As first-timers to this part of the world, we were giddy from the journey alone. Yet the real adventure began the moment we landed: From the minute we arrived, the staff took care of us, guiding us from Male’s airport to a private lounge with cool drinks, and then onto the seaplane for the final hop to You & Me Maldives.
Stepping onto the soft white sand of the resort, we were greeted by our personal island host, a friendly face who ushered us onto a golf buggy and whisked us toward our villa, while the ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and frangipani.
In that instant, I wondered: We’ve splurged a small fortune to be here. Will it truly be worth it for just the two of us?
Breaking Down the Budget
We knew paradise wouldn’t come cheap. As a couple seeking a once-in-a-lifetime escape, we had opted for an overwater villa on a premium all-inclusive plan, bracing ourselves for the price tag.
Our accommodation – a gorgeous thatched-roof lagoon villa – ran around $700–$800 per night for two, all meals and most drinks included (prices fluctuate, but that’s ballpark for the package we chose).
On top of that came the transport: reaching this remote island requires either a domestic flight or a scenic seaplane. We chose the seaplane for its convenience and romance, but it set us back roughly $950 round-trip for two.
This mandatory transfer cost is a common bitter pill in Maldives travel – not negotiable, and not exactly advertised in large print when booking. Watching the pilot swoop us over kaleidoscopic reefs almost made us forget the price… almost.
Once on the island, the all-inclusive plan did help corral costs. All our meals, drinks, and even minibar treats were covered. We indulged freely in piña coladas by the pool and extra sushi rolls at dinner without fearing an end-of-trip bill shock. Still, not everything was included.
The resort’s showpiece underwater restaurant (H2O) carries a hefty surcharge – about $200 per person for lunch or $280 for a 4-course dinner. We couldn’t resist booking a dinner there for the novelty (more on that later), but $560 plus taxes for two was easily our most extravagant meal ever.
Similarly, the spa treatments were irresistible after a day in the sun: a 60-minute couples massage came to roughly $300 for both of us, a price we justified as “honeymoon necessity.”
Even some excursions had extra fees: a snorkeling boat trip to a nearby reef, for instance, was quoted at $400 – we hesitated, wondering if it could possibly be worth that.
In fact, one fellow guest later lamented that their $400 private snorkel trip was a flop, yielding no sights they hadn’t already seen at the resort. We heeded that caution and stuck mostly to snorkeling on our own (with surprisingly rewarding results, as I’ll gush about soon).
All told, our 5-night stay cost about $4,600 including taxes and transfers for two (this was a special package deal). It was, without question, the most expensive trip we’ve ever taken.
As we signed the check for our extras – the underwater dinner, massages, a bottle of champagne on arrival – I had a moment of sticker shock. But then I looked around at the crystal-clear lagoon, our villa’s ladder dropping straight into a world of neon fish, and my partner smiling wider than I’d seen in ages.
The investment was steep, yes. But would the experience deliver value equal to the cost? The answer began unfolding with every sun-soaked day and starry night that followed.
Ambience Made for Lovers
If ever a place were designed for romance, it’s this intimate island resort. You & Me Maldives proudly bills itself as an “adults-only” sanctuary for couples – no children under 16 are allowed – and you feel that serene, grown-up vibe everywhere.
The ambience is natural and chic, with sandy pathways winding through lush greenery and warm staff greetings at every turn. We often felt like we had the entire island to ourselves, a private playground for two.
In fact, the true luxury here is the tranquility: strolling the beach or lazing in the shallows, we’d see maybe a palm tree swaying or a heron fishing, but almost never another guest in sight. (At breakfast and dinner we’d realize other couples were indeed around – restaurants would be lively – but outside of meal times, the seclusion was remarkable.)
It’s as if the resort was sprinkled with invisibility dust to hide everyone except you and your beloved. We even learned the resort enforces a no-drones policy to prevent any prying cameras, so you can sunbathe or snuggle without worry. Privacy is paramount here.
The setting itself drips with romance. Sunsets were an event in their own right – each evening we’d take two glasses of wine to the west-facing beach and watch the sky melt into pink and orange cotton candy over the water.
One twilight, the resort arranged a surprise for our honeymoon: a table for two set on the sand, far from any other diners, illuminated by torches and a canopy of stars. It turns out couples staying at least 6 nights get a complimentary candlelit beach dinner, and for us it was absolutely magical.
We dined barefoot with our toes in powdery white sand, devouring grilled reef fish as the waves lapped gently nearby. I remember the warm breeze carrying the aroma of salt and tropical flowers, and thinking this might be the definitive date night of our lives. Small wonder You & Me Maldives was crowned “Most Romantic Resort” in the region in 2020 – the place seems intent on wooing you at every turn.
Speaking of wooing, dining at the underwater restaurant H2O was another next-level experience on the romance scale. Descending a staircase into a glass tunnel below the lagoon, we found ourselves surrounded 360° by the ocean – bright coral fish and even a curious reef shark gliding past our table as we held hands between courses.
The restaurant only seats 20 people, so it felt exclusive and quiet. Dressed up for the occasion (I in a flowy sundress, my husband in linen pants), we savored a gourmet meal while schools of fish swirled above us in the blue glow. At one point a manta ray drifted overhead like a silent dancer.
We caught each other grinning like kids – it was surreal, like being inside an aquarium, only with fine wine and a five-star meal in front of us. Yes, it costs extra, but this underwater dinner is a once-in-a-lifetime memory we’ll cherish. (Do note: it’s not included in the standard package, and reservations fill up – so if you go, plan ahead and be ready to splurge.)
Beyond these grand gestures, romance seeped into the everyday moments at You & Me. Waking up in our overwater villa to a brilliant sunrise, we often lingered in bed just listening to the gentle lap of the lagoon beneath us.
Our villa had a couple’s bathtub with an ocean view, and one evening we filled it with bubbles, ordered a bottle of champagne (all-inclusive makes it too easy), and soaked together as the sky turned purple outside the window.
Every element – from the king-sized bed facing the water, to the two-person hammock by the pool bar, to the intimate teppanyaki dinner where we sat shoulder-to-shoulder watching the chef’s fiery show – is thoughtfully crafted for togetherness.
There were honeymooners around celebrating new marriages (including us), and even a few couples on anniversary trips or “just because” getaways. The consensus was clear: You & Me Maldives delivers on the romantic reputation. As one guest put it, “It was the perfect honeymoon destination – staff were lovely and the room was perfection, cleaned twice a day!!”
Everything feels a bit like a fantasy of romance come to life, yet it’s grounded in genuine hospitality. Whether it was the privacy of an adults-only environment, or those little surprises like finding a bottle of wine and chocolates in our villa as a honeymoon gift, the resort constantly whispered “just enjoy each other.” And we truly did.
Luxury and Privacy of the Villas
Our home for five nights was a Dolphin Villa (the resort’s villas are whimsically named after marine life). Perched above the water on stilts at the far end of a jetty, our villa offered absolute privacy and jaw-dropping views.
We specifically chose a sunset-facing villa for those golden hour panoramas, and it delivered – every evening, the sun dipped directly in front of our deck, turning the infinity pool to molten gold and the lagoon to a mirror of the sky. We often felt like the only souls on the ocean.
In fact, being at the far end of the row meant we were pretty much alone; no curious swimmers or kayakers drifted by, and thanks to clever design, we couldn’t see our neighbors from our deck (nor they us).
This was a huge plus for privacy – we could skinny dip in our pool or have a loud laugh without worry. One reviewer who stayed in the last overwater bungalow noted it had “bastante privacidade” (plenty of privacy), and we wholeheartedly agree.
Inside, the villa was rustic-luxe: polished wooden floors, a high ceiling of woven rafters, and large glass doors that slid open to the deck. Our king bed faced straight out to the ocean so we woke up to blue water and sky every day. The only “noise” came from nature – the soft whoosh of waves against the stilts at night acted as our lullaby.
During the day, if we opened all the doors, we’d sometimes hear distant music from the main area (more on that in a moment), but it was faint and never intrusive.
Overall, the noise levels were blissfully low. With no children on the island, the atmosphere remained calm and quiet. We could wander the beach in peace, nap on a daybed without disturbance, and even at the pool there were only ever a handful of couples lounging quietly.
The resort has just 109 villas total (99 of them overwater), spread around the island’s perimeter, which prevents any sense of crowding. One afternoon, we walked the entire circumference of the island (a leisurely 20-minute stroll) and encountered maybe two other couples along the way – it was like our own private isle.
As another guest observed, the island is small but “you get the feeling that you’re on it alone (in a good way)”. That sums it up perfectly. The layout and adults-only policy foster an exclusive, intimate environment where you can really disconnect from the world and connect with each other.
Privacy extends beyond just the physical space – it’s in the ethos of how the resort operates. For example, I mentioned the no-drone rule, which we appreciated when we saw a couple trying to launch one and staff gently intervening. In an age of Instagrammers, that rule keeps the beaches free of buzzing gadgets and ensures no unwanted aerial photos of sunbathers.
Even the service felt discreet: our room was always magically made up when we were out, and turndown happened while we were at dinner – we never once saw a housekeeper, yet everything was taken care of as if by invisible hands. We truly could relax and be ourselves without feeling observed or rushed. In a place as idyllic as this, that sense of having your own world is priceless.
That said, I’d be remiss not to mention one aspect that might affect the serene silence: nightly entertainment. Each evening, the resort hosted some form of low-key nightlife at the central Cheers Bar – one night a live singer, another a DJ spinning lounge tunes, and on Friday a Maldivian cultural show with Bodu Beru drummers.
We loved grabbing a cocktail and enjoying the music under the stars, but if your villa is nearer to the bar, you might catch the distant thump of bass. A guest we met complained that a “DJ blasting music every night” felt unnecessary for such a classy, romantic place.
In our case, being farther out, we only heard faint echoes and it never bothered us when we turned in early. If you’re ultra-sensitive to noise, you might request a villa farther from the bar.
For us, it was actually nice to have the option of a bit of music and socializing after dinner – we had a slow dance in the sand one night while the band played a familiar love song, which became another sweet memory.
The key is, You & Me lets you choose your level of seclusion: seek solitude in your villa or join the gentle merriment by the pool – the island accommodates both. And at no point did it ever feel rowdy or disruptive to the romance (this is no party resort, thank goodness).
In the still of each night, we fell asleep to silence and woke with the sun, feeling utterly secluded in our little bungalow over the sea.
Activities for Two
While the temptation to do absolutely nothing was strong – and we definitely indulged in lazy sunbathing and hammock naps – the Maldives’ natural playground eventually lured us into adventure.
The resort offers a range of excursions and activities perfect for couples, and we sampled as many as our energy (and budget) allowed.
Top of our list was snorkeling. Every day, sometimes twice, we’d slip on fins and masks (complimentary from the watersports center – they lend snorkels and fins for free to guests) and explore the lagoon right from our villa.
And every single time, we discovered something new – a vivid purple parrotfish crunching on coral, a shy octopus changing colors in a crevice, even an eagle ray gliding gracefully by.
We snorkeled almost every day and saw something new every time, which kept us endlessly excited. The house reef itself isn’t directly off the beach (it lies a short boat ride away, beyond the shallow lagoon), but the resort’s waters are rich with marine life nonetheless.
We would float over gardens of seagrass spotting baby reef sharks and schools of tiny silver fish right under our villa. For deeper reef exploration, we joined a guided snorkel safari one morning – a quick 10-minute boat ride whisked us to a nearby reef teeming with life.
There, in the deep blue, we finally saw the “big stuff”: a sea turtle nibbling on sponges, a flurry of reef fish in every color, and – the highlight – a majestic manta ray looping through the currents above vibrant corals.
The experience was breathtaking and, we felt, worth the extra cost (especially since our guide was excellent, pointing out camouflaged moray eels and graceful eagle rays we might’ve missed on our own).
We heard from other couples that at certain times of year, the resort’s dive center also runs trips to see whale sharks and mantas in Raa Atoll’s famous sites, which must be incredible if you’re scuba certified.
Ah, scuba diving – we couldn’t leave without trying it at least once. Neither of us had a dive certification, but the on-site Dive Center (Dive Matrix) offered a free introductory scuba lesson in the lagoon.
One afternoon we met an instructor at the beach, donned scuba gear, and learned basic skills in shallow water. Before we knew it, we were breathing underwater, hand-in-hand, and descending a few meters to hover above the sand.
It was like entering another world – clownfish peeked out of an anemone nearby and the silence underwater felt profoundly peaceful. That complimentary mini-dive convinced us to sign up for a Discover Scuba boat dive the next day.
We joined a small group and dived a reef slope about 15 minutes from the resort. With the instructor guiding, we went down to 12 meters and found ourselves amid schools of fish, flourishing corals, and even spotted a graceful sea turtle gliding past.
For newbie divers like us, it was thrilling and felt completely safe. I’ll never forget the moment our eyes met through our masks after the dive – we both were beaming. Experiencing something so awe-inspiring together was bonding in a way few other activities are.
It’s no wonder many couples come here specifically for the world-class diving – the marine life is spectacular, and the memories of underwater adventure are truly shared ones.
Water sports at You & Me aren’t all about exertion, though. We also took advantage of the free kayaking and paddleboarding. One calm morning, we paddled a transparent kayak out into the lagoon, the glass-like water allowing us to see coral patches and darting fish below.
It felt like floating on air. The silence, broken only by our paddles’ gentle splashes, made for a wonderfully tranquil bonding experience. For adrenaline junkies, the resort’s Watersports Center has jet-skis, windsurfing, and even the newest craze: sea bob scooters (imagine a water rocket that pulls you along underwater). We eyed the jet-skis but ultimately decided the noise might shatter our serenity – plus, they’re a bit pricey to rent.
Instead, we chose a sunset dolphin cruise one evening (this was actually included in our package) and it turned out to be one of the most romantic highlights of our stay. About a dozen of us boarded a dhoni boat and set out as the sun began to dip.
With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, we watched the sky flush pink. Right on cue, a pod of wild dolphins appeared, leaping and spinning in the boat’s wake. I caught my husband’s eye as we leaned on the railing, both of us grinning like kids.
The combination of that cotton-candy sunset and playful dolphins arcing out of the sea was pure magic – the kind of moment you picture when you imagine the Maldives. A fellow guest described it as “so romantic and beautiful”, and I can’t think of a better way to say it.
The resort also arranges local island visits, fishing trips, and even private picnics on a tiny sandbank island. We signed up for a local island tour to see a slice of real Maldivian life.
A speedboat took us to a nearby inhabited island, where a guide walked us through a village. We visited a little mosque, browsed a shop for handmade sarongs, and chatted with locals who were incredibly friendly. It was humbling to contrast the simplicity of island life – barefoot kids playing football, fishermen mending nets – with the luxury of our resort.
The excursion gave us a deeper appreciation for the Maldives beyond the resort bubble, and we were glad we did it. For those inclined, big-game fishing trips can be arranged (we heard stories of giant tuna being caught) and night fishing under the stars is a popular outing too.
Another couple raved to us about a castaway picnic they booked: the resort dropped them on an uninhabited sandbank with a gourmet picnic and left them to play Robinson Crusoe for a few hours.
They returned absolutely glowing, calling it the most memorable part of their honeymoon. We didn’t have time (or budget) for that add-on, but it sounded dreamy – just you, your partner, and a deserted island for the afternoon.
Even on the main island, there was plenty to keep us entertained. We joined a morning yoga class on the beach (nothing like sun salutations facing the actual rising sun), and one afternoon my husband played a casual beach volleyball game with some staff and guests – laughing and diving in the sand like we were all old friends.
The resort’s infinity pool became a favorite hangout as well, especially at the Green Carpet poolside café where we munched on healthy wraps and smoothies for lunch. And when we craved quiet, we’d retreat to the overwater spa.
Speaking of which…
Hospitality from the Heart
If the turquoise water and silky sand are the body of You & Me Maldives, then its heart is the people who work there. We have experienced many hotels over the years, but the warmth and attentiveness of the staff here stand out as truly exceptional.
From day one, we were treated like VIPs – albeit VIPs who were also welcomed as family. Our personal island host, Naaish, exemplified this. He gave us a tour on arrival, pointing out each restaurant, the spa, and even where to find the best beach spot at sunrise.
Throughout our stay, he was just a WhatsApp message away. Want to book the Japanese restaurant last minute? Naaish handled it. Curious if we could get an in-villa breakfast one morning? “No problem,” he replied, and lo and behold, the next day we had a feast of pastries, tropical fruits, and coffee delivered to our deck at 7am sharp, with a smile.
He even arranged a special anniversary cake in our room when he learned we were (belatedly) celebrating our wedding, complete with our names piped in chocolate – an unexpected and touching gesture.
Beyond our host, every staff member seemed intent on making our stay perfect. Housekeeping magically kept our villa pristine (cleaned twice daily, with artful towel arrangements and flower petals on the bed some evenings).
The restaurant teams were friendly and professional; by the second day the breakfast staff knew I loved mango and would slip me an extra bowl of fresh mango slices. At the Cheers Bar, bartenders Allen and Rusi became our friends – they’d wave us over each afternoon, already shaking my favorite passionfruit cocktail and asking how our day was.
Their genuine enthusiasm was infectious. One night, Allen challenged us to a game of Carrom (a local board game similar to billiards, played with finger-flicked discs) and even though we lost badly, we laughed the whole way through. It’s those little interactions that made us feel at home.
The spa staff also deserve a mention. The You & Me Spa is an overwater haven of bliss. We booked a couples massage just before sunset, and as we entered our private treatment bungalow, we could see the lagoon shimmering through glass floor panels beneath us.
I’ll never forget lying there as skilled hands worked away our tension, hearing the distant call of seabirds and the soft ripple of water below – talk about serenity for the senses. The therapists were highly professional, tailoring pressure to our liking and even giving us a choice of aromatherapy oils (we chose jasmine, which felt appropriately romantic).
After our massage, they brought us ginger tea out on the deck, where we sat in robes watching baby reef sharks swim in the shallows. It was heavenly. The spa offers all sorts of treatments (hot stone therapy, facials, etc.), but we were content with our massage – especially after seeing the spa menu prices, which can be steep. Still, we felt pampered to the max, and the experience was worth every penny for the relaxation and romance factor.
Throughout our stay, special touches abounded. On our first night, the General Manager hosted a cocktail hour for new arrivals – a casual meet-and-greet on the beach where we chatted with management and other guests.
It was impressive to see how sincerely the staff wanted feedback and to ensure we were happy. When I casually mentioned to a manager that the pool could use more float loungers, he nodded thoughtfully – and the next afternoon, two brand new floats had appeared.
Such responsiveness is rare and speaks to the pride the team takes in their resort. No request ever felt like a burden; instead, they responded with that lovely Maldivian “no problem” attitude and a genuine smile.
One of the waiters, Ahmed, noticed my husband’s sunburn after a snorkel and, without being asked, brought over aloe vera gel from the spa. Our room attendant learned our daily rhythm and timed the cleanings perfectly while we were out.
When we departed for our early flight, the staff packed us a breakfast to go and our host rode with us on the boat all the way to the seaplane terminal, making sure we were checked in and comfortable in the lounge before bidding farewell.
It’s no exaggeration to say we were treated like royalty and also like old friends. Many other guests echoed this sentiment in reviews, citing the staff by name and praising their kindness. Indeed, the hospitality is heartfelt here. The resort being smaller and focused on couples means the staff-to-guest ratio is high, and the service felt very personalized as a result.
Of course, nothing is 100% perfect. At peak times (the resort was nearly full over one weekend), we did notice service at the restaurants slowed a bit – a couple of our drink orders took longer, and we had to flag a waiter once or twice. But even then, they were trying very hard and remained courteous, just stretched a little thin.
We also initially found the all-inclusive menu system a tad confusing – some premium items cost extra, and one restaurant required a reservation fee. However, our host explained it clearly on day one, and the menus clearly marked what was included versus upcharged.
After the first day, we had it down and encountered no surprises on checkout. If those are the worst “problems” we faced, it’s safe to say we were in excellent hands.
Perhaps the best illustration of the service was on our last day: As we were waiting for our seaplane departure, my husband realized he left his sunglasses back at the villa.
Without hesitation, one of the staff hopped on a buggy, zoomed back, and returned with the glasses just as our plane was boarding – sweaty and triumphant from sprinting to get them to us in time.
It was above and beyond. We left feeling not just satisfied with the service, but genuinely moved by the warmth and care we’d been shown. It’s the people, as much as the beauty of the Maldives, that made our trip extraordinary.
Was It Worth It for Us?
In just under a week, You & Me Maldives had worked its way into our hearts. It wasn’t just one thing, but the sum of it all: the dreamy villa and sunsets, the thrill of spotting dolphins and mantas together, the indulgent meals and lazy afternoons, and the way we reconnected away from life’s distractions.
We came seeking an unforgettable couples’ escape, and we got exactly that.
But was it worth the cost? It’s a question we mulled over, especially given the considerable expense. Here’s our honest take: For a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, absolutely yes.
If you’re a couple considering it, know that You & Me Maldives excels at the intimate, romantic getaway, but be prepared to spend. To make it “worth it,” we recommend taking full advantage of what’s included (dine at all the restaurants, use the snorkel gear and kayaks, enjoy the sunset cruise) and selectively splurging on the extras that matter most to you (for us, it was the underwater dinner and a spa day, which we’ll never forget).
Also, consider what you value: if you dream of quiet beaches, no kids, and pampering service, this resort checks those boxes resoundingly. If you’re the type who needs lots of nightlife or continuous action, the slower, loved-up pace here might not justify the price for you. For us as a couple seeking romance and relaxation, it was a perfect match.
