The Maldives: a perfect place to elope

Navigating border closures, frustrations and disappointments, couples attempting to plan a wedding have not had an easy ride these past two years. Tired of endless reschedules and risk anxiety, many couples are now making the call to ditch the big wedding and double down on an epic honeymoon instead. Whether it’s a small ceremony before hitting the airport, or a spontaneous holiday that ends in the exchange of vows, for those starved of fun and adventure or couples seeking a tranquil reset, eloping has emerged as an attractive way to celebrate and cement a relationship.

Catering to our newfound appreciation of fresh, clean air and providing a way to truly splash out on some long-awaited luxuries, the Maldives are ready and waiting for honeymooners to jump on this season’s hottest trend.

Following so many cancelled holidays, the anticipation of a life-changing trip has been bubbling away in many people, giving all who love to travel some seriously itchy feet. Now the floodgates are open and the trend toward a full luxury honeymoon experience shows that nobody is willing to take their holiday for granted again, ever. Honeymooning couples are choosing to stay away for longer, splashing out on extravagant accommodation, and seeking the most unique and Instagrammable adventures. On this type of luxury - the Maldives always delivers.

In this dream Arabian archipelago, sunset cruises can transport honeymooners to remote stretches of bleach-white sand where tables magically appear, and fresh seafood is served by candle-light and barefoot waiters. Schedules melt away with the sun that drifts across the cloudless sky to the rhythm of lapping waves. Watching all this - cocktail in hand - lounging back on a freshly made daybed in an over-water bungalow is exactly the honeymoon experience many couples are dreaming of, so why not skip the wedding and just jump straight to the fun part.

The Maldives isn’t just about relaxation though. With overseas trips for pleasure being few and far between of late, many couples are taking the opportunity to dust off bucket lists, planning new and exciting experiences together. Spontaneity is key, and replacing the daily grind back home with a last-minute holiday - that leads to a sudden emersion into a world of tropical creatures and coral gardens - is a delightful way to bring back some of the wanderlust we’ve all been missing lately. From laid-back snorkelling to diving expeditions or even underwater scootering, couples can pick and choose the adventure that suits best, no need for extensive planning.

Vast, warm lagoons with pleasant tropical breezes invite windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding adventures, while new ocean shores, secret nooks and isolated sandbanks can be explored by boat – all wonderful activities to make the honeymoon memorable.

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned to appreciate lately, it’s fresh, clean air, and just how good it feels to be surrounded by nature. Born from necessity but showing no signs of slowing down, the trend toward being outdoors and living a healthy, beautiful life naturally narrows down the choice of honeymoon destination for many couples. In regular life, as gyms and indoor activities become less appealing, swimming, hiking, watersports and outdoor adventures have surged in popularity, bringing a daily joy to couples that simply can’t be lost while travelling. How can a stuffy hotel compare when honeymooners in the Maldives can wake to see friendly dolphins frolicking meters away, dine in one of many underwater restaurants, then watch the moon dance over the famous luminescent sea of stars on a midnight cruise?

Providing ultimate immersion into the natural world, couples can even camp overnight on an isolated sandbank, or take a helicopter ride across the vast archipelago expanse, experiencing together just how tremendous and boundless the world is around them.

Aiming to leave a busy and stressful world behind for a while, many couples seeking rejuvenation are also taking the opportunity to turn their secret honeymoon into a full digital detox and wellness retreat. The need to be ‘always on’ is undeniably exhausting and escape is sometimes the only option. With massages, spas, yoga and fresh tropical food all on offer, the Maldives caters perfectly to the body and soul.

Taking the time to truly refresh, renew, and celebrate relationships without any distractions, off-grid experiences are having a huge revival. Surrounded by boundless, open spaces, thoughts become as crystal clear as the lapping water, while diving into its warm glow can wash away past difficulties and frustrations. Without devices, distractions or obligations, the Maldives can provide the perfect antidote to the unavoidable chaos of home, generating a dreamy intimate honeymoon, and phenomenal memories to cherish together. 

If you are thinking of your own wedding and/or honeymoon getaway, contact one of our specialists who would be more than happy to assist.