There’s something almost surreal about the Maldives. You know those desktop wallpapers that look too perfect to be real? Well, that’s basically what you’re looking at when you wake up in one of these resorts. Crystal-clear water, blindingly white sand, and not much else for miles. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever thought a city break was romantic. The Maldives resorts are absolutely stunning.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching (and, admittedly, daydreaming about) the best spots for couples in the Maldives, and honestly, choosing between them feels a bit like picking your favourite chocolate from an expensive box. They’re all good. But some are definitely better suited to romance than others.

Soneva Jani

This place is ridiculous, in the best possible way. The overwater villas have retractable roofs so you can stargaze from bed. I mean, who even thinks of that? The whole resort sits in a lagoon that’s so blue it looks artificial. Actually, the first time I saw photos, I thought they’d been heavily edited.

What really sets it apart, though, is the privacy. Each villa has its own stretch of deck and pool, and they’re spaced far enough apart that you genuinely forget other people exist. The staff somehow manage to be invisible until the exact moment you need something. It’s expensive, yes. Eye-wateringly so. But if you’re after complete escapism, this is it. They’ve got this outdoor cinema called Cinema Paradiso where you watch films while lying on the beach. Sounds gimmicky, I know, but there’s something properly magical about watching a film under the stars with your feet in the sand.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The underwater restaurant here gets all the attention, and fair enough, eating dinner while manta rays glide overhead is pretty special. But I think people overlook how good the rest of the resort is. It’s spread across two islands connected by a bridge, which gives you options. One side is lively (relatively speaking), the other is quieter.

The spa is exceptional. I’m not usually one for spa treatments, find them a bit awkward if I’m honest, but the couples’ treatments here are worth it. They do this thing where you have treatments in a glass-floored pavilion over the water. You can watch fish swimming beneath you while getting a massage. Strange, but oddly relaxing! What I particularly like is that it doesn’t feel too… precious? Some luxury resorts make you feel like you need to whisper all the time. This one’s more relaxed. You can actually laugh at dinner without feeling like you’re disturbing anyone.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

This one’s in the Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Between June and November, you can snorkel with manta rays right off the resort. The marine biologist on staff (yes, they have their own marine biologist) takes small groups out, and seeing these massive creatures up close is… well, I don’t really have words for it.

The resort itself is huge, which could be a downside, but it means there’s always a quiet spot when you want one. The beach villas are actually better than the overwater ones here, in my opinion. More space, more privacy, and your own proper stretch of beach. They do this thing called a “sandbank breakfast” where they take you to a tiny island that’s literally just sand, set up a table, and serve you breakfast. Bit over the top? Perhaps. But it’s the kind of memory that sticks with you.

COMO Maalifushi

This is the understated option. While other resorts are trying to outdo each other with increasingly elaborate features, COMO just does everything really, really well. The design is minimalist but warm, lots of natural materials and clean lines without feeling cold. The food here is notably good. I think sometimes these ultra-luxury places assume you don’t actually care what you’re eating as long as it’s presented beautifully. COMO has proper chefs doing interesting things. The Japanese restaurant is particularly good, though eating sushi on a tropical island feels slightly odd at first.

What couples seem to love most is the yoga pavilion. Even if you’re not into yoga (I’m definitely not), doing a session at sunrise when the water’s completely still and the light’s all golden… it’s worth getting up early for. Once, anyway.

Gili Lankanfushi

No news here, they say, and they mean it. This place is about as low-key as luxury gets. No shoes required anywhere on the island. The villas are made from sustainable materials and somehow manage to be both rustic and luxurious.

The thing that really stands out is the service. Each villa has a “Mr Friday” (yes, like Robinson Crusoe) who’s basically your personal butler but more like a friend who happens to know everything about the island. Mine remembered that I’d mentioned liking a particular wine at dinner and had it waiting in the villa the next evening. Small touch, but it’s those things that matter. The overwater villas here are massive. The smallest is bigger than most London flats. You could honestly spend three days without leaving your villa and not get bored. Though that would be a waste, obviously.

A Few Practical Thoughts…

Look, any of these resorts will give you an incredible experience. The differences are really about what kind of couple you are. If you want activities and options, go for the Four Seasons or Conrad. If you want to disappear from the world, Soneva Jani or Gili Lankanfushi are your best bets. The weather’s pretty consistent year-round, though May to October can be wetter. I say “wetter” but it’s usually just short, dramatic downpours that actually quite atmospheric. Prices drop significantly during this period, sometimes by half.

One thing nobody tells you: the transfer from Male airport can be long. Some resorts are a 45-minute seaplane ride away. It’s scenic, sure, but after a long flight, you might want to pick somewhere closer. Or just embrace it as part of the adventure. Also, and this might sound obvious, but check what’s included. Some resorts include everything down to premium spirits and excursions. Others charge for literally everything. That “cheaper” room rate can end up costing more if you’re paying $30 for a cocktail.

The Maldives isn’t subtle. It’s not culturally enriching. You won’t come back with stories about hidden temples or authentic street food. What you will get is probably the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see, service that borders on telepathic, and the kind of relaxation that only comes from being completely cut off from normal life.

Is it worth the money? I suppose that depends on your priorities. But if you’re looking for pure, unapologetic luxury and romance, I haven’t found anywhere that does it better. Just don’t look at your bank balance for a few months afterwards.