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If you are looking for an exotic honeymoon destination open to US travelers right now, the Maldives is going to be at the top of our list! Traveling to the Maldives during COVID does require a little extra planning, but it’s so worth the effort!

The Maldives is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, and offers a completely socially distanced experience, in paradise. Think white sand beaches, clear blue waters, incredible marine life and world class resorts with those dreamy overwater bungalows – the ultimate destination for a honeymoon during COVID!

Megan, our Luxury Travel Advisor, visited the Maldives during COVID this past February and is breaking down everything you need to know before going on a vacation or honeymoon to the Maldives in 2021!

Best Time to Visit The Maldives:

The Maldives is such a popular destination because of their 80/80/80 rule! That being 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 80% humidity and 80 degree oceans temperature year round! The high season typically runs November through May, which means popular resorts book up extremely fast.

If you are thinking about traveling during this time, we will want to start working together on your custom itinerary at least 8 to 12 months in advance of travel! Especially when traveling to the Maldives during COVID, advance planning is key! If you are looking to travel off peak season, prices are going to be a bit slashed, so it may be worth it for a couple partly cloudy days and the occasional tropical rain. 

Maldives During COVID: What To Know, Before You Go

Traveling internationally during the pandemic for the first time can feel daunting, and we are sure you have 101 questions, from Maldives COVID testing protocol to layovers & entry requirements. Experiencing it first hand, I feel much more at ease, and the process is getting simpler every day.

ARE THERE ANY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS TO THE MALDIVES DURING COVID? 

For all visitors who travel to the Maldives, COVID test must be on your pre-trip to-do list. Travelers are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test on arrival. This must be conducted no more than 96 hours prior to time of departure from the country of origin. These negative results remain valid if it is necessary for passengers to transit during their journey; however, if the layover exceeds more than 24 hours, the PCR test must be repeated. 

My big concern here, while traveling to the Maldives from the US, was getting the results back in time, but it turned out to be a non-issue for all 4 of us traveling. We got our results in less than 48 hours thanks to Urgent Medical Care & MRI in Jersey City, NJ. Michael, the owner of this facility has gone above and beyond to ensure pre-travel covid testing requirements are met for anywhere you are traveling in the world. I highly recommend his office. 

One of the big questions I had was is rt-PCR the same test as PCR? Turns out after much dilemma it is. So you can cross that off your worry list when traveling to the Maldives during COVID!

ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT:

Upon check in you will need to show the following documentation when traveling to the Maldives from the US:

• Proof of Negative PCR test 96 hours prior to flight departure time. Print this out to have handy throughout your journey.
• Completed Health Declaration Form, which can only be filled out 24 hours prior to flight departure time. You will need to upload a picture of yourself and proof of your negative PCR test. 
• Proof of your hotel accommodations in the Maldives, this should include the address for the resort and the names of all travelers. Very important, this was the only thing that held us up at check in! No one warned me about this prior. Luckily I was able to email the hotel and get a copy with all our names on it really quickly.

And just like that we were through security, headed on our first international vacation in over a year!!

What Makes the Maldives Just So Special:

Traveling to the Maldives at any time feels special, but traveling to the Maldives during COVID – after going so long without a big trip – felt even more magical. After a 12 hour flight, a short layover in Dubai, and another 4 hour flight to Male, and then a 50 minute speed boat ride to our resort we FINALLY made it to paradise! I was so excited to experience this dreamy destination for myself. 

Here were my favorite highlights:

• Everyone dreams of waking up in an overwater bungalow, it was just so cool to actually experience! I would wake up every morning to stingrays, sea turtles & rainbow bright schools of fish passing through. Although we were surrounded by other bungalows, they do a good job to have your outdoor deck space, be totally private. This privacy is one of the best reasons to travel to the Maldives during COVID, but also one of the reasons so many honeymoon to the Maldives!
• The Maldivian and South Indian inspired cuisine was just to die for, especially if you eat mostly plant based. My favorite meal of the day was breakfast & the made to order Dosa! Dosa is a thin crepe made of fermented rice and lentil batter. Then the fermented batter is spread like a crepe on a hot griddle and filled with a potato masala and topped with….wait for it…a coconut chutney!!!
  
• The reef snorkeling in the Maldives was like no other I have ever experienced! The reefs all around the resort were teeming with schools of tropical fish, vibrant coral and sea turtles! To see the sea turtles swimming along under water in their natural habitat was truly special. All of the outdoor activities in the Maldives is one of the reasons it’s among the best honeymoon destinations during COVID!
  
• Fishing with hand reels (tubes of line with a large hook and bait) made for an exhilarating sunset adventure right off the coast. We were able to reel up two huge sharks from the deep sea with this small little contraption!

Where to Stay in the Maldives During COVID (or anytime!)

Whether you’re just looking for a relaxing vacation or are planning a honeymoon to the Maldives– luxury resort and all inclusive resort options are plentiful! Here are just a few of our favorite places to stay in the Maldives.

Como Maalifushi
What makes this Maldives resort unique? Como is the first boutique hotel in the Maldives by Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi. Every option of accommodation offers an open-plan suite or villa, all with plunge pools on the shores of Thaa Atoll. 

Clients of The Honeymoon Concierge will receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary Half Board daily (rates are inclusive of half board which includes breakfast and guest choice of lunch or dinner)
• $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• For stays of 3 or more nights: Complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, once during stay

JOALI Maldives
What makes this Maldives resort unique? JOALI is located in the northern Maldives on Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, so if you are scuba certified this resort is the perfect choice for deep sea exploration. After a long dive, you will enjoy dinner at SOAKE, a floating Japanese restaurant and menu by 2 Michelin star chef, Takagi Kazuo.

Clients of The Honeymoon Concierge will receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily A la Carte breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• Welcome Amenity: Fruit basket and a bottle of champagne
• $150 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
• Complimentary 30-minute spa treatment for up to two adult guests, once during stay
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

One and Only Reethi Rah, Maldives 

What makes this Maldives resort unique? If you have dreamed of an ultra-luxury honeymoon in the Maldives then this one’s for you! You will arrive by a luxury yacht or private seaplane and be whisked off to your private villa before exploring 12 white sand beaches.

Clients of The Honeymoon Concierge will receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Buffet Breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
• Complimentary exclusively designed Reethi Rah Kaftans, (one per guest up to two) coupled with a One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Signature Organic Candle
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Six Senses Laamu
What makes this Maldives resort unique? For those who are looking for an eco-friendly hideaway this one is for you.

Clients of The Honeymoon Concierge will receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Complimentary full breakfast daily for two guest per bedroom, in restaurant
• $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, once during stay
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Is the Maldives a good fit for your honeymoon?

If you’ve been itching to take an international vacation after a year without travel or are planning a honeymoon in 2021, then you can rest assured – the Maldives is open for business and is a great COVID-safe option for a luxurious vacation!

With Maldives COVID restrictions and safe travel practices, you can enjoy a truly unforgettable vacation or honeymoon in this little slice of paradise.