Below are private‑island Maldives resorts especially well suited to couples and honeymooners — a mix of ultra‑luxury, adults‑only sanctuaries, romantic over‑water villas and private‑villa islands. I’ve included what makes each good for couples, how to get there (typical transfer), and an approximate price/experience tier. I cited reputable resort pages and Maldives travel sources for the most important details.

Top picks for couples

1. Velaa Private Island (Noonu Atoll) — ultra‑luxury, highly private

• Why couples: extremely luxurious villas (including private residences), dedicated romantic experiences (private dining, spa, water‑sports), exceptional service and seclusion.
• Transfer: seaplane (about 35–45 minutes from Malé depending on routing).
• Tier: top‑end / splurge. (sosomodapks.com)

2. Gili Lankanfushi (North Malé Atoll) — intimate overwater villas, “Mr./Ms. Friday” villa host

• Why couples: villa privacy, overwater decks and pools, rooftop terraces, personalized villa host service; great for honeymooners who want an informal, romantic vibe.
• Transfer: typically speedboat (25–30 minutes) or short seaplane depending on package.
• Tier: luxury. (gili-lankanfushi.maldivesreservation.com)

3. COMO Cocoa Island (South Malé Atoll) — small, serene, wellness focus

• Why couples: intimate island with dhoni‑shaped overwater villas, COMO Shambhala wellness spa, calm atmosphere ideal for relaxing couples and honeymoons.
• Transfer: speedboat from Malé (about 30–40 minutes).
• Tier: luxury / intimate. (cocoaislandmaldives.com)

4. The Nautilus (Baa Atoll) — ultra‑private, villa‑only and adults‑focused

• Why couples: all‑villa property with very few residences, emphasis on privacy, bespoke experiences and private dining; great for privacy‑seeking honeymooners.
• Transfer: seaplane (timing varies by atoll).
• Tier: ultra‑luxury, boutique. (en.wikipedia.org)

5. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island (Lhaviyani Atoll) — adults‑only, all‑inclusive modern luxury

• Why couples: adults‑only sanctuary, all‑inclusive “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” service, intimate villas and strong focus on romantic/quiet stays.
• Transfer: seaplane (time varies by atoll).
• Tier: ultra‑luxury, all‑inclusive. (sosomodapks.com)

6. Anantara Veli Maldives (South Malé Atoll) — adults‑only island resort

• Why couples: explicitly adults‑only, offers overwater villas, private plunge pools, sunset cruises, spa treatments and romance packages. Good value for couples seeking an adults‑only vibe without the absolute top‑end price.
• Transfer: speedboat (short transfer from Malé).
• Tier: luxury, adults‑only. (anantara.com)

7. Joali Maldives (Raa Atoll) — design‑led, private villas and high‑end dining/experiences

• Why couples: contemporary design, private pools, in‑villa dining, art and wellness offerings — excellent for couples wanting style plus privacy.
• Transfer: seaplane (timing depends on atoll).
• Tier: luxury/upper‑luxury. (Resort info widely published; check Joali site for latest villa types and packages.) (vanityfair.com)

8. Soneva Jani / Soneva Fushi — private residences, barefoot luxury

• Why couples: large private water residences (Soneva Jani) and jungle/beach villas (Soneva Fushi), focus on privacy, unique experiences (private cinemas, observatory, bespoke dining) and sustainability. Ideal for couples wanting relaxed, eco‑conscious luxury.
• Transfer: seaplane + speedboat depending on island.
• Tier: ultra‑luxury, experiential. (vanityfair.com)

9. Hurawalhi Island Resort — romantic overwater villas + 5.8 Undersea Restaurant

• Why couples: attractive overwater villas and the world‑famous 5.8 underwater restaurant (romantic fine dining), plus excursions like private sunset cruises and snorkeling.
• Transfer: seaplane (about 40 minutes).
• Tier: upscale luxury. (Check Hurawalhi site for current offerings.) (vanityfair.com)

10. OBLU SELECT Lobigili (adults‑only option/newer) — modern, adults‑only fun for couples

• Why couples: adults‑only concept with contemporary villas, all‑in options and social but romantic settings; good value for couples wanting activity plus evening entertainment.
• Transfer: speedboat (close to Malé).
• Tier: mid‑to‑luxury, value‑oriented adults‑only. (maldives-magazine.com)

Quick booking & planning tips for couples

• Transfers: most private‑island resorts require a seaplane or speedboat from Velana (Malé) International Airport; transfer cost and timing vary — confirm with the resort when booking. (gili-lankanfushi.maldivesreservation.com)
• Adults‑only vs couples‑friendly: some islands (Anantara Veli, Kudadoo, OBLU SELECT Lobigili) are adults‑only; many other resorts are couples‑friendly but accept families — check policies if you want complete adults‑only seclusion. (anantara.com)
• Romance add‑ons: look for private dining on the sand, sunset cruises, in‑villa spa treatments, and personalized butler/villa‑host services — these make a big difference for honeymooners. (Resorts list packages on their sites.) (cocoaislandmaldives.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to a top 3 based on budget (luxury, mid, splurge), or
• Check real‑time availability/pricing for specific dates and cottage types (I’ll search current rates and transfers), or
• Create a sample 5‑ or 7‑day honeymoon itinerary (arrival, villa recommendations, romantic experiences).

Which would you like next?