Great — here are top private‑island / small‑island Maldivian resorts that are especially well suited for couples (honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic getaways). Each entry includes the vibe, a signature highlight, typical transfer, and a source you can check for details.

1. Gili Lankanfushi — intimate, barefoot‑luxury over‑water villas (Crusoe/Private Reserve), superb service and very romantic private‑dining options; short speedboat ride from Malé (≈20 min). (gili-lankanfushi.com)

2. COMO Cocoa Island — small, boutique island with 33 over‑water villas (dhoni‑shaped), strong wellness/COMO Shambhala spa, easy 40‑minute speedboat transfer — ideal for couples who want quiet and spa time. (comohotels.com)

3. Velaa Private Island — ultra‑luxury private island with extremely private residences (Romantic Pool Residence accessible only by boat), bespoke romance/wedding packages and world‑class facilities. (velaaprivateisland.com)

4. Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah — true exclusive‑use private island (book the whole island), perfect if you want total privacy and your own crew/yacht; located in Baa Atoll (seaplane access). (maldives.com)

5. Soneva Secret — Soneva’s very secluded micro‑resort (opened 2024), ultra‑private villas, strong sustainability focus and bespoke experiences — remote location reached by longer seaplane (≈70–75 min). (soneva.com)

6. The Nautilus — boutique private‑island feel with just 26 beach & ocean houses, very personalised butler service and flexible “unscripted dining” — great for couples wanting privacy without a giant resort. (thenautilusmaldives.com)

7. Baros Maldives — a long‑time favourite for couples: small island, classic romantic packages (sandbank dinners, spa) and an emphasis on privacy; many honeymoon offers and short speedboat transfer. (maldives.com)

8. Kudadoo Maldives (by Hurawalhi) — tiny adults‑focused private island with 15 over‑water villas and an “Anything. Anytime. Anywhere” all‑inclusive concept — great if you want an adults‑only, fully inclusive romantic escape. (kudadoomaldives.net)

9. Joali Maldives — high‑design, art‑forward luxury island with stylish overwater and beach villas, multiple private‑dining & spa options — excellent for couples who appreciate contemporary design and gastronomy. (joali.com)

10. Soneva Jani — iconic over‑water villas (some with slides and retractable stargazing roofs), very private water residences and unforgettable experiences (stargazing, private sandbank dinners). Best for couples who want space and a “castaway‑chic” luxury vibe. (soneva.com)

Quick practical tips

• Best time to visit: the dry season (roughly November–April) offers the most reliable sunshine and best underwater visibility; shoulder months can be quieter and cheaper. (cntraveler.com)
• Transfers: many top resorts require a seaplane (20–75+ minutes depending on atoll) or a speedboat (typically 20–90 minutes); seaplane flights operate in daylight hours only, so late international arrivals sometimes require an overnight in Malé. Book transfers through the resort. (maldivestourism.org)
• Adults‑only vs couple‑friendly: some islands (e.g., Kudadoo) are adults‑focused; others welcome families but still offer highly private villas and couples’ packages — check the property’s policy if you specifically want adults‑only. (kudadoomaldives.net)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to a top 3 based on budget (luxury vs ultra‑luxury), or
• Compare availability and sample rates for specific dates (I can look those up), or
• Suggest which atolls are best for diving vs manta/whale‑shark sightings.

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