Much like the celebrities who escape to isolated islands to evade the stress and drama of the real world, many newlywed couples search for the perfect secluded honeymoon destination so they can unwind in luxury with their new husband or wife.
There are many idyllic hotspots for this type of holiday but the stunning coral islands of the Maldives have always been a popular choice. Blessed with white sandy beaches, waters as bright as the dazzling blue skies, stunning sunsets and the most exquisite hotels, there’s no better place for honeymoon romance. We were invited to the luxurious Banyan Tree Vabbinfrau to see for ourselves how dreamy the Maldives really is.
Honeymoon fantasies are entirely fulfilled when you stay at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfrau. Only a 20-minute speedboat ride from the island’s capital Malé, the hotel is in an idyllic location surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters, soft white sand, indigenous blooms and swaying coconut trees. As soon as you set foot on the island you know you’ll find it very hard to leave. Guests are first greeted by the sound of drums and friendly staff serving delicious cocktails before being lead along the sandy paths of the resort to their villa.
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All of the resort's spacious accommodations have stylish interiors featuring a private outdoor pool with adjoining jet pool and sundeck. Waking up in your king-sized signature teakwood four-poster bed with the ocean view ahead of you, you’ll feel more than smug at the thought of your friends, family and work colleagues back at home.
It would be very easy to spend your whole honeymoon locked away in your sumptuous villa but everyone is soon persuaded to leave by the lure of the indulgent spa, the variety of activities available and the incredible dining opportunities.
The hotel spa is simply sensational. There's a divine range of spa treatments based on traditional Asian healing philosophies which are carried out using a nourishing and soothing balm of locally grown coconuts. A dedicated therapist will knead you into relaxation with the lightest of intuitive touches while you relax in the breeze from the glowing Indian Ocean. The combination of beautiful facilities, wonderful therapists and unique treatments promises to leave you feeling fully restored.
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The resort boasts one of the best reefs in the Maldives so snorkelling is an absolute must. There’s an abundance of vibrant marine life in the waters surrounding the island. Take advantage of the hotel guides who will take you on a private tour, where you can admire the vast coral reefs teeming with exotic sea creatures including reef sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Visit the marine lab to find out about the sea around you. The first of its kind to be funded and built on a private resort, the lab invites guests to get involved in coral planting, reef cleaning and turtle care, under careful supervision from staff. The lab is equipped to conduct research in coral biology and ecology as well as green sea turtle conservation.
For adrenalin-seeking couples, there are a wide array of exciting water sports activities from wakeboarding and water-skiing to catamaran sailing. With the wind in your sails, take a guided catamaran excursion for an exhilarating sandbank tour or a sunset sail, or even take on the challenge yourself after a private lesson with the instructors.
The hotel offers offer a wide variety of dining options, depending on your mood and cravings. Ilaafathi, the main restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, is set amongst tropical trees on the white sandy beach. You can enjoy a wide array of freshly prepared breakfast items and delicious set dinners, to give you the real island dining experience.
Before dinner head to the open-air Naiboli Bar for a refreshing cocktail. Set on the sandy beachfront, you can enjoy the ocean breeze, sea and surf in a setting reflecting the best of Maldivian charm. On Fridays, watch the mesmerising Bodu Beru performance, a drumming music performance showcased by lively musicians in ethnic costume.
For honeymooners who want to be alone there’s 'Destination Dining'. You can have a romantic dinner under the stars with sand under your feet, or choose the Sharkpoint dining option on the beachfront with a specially prepared menu that includes Maldivian lobster, scallops and decadent desserts. If that’s not far enough away from everyone else, seek even more splendid isolation and take a speedboat to a deserted sandbank for dinner.
Room service is taken to a whole new level with the 'In Villa Dining'. It's a unique dining experience in the privacy of your own villa gardens with a private chef and waiter. Whether you are looking for a candlelit barbecue dinner or a gourmet meal with the freshest ingredients, it is up to you.
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There's no better place for honeymoon romance than the Maldives. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru takes you and your loved one away from the stress of the world for a real sense of peace and togetherness. It'll be a great start to your new lives together as a married couple.
For more information or to book your romantic getaway, click here banyantree.com/en/maldives/vabbinfaru
