Maldives Honeymoon

Maldives Honeymoon Magic: My Stay at Kuramathi Island

If you are dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon where the only decisions you need to make are pool or beach, snorkel or sunset, then the Maldives should be at the very top of your list. In June 2024 I was lucky enough to spend time on Kuramathi Island, and it was everything you would hope a Maldivian escape to be: laid-back luxury, barefoot freedom and the constant sound of the ocean.

Getting to the Maldives

From the UK you can either fly direct to Malé or enjoy a short stopover in the Middle East, for example in Doha or Dubai. A stopover is a brilliant way to break up the journey and combine a few days of city shopping, dining and rooftop cocktails with a longer beach stay in the Maldives.

On this trip we headed straight to the Maldives. There is an online entry form to complete, but on arrival the process is very smooth: you collect your luggage and walk through to find the resort concierge team waiting. From there you are whisked away to your speedboat or seaplane transfer.

Do be prepared for a possible wait for your onward transfer. This is very normal and simply part of the logistics of moving guests between islands. At Malé airport there are paid lounges, plus a small area with a Burger King, café and Wi‑Fi, so you can relax and remind yourself that paradise is worth the wait.

The Journey to Kuramathi Island

Kuramathi is reached by speedboat, around 45 minutes from the terminal. The transfer feels like the holiday beginning, not just a means of getting there. As we cruised out through the harbour, across bright turquoise water and past tiny picture-perfect atolls, the stress of everyday life just fell away.

Our luggage was taken at the airport and we did not see it again until we arrived in our room, which really set the tone for the service. Stepping off the speedboat, we were greeted with cool scented towels and a welcome drink while the team handled check-in. Kuramathi is a fairly large island, divided into different areas, and from the start you are encouraged to wander and explore at your own pace.

Our Beachfront Honeymoon Bungalow

We stayed in a beachfront honeymoon bungalow, reached by golf buggy. It was exactly what you imagine when you picture a Maldivian escape: steps from the sand, the sound of the waves at night and a real sense of privacy.

The room had nightly turndown service, replenished toiletries and thoughtful touches that make a honeymoon feel special. Our room attendant created towel animals, arranged the bed beautifully and made sure everything felt welcoming whenever we came back from dinner or the beach.

Dining: All Inclusive, Done Properly

We chose the all-inclusive “dine around” package, which I would highly recommend. This included:

A designated buffet restaurant with live cooking stations

A wide choice of cocktails, wines, spirits, milkshakes, juices, tea and coffee

Access to several speciality restaurants

The buffet restaurant really stood out. The food quality was excellent, there was plenty of choice and, if there was something you fancied that you could not see, the chef was happy to prepare it. There is full waiter service for drinks, which gives the all-inclusive a more premium feel.

The team quickly got to know us. Whether we were by the pool or on the beach, staff would remember our usual drinks and bring them over. We also tried the Asian, steakhouse, Mediterranean and fusion-style restaurants, which gave us lots of variety across the week.

Pools, Wildlife and Island Vibes

There are several pool areas on the island, including an infinity-style pool where we spotted dolphins swimming past in the distance. Wildlife was a real highlight: huge fruit bats swooping across the evening sky, rays gliding through the shallows and an underwater world bursting with life.

Non-motorised water sports are included, so we made the most of the complimentary snorkelling. Just off the reef we saw blacktip reef sharks, rays and a turtle in their natural environment. There are also optional excursions such as sunset cruises, manta ray trips, canoeing, kayaking and jet skiing. We attended a talk about coral preservation and the work being done to protect the reefs, which I would highly recommend if you are interested in responsible travel.

Although Kuramathi is a good-sized island, it never felt crowded. You can call a buggy if you prefer, but we loved walking, especially out to the sandbank, which felt like standing on the edge of the world. As we travelled slightly out of peak season, we also watched a dramatic storm roll through, which was every bit as beautiful as the sunshine.

There is a spa and gym for those who like to keep active, and in the evenings you can choose between movie nights on the beach, DJs and music, or simply a quiet stroll along the shoreline after dinner, barefoot in the sand with the stars overhead.

Ready To Plan Your Own Maldives Honeymoon?

The Maldives is a truly special honeymoon destination, and each atoll and island has its own individual character and style. Whether you imagine an intimate hideaway, a livelier resort with lots going on, or something in between, there will be an island that is just right for you.

If you would like to start planning your Maldives honeymoon, or would simply like more information and guidance on Kuramathi or other Maldivian islands, reach out to me and I will help you design a tailor-made escape you will never forget.