Great — here’s a romantic, easy-to-follow 7‑day Maldives itinerary for couples, plus practical tips (transfers, packing, budget). I’ve included timing suggestions you can adapt to your resort and flight schedule.
Quick notes before you go
- Best weather: the dry season (November–April) gives the most reliable sun and best diving/snorkeling visibility. If you prefer lower prices and fewer crowds, consider shoulder/low season (May–November). (themaldives.co.uk)
- Visa: most nationalities get a free tourist visa on arrival for up to 30 days; you must complete the Traveller Declaration before arrival and meet standard entry requirements. Check current rules for your nationality before travelling. (my.mdvmission.gov.mv)
- Transfers: resorts use speedboats, seaplanes, or domestic flights+boats. Seaplanes operate only in daylight (arrivals that land late at night often require an overnight in Malé), have luggage limits and typically cost more than speedboats — factor this into planning and budget. (maldivesmagic.com)
Sample 7‑day itinerary for couples (arrive Day 1 — depart Day 8)
Day 1 — Arrival, transfer and unwind
- Arrive Malé (Velana International Airport). Meet resort transfer (speedboat / seaplane / domestic flight + boat). If arriving late, consider an overnight in Malé. (maldivesmagic.com)
- Check in, enjoy a welcome drink, stroll the beach, short swim from the villa.
- Sunset cocktails on the jetty; casual dinner at the resort’s beachfront restaurant.
Day 2 — Explore the house reef & snorkeling
- Morning: guided snorkeling of the house reef or a short reef snorkel trip (great times are early morning).
- Afternoon: couple’s spa treatment (Maldives spas are excellent for massages and hydrotherapies).
- Evening: private sandbank picnic / sunset photo session (book ahead).
Day 3 — Water adventures (choose your pace)
- Option A (relaxed): stand-up paddleboard / glass‑bottom kayak, leisurely lunch.
- Option B (active): half-day introductory dive (Open Water try-dive) or guided dive for certified divers — look for nearby popular sites.
- Sunset dolphin‑watch cruise — often offered at dusk.
Day 4 — Local island & cultural visit + dinner upgrade
- Morning: half-day visit to a local island to see Maldivian life and handicrafts (respect local customs regarding dress and behavior).
- Afternoon: time for beach, pool, or snorkeling.
- Night: book a special romantic dinner — beach table, overwater private dining, or underwater restaurant if available.
Day 5 — Excursion day: manta/whale‑shark (or big‑game fishing)
- If in Baa Atoll or other key sites (seasonal), join a manta/whale‑shark snorkeling trip or a guided manta-spotting safari (season varies by location). Alternatively, book a sunrise big‑game fishing trip or a full‑day sandbank/lagoon cruise. (Book excursions through the resort for safety and convenience.) (islandhopperguides.com)
Day 6 — Free day: tailor to mood
- Sleep in, have breakfast in bed, lounge by the pool.
- Optional activities: cooking class (Maldivian cuisine), sunset yoga, private photo shoot, or a spa ritual.
- Evening: sunset champagne cruise + stargazing from the water.
Day 7 — Ultimate relaxation + memory making
- Morning: reserve an overwater villa photoshoot or a “romance package” (many resorts offer flower baths, rose petal turndown, private beach dinner).
- Afternoon: last snorkeling session or short excursion to a nearby sandbank for swimming and photos.
- Night: farewell private dinner and a nightcap on your villa deck.
Day 8 — Departure
- Early breakfast, pack, check-out and transfer to Malé for your international flight. If you have a seaplane transfer, confirm timing and luggage limits in advance. (islandhopperguides.com)
Practical tips & logistics
- Transfer planning: seaplanes run only in daylight and are scheduled around international arrivals; if your flight lands late, you’ll likely need an overnight in Malé. Speedboats can operate at night and are cheaper for resorts close to Malé. Book transfers through the resort and reconfirm 48–24 hours before arrival. (maldivesmagic.com)
- Pricing expectations (approx.): speedboat transfers (nearby resorts) often US$100–250 round‑trip per person; seaplane transfers commonly US$350–600+ round‑trip per person depending on distance — some resorts include transfers in packages, so check inclusions. (voyagerguru.com)
- Money and extras: many resorts are island‑contained and import many goods — dining, alcohol, excursions, spa and transfers add up. Consider an all‑inclusive or full‑board package if you prefer predictable costs. (voyagerguru.com)
- Health & safety: bring reef‑safe sunscreen (to protect coral), basic seasickness meds if prone to motion sickness, and any personal prescriptions. Standard travel insurance that covers water activities is strongly recommended.
- Respect local culture: if you visit local islands, modest dress is required (cover shoulders/knees) and public displays of affection may be frowned upon outside resorts.
Romantic add‑ons to ask your resort about
- Private sandbank picnic / champagne sunset cruise / candlelight beach dinner.
- Villa upgrades: overwater villa with a private plunge pool or direct lagoon access.
- In‑villa extras: flower turndown, private chef, couples’ spa rituals, or sunrise breakfast on the deck.
Packing checklist (couple-friendly)
- Light beachwear, rash guard, reef‑safe sunscreen, wide‑brim hat, polarized sunglasses.
- Swimwear, water shoes (if you plan to explore reefs), lightweight evening wear for dinners, sarong.
- Snorkel gear (optional — most resorts provide), waterproof phone case, underwater camera/GoPro.
- Copies of passports, printed/resort booking confirmations, small cash (USD) for tips/souvenirs.
Customizing for seasons and interests
- Diving/snorkeling: best visibility December–April; manta/whale‑shark seasons and hotspots vary by atoll (e.g., Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is seasonal). For wildlife-focused trips pick resorts located near the relevant atoll and check seasonal windows. (islandhopperguides.com)
If you want, I can:
- Turn this into a printable day‑by‑day schedule with time slots and a sample budget for 3 resort tiers (mid‑range, premium, ultra‑luxury).
- Suggest specific resorts or atolls based on whether you prefer seclusion, snorkeling/diving hotspots, or easy access from Malé.
Would you like resort suggestions or a sample price estimate for mid-range vs luxury stays?