sunset cruises, this resort delivers a serene, intimate atmosphere without breaking the bank — ideal for couples looking for a dreamy getaway on a budget.
Internet in the Maldives
Reliable internet access is essential when traveling in the Maldives, especially if you’re exploring multiple islands or want to stay connected with loved ones. While many resorts provide Wi-Fi, the coverage can be limited to common areas and may not be as fast as you need. This is where the ByteSIM Maldives eSIM becomes the perfect solution for travelers.
ByteSIM Maldives eSIM addresses these issues with instant email delivery, straightforward QR-code setup, and no identity verification. As a true local eSIM with a Maldives IP (number-inclusive one), it offers faster speeds and lower latency than roaming options, keeping you seamlessly connected for navigation, sharing honeymoon memories, or streaming in your overwater villa.
ByteSIM provides two eSIM options to suit every traveler: a Number-Inclusive Maldives eSIM with local calls, SMS, and data—ideal for business travelers, families, and anyone needing a local phone number—and a Data-Only Maldives eSIM with flexible daily, total, or unlimited plans for messaging and social media use.
Both ByteSIM Maldives eSIMs use the Dhiraagu network, recognized by Opensignal® as the fastest 5G mobile network in the Maldives for Q4 2024, ensuring strong and stable coverage in major islands such as Malé, Ayada, Velavaru, and Hideaway. Whether you’re navigating around Malé, relaxing at your resort, or sharing photos of your overwater villa, you’ll always stay connected.
FAQs about the Maldives Honeymoon Travel
Is the Maldives good for a honeymoon?
The Maldives is famous for its pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and rich marine ecosystems, making it an ideal honeymoon destination. Couples can unwind along the turquoise waters, or explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling and diving, with countless experiences to create lasting memories.
How much does a vacation in the Maldives cost?
Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $50–$100 per day on food, tours, and activities in the Maldives. Local meals typically cost between $5 and $30, while excursions such as snorkeling or island-hopping trips range from $40 to $150. Daily activities and other experiences can bring the total to around $100 per day.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Maldives?
No prior visa application is required for most travelers. The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa on arrival for all nationalities. Make sure you have a valid passport, return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Extensions are possible if needed.
What time is it in the Maldives now?
The Maldives operates on Maldives Time (MVT), UTC+5. There’s no daylight saving time, so it’s always five hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.
What is the best resort in the Maldives?
Luxury favorites include Soneva Jani for iconic overwater villas, Baros Maldives for romance near Malé, and Hurawalhi Maldives for its underwater dining. Budget travelers love Centara Ras Fushi for affordable all-inclusive stays.
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