As one of South Asia’s last remaining paradises, the Maldivian archipelago is a dream destination for couples the world over. From exploring the country’s unique geography to indulging in a spa retreat, here are 6 activities that couples and honeymooners must enjoy during a trip to the archipelago.
1. Set Out on a Sunset Cruise
Often regarded among the most romantic things couples can do during a trip to the Maldives, sunset cruises are accessible via local resorts and private tour operators. Setting out in the early afternoon, sunset cruises are conducted on traditional dhonis or luxury yachts and also include onboard refreshments depending on the tour package. Offering couples a breathtaking view of the sunset from the heart of the Indian Ocean, these cruises can be a magical experience for those who wish to sail into the sunset instead of witnessing it from the shore.
2. Sign Up for a Spa Day
As a popular spa retreat destination in Asia, the Maldives also offers couples the chance to pamper themselves and relax with a host of healing and beautifying treatments. Whether you’re based at Crossroads Maldives or another resort, the best Maldives lifestyle destination hubs all boast top-notch spa sanctuaries that have special therapeutic packages specifically designed for couples. Housing healing centres that specialise in Swedish, Ayurvedic, Balinese and Thai treatments and massages, the Maldives is a destination where couples can have their pick of facials, body wraps and cleansing rituals.
3. Enjoy a Sandbank Picnic
Duos with a penchant for outdoor dining and intimate brunch dates must also indulge in a sandbank picnic during a getaway in the Maldives. These private, secluded and sandy oases cut off from the resort islands are the perfect locations to spend quality time together while sipping champagne and digging into canapes.
4. Go Island Hopping
Honeymooners and couples with a passion for outbound adventures and sailing will hardly find a more romantic excursion option than the archipelago’s island-hopping tours. Cruising from one uninhabited island to another, island hopping expeditions can also include a wide variety of recreational activities, including kayaking and snorkelling sessions. The duration of an island-hopping tour is also dependent on a couple’s budget and preferences, as they can be as brief or as immersive as they desire.
5. Dine Underwater
Home to not one but a handful of underwater dining hotspots, the Maldives has its own ideas when it comes to out-of-this-world dinner date settings. Allowing couples the chance to wine and dine in a submerged space deep below the surface of the ocean, the country’s top underwater restaurants all feature floor-to-ceiling windows so diners can watch marine life swim past as they enjoy the culinary treats on their table.
6. Whale and Dolphin Watching Safaris
Although whale and dolphin watching safaris are only accessible during the peak travel season from December to March, they remain a must-experience highlight for couples with a love of these majestic creatures. Bringing visitors face to face with the world’s largest mammal and schools of friendly dolphins, whale-watching tours offer couples the chance to create once-in-a-lifetime memories together.
