Travel review: Honeymoon in the Maldives is paradise
Despite my fear of boredom on these islands, there was plenty to keep guest entertained. Most hotels offer dolphin trips, fishing trips, sunset cruises, watersports, spa treatments, wine and cheese tasting and entertainment.
One excursion perfect for honeymooners was the deserted island trip.
Staff drop the couple off at an uninhabited island for dinner and they are left to their own devices until they are collected – what could be more romantic than that? Hotels also provide renewal ceremonies on the beach followed by a romantic cruise on the local boat, known as a Dhoni.
Restaurants on the islands were expensive, in line with the five-star rating, and with no other local towns to visit, cheaper alternatives were limited.
But it was possible to cut down on the expense by eating in some of the bars on the island rather than in restaurants, where the bar snacks were really tasty.
There are cheaper alcoholic drinks on the menu, and there is the option to upgrade to half or full board, which might work out cheaper.
Hotels also offer honeymoon packages where couples receive a bottle of champagne, half-day excursion, bath experience and three-course dinner, which can also help to control the costs.
With the average cost of a wedding around £20,000 and an average of £3,220 spent on the honeymoon, this holiday is by no means cheap. But its a wonderful way to start married life, or just treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind trip.
* Travel Facts
* Emirates Tours (0844 800 1400)/ www.emiratestours.co.uk) offers seven nights at Conrad Maldives Rangali (http://conradhotels1.hilton.com) Island from £2,109 per person or from £2,265 per person at Beach House (http://www.beachhousemaldives.com) including breakfast. Includes return flights from Birmingham and seaplane transfers. Valid May 9-July 15 and August 11-September 30. At both resorts honeymooners receive a package which can include fruit basket and champagne on arrival, half-day excursion, couples spa treatment and threecourse candlelit dinner. Check with Emirates for details.
