Our Honeymoon in the Maldives
Our honeymoon to the Maldives was everything I had ever dreamed of and everything my clients dream of when I curate their trips. It truly felt like we were living inside a postcard.
We were incredibly lucky to experience two beautiful resorts during our stay: Gili Lankanfushi and Heritance Aarah. Experiencing both gave us a deeper appreciation for just how diverse a Maldives holiday can be.
It’s actually quite difficult to compare them side by side because each offered something so unique.
At Heritance Aarah, we arrived via plane and stayed in an overwater villa with our own private pool. The resort operates on an all inclusive basis, making it wonderfully easy to relax into the rhythm of island life.
At Gili Lankanfushi, the experience felt completely different in the best possible way. We arrived by private speedboat and stayed in a villa that was only accessible by boat - no footpaths, just ocean all around. The resort operates on a half board basis, and every meal was enjoyed à la carte, which made dining feel like a special occasion every evening.
Both resorts were incredible in their own way, and experiencing the contrast between them helped me better understand the different styles of luxury available to clients visiting the Maldives.
Tips from Our Maldives Honeymoon
After experiencing it first hand, here are a few things I would recommend for anyone planning their own Maldives escape.
Arrive during daylight
While catching a speedboat transfer at night was exciting, arriving during the day would have made the journey even more magical. Seeing the crystal clear water and the islands for the first time in daylight is unforgettable. Next time, I would plan a night in Singapore so we could catch a morning flight and arrive in the Maldives around lunchtime.
Book a window seat (or have me do it for you!)
Seeing the Maldives from the air for the first time is something you will never forget. The tiny islands scattered across turquoise water look exactly like the photos, if not better!
Pack a scent
Bring or buy a special fragrance that reminds you of the Maldives. My bridesmaids gifted me a beautiful perfume for my wedding, and it became my scent for the entire trip. Now every time I smell it, I’m instantly transported back to those warm island evenings.
Overpack
Yes, you read that right. This is the one holiday where overpacking is completely justified. Embrace your inner White Lotus and lean into resort style dressing - it’s your honeymoon, and every dinner deserves its own outfit.
Leave your shoes at home
We fully embraced the Maldives philosophy of “no shoes, no news.” Many resorts encourage guests to disconnect, slow down and walk barefoot throughout the island. It’s incredibly freeing. That said, not every resort follows the same ethos, so it’s always worth chatting with me about which properties offer that true barefoot luxury experience.
Join the Kindle wave
I never thought I’d say it, but I’m officially converted. I read two books during our trip and loved how easy it was to download a third. As a Mum and small business owner, reading three books on a holiday felt like a luxury I didn’t expect to experience for years.
The Most Important Takeaway
The Maldives may look similar in photos, but every resort offers a completely different experience: from accessibility and dining options to the overall philosophy of the island.
You might want the flexibility to dine somewhere different every night. Or perhaps the idea of barefoot luxury and total disconnection is exactly what you’re seeking.
Whatever your version of luxury looks like, working with someone who truly knows the Maldives makes all the difference. From choosing the right island to planning the best arrival experience, I’m here to help you find the resort that feels like your perfect postcard.
And as for us?
We’re already dreaming about going back.