From the sky, Jumeirah Olhahali Island looks like a brushstroke in paradise; a squiggle on the turquoise canvas of the Indian Ocean, hemmed with white waves and speckled with villas that gleam like sea pearls. As the seaplane begins to descend, the island unveils itself slowly, lush green palms bowing in the breeze, a swing caught mid-air over sunlit sands, and somewhere in the foliage, a perfect green tennis court so picturesque that it has been named the third most beautiful in the world. Touching down feels like arriving in a dream you once had but never thought you could live. Here, just 15 minutes from Malé by air (or a scenic hour by speedboat), is a Maldivian sanctuary that redefines romance, not with clichés, but with intentional, immersive, and intimate luxury.
To call Jumeirah Olhahali Island ‘paradise’ would almost be a disservice. That word has been used too often, too casually. This isn’t just paradise, it’s precision-crafted paradise. A world where the sand is so soft it almost sighs beneath your feet, where the water glistens like it’s made of melted glass, and where every detail is so considered, you begin to wonder if the island itself is in love with you.
This is where lovers come, not just to honeymoon, but to be awed, restored, and remembered by the sea.
Mediterranean dreams in the Maldives
Jumeirah’s only Maldivian property, Olhahali Island, opened in 2021 with a clear vision: to break away from the stereotypical thatched-roof luxury and offer something bold and bright. Think whitewashed villas inspired by superyachts, sun-drenched interiors, and infinity pools so still they mirror the sky. The architecture leans into Mediterranean minimalism; light, clean, and romantic in its simplicity.
Each of the 67 overwater and beachfront villas is an oasis. Step inside and you’re greeted with soaring ceilings, textured artworks, plush furniture in pops of colour, and marble bathrooms where the freestanding tub looks out into a lush courtyard. There are outdoor and indoor showers, rooftop terraces with daybeds facing the ocean, and all the tech you need to never lift a finger, remote-controlled curtains, alongside Jumeirah’s signature scent gently misted into the air.
For couples who crave privacy, the villas offer endless possibilities: dine under the stars, host an intimate movie night on your deck, or simply let the hours drift by in your pool with nothing but the sound of waves for company.
For honeymooners
At Olhahali Island, honeymoon isn’t just a stage, it’s an atmosphere. Waking up in a canopy of white linen to the sound of gently lapping waves. A floating breakfast in your private pool, complete with tropical fruits and fizz. Soft rose petals on your bed and a delicately drawn bath waiting as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Newlyweds are treated to thoughtful surprises: a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, a fruit basket, and romantic turndown touches once during the stay. These gestures aren’t just perks; they’re memories in the making. Moments of intimacy that echo long after the suitcases are unpacked back home.
Love at Jumeirah Olhahali isn’t just felt between couples, it’s nurtured between people and the planet. The resort is committed to protecting its fragile ecosystem through sustainability initiatives that invite guests to contribute meaningfully. The coral planting workshop is perhaps the most poignant, a chance to leave a literal legacy in the ocean. With climate change threatening the very existence of the Maldives, this hands-on activity lets you plant corals with the resort’s marine team and witness their slow, resilient growth. It’s a quiet act of hope, perfect for couples who want their love story to be one of impact too.
Adventure, awe, and adrenaline
For those who like their romance with a touch of thrill, a speedboat ride away lies a truly humbling experience, swimming with Nurse Sharks. These gentle giants, up to 14 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds, may look intimidating but are famously calm. As you slip into the water beside them, fear gives way to wonder. Time seems to suspend itself, and it’s just you, your partner, and these ancient, graceful creatures moving silently in the deep.
Back on the island, challenge each other to a match on the resort’s show-stopping tennis court surrounded by blooming frangipani and periwinkles. Even if your serve is off, the setting makes every rally a poetic one.
Flavours to fall in love with
Dining at Jumeirah Olhahali is a love letter to the senses. At GLOW, mornings begin with lemon blueberry pancakes, matcha croissants, and acai bowls piled high with island fruits. For lunch, Shimmers serves up wood-fired Mediterranean fare on the beach, think grilled seafood, crisp salads, and chilled rosé with your feet in the sand.
The true culinary highlight, however, is Kayto. Here, Japanese technique flirts with Peruvian ingredients in what’s known as Nikkei cuisine. Share plates of spicy tuna tartare with crispy rice, caramelised miso eggplant, or wagyu with truffle teriyaki as the sunset bathes the restaurant in gold. And for truly unforgettable evenings, the resort arranges private sandbank dinners, wine tastings, or chef-led cooking classes.
Rest, restore, reconnect
The Talise Spa, perched on stilts over the water, offers soul-soothing treatments with panoramic views. The Tibetan Crystal Healing Massage is a standout, using singing bowls and healing stones to realign the body’s energy fields. Whether it’s a couple’s massage with the sea beneath you or sunrise yoga on the deck, wellness here is woven into the very fabric of your stay.
For families and celebrations
If you’re planning a wedding with family, the resort is incredibly child-friendly. With a dedicated kids’ club, family activities, and even spa treatments for children, Olhahali makes space for all ages. Baby essentials are provided so parents can travel light, and babysitting services ensure adults can sneak off for romantic dinners or spa time.
The Jumeirah escape offers
Until December 31, 2025, guests can turn their holiday into an unforgettable sun-soaked escape with Jumeirah Escapes. The offer includes:
- Up to 20% off your private villa (plus 5% more for Jumeirah One members)
- USD 100 spa credit per stay, applicable on treatments
- Daily breakfast with bubbly
- Complimentary shared speedboat transfers for stays of 5 nights or more
- Complimentary access to non-motorised water sports
- Sunrise yoga and use of the 24-hour fitness centre
- Over 50 curated weekly activities
- Complimentary Kids Club access and family programs
- Jumeirah One Points for members
- A flexible cancellation policy
- And yes, little ones stay with compliments
In the end, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island is more than a destination. It’s a chapter in your love story. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the sand, honeymooning under the stars, or simply celebrating each other in an impossibly beautiful place, here, every moment is made for memory. Because some places don’t just stay in your travel journal. They stay in your heart.
