When people think of the Maldives, vivid visions come to mind—glittering waters in shades of Tiffany blue, sea turtles and schools of tropical fish swimming alongside you, and quiet, romantic moments in a private pool villa. But surprisingly few resorts can truly offer all of these dream-like elements in one place.

That’s why couples planning their honeymoon in the Maldives often find themselves compromising—giving up one element in favor of another. But for those who are unwilling to sacrifice even a single detail of their long-envisioned Maldivian escape, Hurawalhi Island Resort might just be the perfect answer.

1. A Natural Aquarium Teeming with Sea Turtles and Tropical Fish

Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, about 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport, Hurawalhi sits in close proximity to Kuredu Island, home to one of the Maldives’ largest known sea turtle populations—with over 450 Green Sea Turtles recorded in the surrounding waters. Thanks to the region’s abundance of nutrient-rich seagrass, these gentle creatures thrive here, and their presence can often be enjoyed just offshore from Hurawalhi. To support the protection of this remarkable ecosystem, the resort even houses its own Marine Biology Center, dedicated to marine research and conservation.

From the Sunset Beach Pool Villas on the west side of the island, it’s easy to snorkel right from your doorstep and spot turtles grazing peacefully in the shallow waters. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer—just float with a life jacket and watch them up close.

At the island’s house reef, you’ll also encounter large families of clownfish in shallow waters—those charming little fish made famous by the animated film Finding Nemo.

Meanwhile, the famed “Aquarium Point” stretching from the east to the south offers a deeper snorkeling experience, where you can be surrounded by a dazzling array of tropical marine life. For free divers, this spot is considered a hidden gem.

Furthermore, just a short distance from Hurawalhi, from September to March—especially during the peak months of November and December—you might be lucky enough to snorkel with majestic manta rays at nearby Fushifaru Thila during manta season.

2. A Sandbank Nestled Within a Tiffany-Blue Lagoon

In most places, you won’t find thriving coral reefs and perfect blue lagoons in the same spot. Lagoons form where coral has broken down over time, while vibrant reefs need healthy coral growth.

But Hurawalhi is uniquely blessed: its eastern side boasts an exceptional underwater world, while the west offers soft-sand beaches that melt into an idyllic Tiffany-blue lagoon.

For those seeking the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos, the private sandbank—known as “Dream Island”—offers the most pristine setting imaginable. With flawless blue water surrounding you, and no one else in sight, this exclusive experience is available in two-hour slots for USD $325. Pricey? Perhaps. But having an entire island to yourselves, surrounded by the most photogenic water in the world, is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury.

And if capturing memories matters to you, don’t forget to bring a drone. While drone use is strictly prohibited within the main resort area, guests are permitted to fly drones during their time on Dream Island.

3. Spacious Villas with a Private 8m Pool

Even the most stunning natural setting can fall short if your villa doesn’t live up to expectations. Fortunately, Hurawalhi excels here, too.

Its Beach Pool Villas, nestled amidst lush greenery, feature among the largest private pools in their class, measuring an impressive 8 meters in length. Spacious and thoughtfully designed, these villas offer an ideal sanctuary where guests can unwind in both comfort and style.

The villas themselves are expansive, measuring 132sqm, with an airy, open-plan layout that centers around a generously sized bedroom.

In addition to beach villas, Hurawalhi also offers several overwater options—Ocean Villas, Romantic Ocean Villas, and Ocean Pool Villas—each differentiated by their outdoor amenities such as overwater hammocks, private pools, and open-air bathtubs.

Notably, only the Romantic Ocean Villa includes an indoor bathtub, so for a balanced experience, consider splitting your stay between that and the Beach Pool Villa for the best of both worlds.

4. Tranquility and Sophistication in an Adults-Only Setting

For honeymooners dreaming of a serene, intimate escape, there’s nothing more disruptive than the sound of children in a family-focused resort. At Hurawalhi, guests must be 15 years or older, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking privacy, sophistication, and calm.

The resort’s adults-only policy ensures a peaceful atmosphere where every moment—whether dining by candlelight or swimming in a quiet lagoon—feels truly uninterrupted.

5. Unforgettable Meal in the Largest Undersea Restaurant

Finally, the crown jewel of Hurawalhi: the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the largest of its kind in the Maldives.

Located 5.8 meters beneath the sea’s surface, this remarkable structure offers a surreal dining experience with a 5-course lunch(USD $250 per person) or a 7-course dinner(USD $315 per person).

Few underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer such immersive architecture. While places like Anantara Kihavah, Niyama, and Ozen Life Maadhoo offer underwater dining, Hurawalhi’s arched glass design is something else entirely—akin to the iconic ITHAA restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

And here’s a fascinating connection: Hurawalhi’s parent company, Crown & Champa Resorts, also developed the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa. In many ways, 5.8 is its spiritual successor—bigger, more refined, and just as unforgettable. It’s an experience that not only elevates your stay, but defines it.

Hurawalhi Island Resort is more than just a luxury retreat—it’s a place where rare marine encounters, private island escapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences converge. For honeymooners or any traveler unwilling to compromise on the vision of a perfect Maldivian escape, Hurawalhi doesn’t just meet expectations—it gracefully exceeds them.