The Magical Maldives
The picture-perfect overwater villas jutting out over that turquoise water and the white sand? I always thought these photos must be filtered? Well the good news is that they look just as good in real life, it really is heaven on earth and one of the most beautiful places ever!
I’ve been lucky enough not just to visit Maldives but along with Thailand and Bali it’s the honeymoon destination I’ve booked the most in my career as a Travel Consultant.
Some travel agencies will only have a select number of properties they work with but here at Travel Counsellors we’re lucky to have priority access to the over 100+ resorts there so I can really match you with the perfect spot for a dreamy Maldives honeymoon (or holiday).
Huvafen Fushi was the first resort I ever stayed at. Having spent 5 days walking the beautiful Somerset countryside at Glastonbury Festival in England, I was excited to get there to relax and rest my weary legs. A tough life that year!
After our short speedboat transfer, we were lucky enough to be staying in a Sunset Deluxe Ocean Villa with a 3-tiered deck and private infinity pool with steps down to the crystal-clear reef where stingrays and other colourful friends swam around the lagoon. The underwater spa was divine. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience (or maybe twice or thrice?), honeymoon, special birthday and wedding anniversary heaven.
Since that first visit to the Maldives, two has became four - and on our recent anniversary trip in July 2025, we had our best holiday yet.
We spent 12 nights across three very different resorts, each with its own vibe and each one proving that the Maldives isn’t just for honeymoons or couples (though it’s still unbeatable for that too). Here's a short rundown of where we stayed:
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – A more traditional, laid-back island. We stayed in a Beach Villa which was incredibly spacious, though the resort is currently in the middle of a gradual renovation. The island is so beautiful, the snorkelling is excellent, and the staff - especially our butler Zaeen - were so kind and attentive. It's peaceful and quiet, perfect if you're looking to unwind. I'd call it a solid four-star experience for now, but one with five-star potential once the renovations are complete.
Siyam World – This wonderful island is a game-changer since it opened in 2021. It's full of energy, yet with peaceful romantic parts and is perfect for couples, families or friends looking for a fun, all-inclusive Maldives holiday with a twist. Our Lagoon Villa had a slide into the sea (which we looooved), the food was excellent, and there were so many things to do - from dolphin cruises to floating breakfasts to beach bars and adult-only areas for couples. You could easily spend two weeks here and never run out of things to enjoy.
Huvafen Fushi – The one that started it all for me, and it's still just WOW - a timeless Maldives classic. This time, we checked into a two-bedroom Ocean Pavilion and it was pure magic - private pool, with the sun shining on us all day, and ultra-personalised service. It’s a small island with just 44 villas, so it feels exclusive and romantic, perfect for honeymoons or a grown-up escape. I always recommend going half board - the à la carte dining is exceptional. For me, this is the quintessential luxury Maldives experience.
The cocktails and food are always fantastic in the Maldives and I’ve never received a single complaint about the resorts there.
Strolling along perfect beaches, snorkelling from the villa, sunbathing, reading, eating and drinking - you don't have to do much except make the most of relaxing of your own slice of paradise.
But if you’re adventure seekers you may think Maldives is not for you but I bet I can find a resort you’ll love! Water slides? Dolphin Spotting? Paragliding? Scuba diving? Underwater spas? Jet skiing?
The Maldives for me is the perfect romantic honeymoon destination but what a lot of people don't know is that it's actually a fantastic beach holiday for families and friends too with many resorts catering from different kinds of holidaymakers... paradise is for everyone!
I’m just back yet plotting my next visit...
Ready to start planning a trip to the Maldives?
