So, you’re looking at those overwater bungalows. You’ve seen the photos—the ones where the water is so blue it looks like a Gatorade flavor, and the sand is whiter than a brand-new set of veneers. Most couples immediately start panicking about the price tag of a Maldives all inclusive honeymoon, and honestly? They should. The Maldives is famously expensive. But there is a massive misconception that "all-inclusive" means "low quality" or "buffet lines." In 2026, the reality is the exact opposite. If you don't go the all-inclusive route, you might end up paying $25 for a single club sandwich or $18 for a bottle of sparkling water. It adds up. Fast.
Budgeting for a honeymoon is stressful enough without worrying about the price of a sunset cocktail.
The Sticker Shock of the Maldives All Inclusive Honeymoon
Let’s talk numbers because nobody ever gives you the real ones. A standard luxury resort in the North Malé Atoll or the Baa Atoll—home to that famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—will charge you a premium for everything. If you book a "Room Only" or "Bed and Breakfast" rate, you are stepping into a financial trap. Most islands are self-contained. You can’t exactly walk down the street to a local 7-Eleven to grab a cheap snack. You are a captive audience.
I’ve seen couples spend upwards of $4,000 just on food and drinks over a seven-day stay because they thought they’d save money by not going all-inclusive. Don't be those people.
When you look for a Maldives all inclusive honeymoon, you need to look at the "Plan." Some resorts offer "Silver" or "Gold" tiers. For instance, Atmosphere Kanifushi or Lily Beach Resort & Spa are famous for their "Platinum Plans." These aren't just three meals a day. They include premium French champagne, snorkeling excursions, and even fine-dining experiences that usually cost $200 per person.
It’s Not Just About the Food
You're probably thinking about the buffet. Forget the buffet. Modern all-inclusive packages in the Maldives often include the seaplane transfer. This is a huge deal. A seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE) to a remote resort can cost $500 to $900 per person. That’s nearly two grand before you’ve even checked in.
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If your "all-inclusive" package doesn't mention transfers, you aren't actually looking at the full price.
- Check for "Dine Around" options. This lets you eat at specialty Japanese, Italian, or Grill restaurants instead of the main hall.
- Look for "In-Villa Minibar" refills. Some places refill the wine and snacks twice a day.
- Non-motorized water sports should be free. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are usually part of the deal.
Why the "Hidden Costs" Kill the Romance
Imagine this. You’re sitting on your deck. The sun is setting. You want a glass of Whispering Angel. If you’re on a half-board plan, you’re signing a bill for $120. If you’re on an all-inclusive plan, you just call the butler.
The psychological weight of seeing a bill every time you're thirsty is a romance killer. Trust me.
There's also the GST (Goods and Services Tax) and the service charge. In the Maldives, these are 16% and 10%, respectively. So, that $100 dinner is actually $126. When you book a Maldives all inclusive honeymoon upfront, those taxes are usually baked into the price. You pay once, and you never look at a receipt again. It changes the entire vibe of the trip from "transactional" to "experiential."
Picking the Right Atoll
Geography matters more than you think. The Malé Atolls are close to the airport. Great for short trips, but you might see more boat traffic and distant city lights. If you want that "middle of the ocean" feeling, you need the Ari Atoll or the Raa Atoll.
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The Ari Atoll is the place to be if you want to see whale sharks. Resorts like LUX* South Ari Atoll have packages specifically for honeymooners that include guided swims with these giants. It's life-changing.
The Myth of the "Cheap" Maldives Trip
Is there a way to do it for less? Sure. You could stay on a local island like Maafushi. You’ll get the blue water and the sand. But you won't get the alcohol—it's a Muslim country, and alcohol is prohibited on inhabited local islands. You also won't get that "bikini beach" freedom everywhere. For a honeymoon, most people want the private island experience.
If you try to "hack" a private resort by skipping the all-inclusive option, you will likely spend more in the long run. I once spoke to a travel planner who analyzed 100 Maldives bookings; 85% of those who chose "Pay as you go" regretted it by day four. The math just doesn't work in your favor once you factor in the 26% combined tax and service fees on every single item.
Specific Resorts Doing All-Inclusive Right
Not all resorts are created equal. If you want the gold standard, look at Soneva Jani. It’s expensive, but their "Soneva Unlimited" plan is basically "anything, anywhere, anytime." We’re talking Michelin-starred chefs and unlimited spa treatments.
For something slightly more accessible, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is "Anything. Anytime. Anywhere." literally. You want to jet ski at 3 AM? They’ll make it happen. You want a private dinner on a sandbank? It’s included.
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On the more "affordable" end of luxury (if that exists), OZEN Life Maadhoo includes a meal at an underwater restaurant. Eating steak while a shark stares at you is a weird flex, but for a honeymoon, it’s a memory you won’t forget.
When to Go
Weather is the one thing you can't buy.
The "Dry Season" is December to April. This is when the water is flattest and the sky is clearest. It's also when prices double.
The "Wet Season" or Monsoon season is May to October. Don't be terrified of this. It usually means a heavy downpour for an hour and then brilliant sunshine. You can often snag a Maldives all inclusive honeymoon for 40% less during these months. Just avoid August—it tends to be the windiest.
Critical Next Steps for Your Planning
Stop looking at Instagram and start looking at the fine print.
- Check the Seaplane Times: Most seaplanes only fly during daylight hours. If your international flight lands after 3:30 PM, you’re spending your first night in a transit hotel in Malé. That's a wasted honeymoon day.
- Verify the "All" in All-Inclusive: Does it include the spa? Usually not. Does it include motorized water sports like Jet Skis? Usually not. If those are deal-breakers, look for "Ultra All-Inclusive" packages.
- Book 6-9 Months Out: The Maldives has a high repeat-visitor rate. The best overwater villas—especially the ones with sunset views—get snatched up by regulars early.
- Mention the Honeymoon: This sounds obvious, but bring a copy of your wedding certificate (usually dated within 6 or 12 months). Resorts will often throw in a free bottle of bubbly, a bed decoration (the classic towel swans), or a candlelit dinner on the beach just for showing proof.
- Audit the Drinks List: If you’re a wine snob, check if the package includes "House Wine" or "Premium Labels." There is a massive difference between a $10 bottle of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and a proper Sancerre.
The Maldives isn't a place for "budgeting on the fly." It’s a place for aggressive upfront planning. By locking in a Maldives all inclusive honeymoon, you aren't just buying food and a room; you're buying the ability to leave your wallet in the room safe and forget it exists for a week. That is the real luxury.