There are few places in the world where you can find yourself alone on an empty, palm-fringed island, but the Maldives is home to plenty of secluded sandbars. A sandbar is an area of sand sitting above the water and is the epitome of desert island bliss.

A whopping 1,192 postcard-perfect uninhabited islands are scattered around the Maldives, waiting to be explored (or laid upon). Or, for a bit more going on, there are 80 pristine islands home to plush resorts.

Spend your time lazing on the caster-sugar white sand beaches, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters or indulging in lip-smacking food and drink - pure bliss!

For many people visiting the Maldives, dining in one of the world-famous underwater restaurants is one on the bucket list. There are currently five underwater restaurants in the Maldives to feast among the fish: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Subsix, Minus Six Meters, SEA, and 5.8 Undersea Restaurant.

While an underwater dinner may sound more romantic, consider spending lunch beneath the waves. During the daylight hours, you’ll spot more of the thriving aquatic life that live under the shoreline.

Or head to the unique Huvafen Fushi underwater spa for relaxing bonding time surrounded by curious marine wildlife. Unwind in paradise, surrounded by extraordinary coral gardens and schools of vivid-hued fish.

What could be better than sailing around the Maldives’ turquoise waters with the love of your life on a private yacht? Probably not much. Escape the crowds and spend quality time in private as you take to the seas on a swanky private yacht, gazing out to the bright blue sea and tiny white-sand islands you pass by.

Most private yacht companies allow you to fine-tune your itinerary. So whether you want to check out the country’s famous sandbars, explore the underwater marine world snorkelling, or simply enjoy your time on the vessel, you can plan the perfect day with your other half.

Consider including a spectacular sunset in your itinerary so you can spot dolphins dancing in the waters as the sky transforms into a plethora of dreamy hues. There are also options for overnight excursions on luxury vessels if you want to extend your time at sea.

On Vaadhoo Island in Raa, Atoll, take the rare opportunity to dine both below and above the stars, thanks to the mesmerising bioluminescence natural phenomenon. The illuminating blue glow of the plankton in the shallow water transforms it into the ‘Sea of Stars’, resembling the midnight sky right there in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Vaadhoo Island is a mere 15 minutes from Male via speedboat, so it’s easy to reach this natural wonder. Organise a dinner with the plankton twinkling as your backdrop for one of the most memorable meals of your life.

The Maldives certainly isn’t short of gorgeous resorts, hotels, and overwater bungalows to stay in.

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is an excellent choice, boasting impossibly beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago, luxurious minimalist rooms, a verdant, tropical garden-encompassed spa, and a lovely restaurant sitting above the lagoon on stilts.

One of the main reasons the Maldives is considered one of the iconic honeymoon destinations in the world is thanks to the plethora of picture-perfect overwater bungalows. These famous thatched-roof villas are perched right over the crystal-clear water, with easy swimming access.

For a dream stay in a quintessential overwater bungalow in the Maldives, consider the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. The lavish resort sits in the centre of one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, offering postcard-worthy villas resting within the blue waters. When else will you have the opportunity to roll out of bed and step straight into the dazzling Indian ocean?