Growing up as a gay man, gay marriage might sound like an impossible dream to you, especially in a destination which is reputed for its controversial character, like Maldives. Truly, Maldives is not familiar with homosexuality yet and the gay lifestyle is still foreign to the locals, who are still bound to traditional family values. The local gay community follows a discreet lifestyle. Naturally, there are not any gay bars at all around the country.
Despite the above, Maldivians are actually very friendly to their foreign visitors. They respect other people's beliefs, as well as their guests' privacy. The country's high dependence on its tourism market is another factor that ensures a much friendlier attitude by the locals. However, what makes the country stand out from other countries of the same caliber is that you can spend your entire holidays on small secluded islands which are owned by big hotels and resorts. That way, the only locals that you are going to see are the hotel's staff.
Most of the luxurious resorts in the Maldives are located on small, secluded and uninhabited islets. The Sharia Law does not apply in the resorts, and your privacy is guaranteed. The staff is well-trained and hand-picked in order to ensure a premium staying experience for all guests. But, how can you get married in Maldives? Well, technically you can't!
Gay marriage has not been recognized in the Maldives yet, however, you can complete the boring marriage procedures in a country of your choice (where gay marriage is recognized) and celebrate the most important day of your life by arranging a luxurious reception in a Maldivian Resort. That resort could be none other than LUX* South Ari Atoll, of course!
A Wedding Reception in South Ari Atoll | The Essentials
On first thought, you might think that a marriage in the Maldives is too much for your wallet to stand. But, have you really considered all of the costs of an average wedding? An average wedding in the USA costs around 20-30K, without the Honeymoon being included. In the Maldives and at the LUX* South Art Atoll Resort, you can actually combine these two, resulting in spending the same amount of money you would if you arranged your wedding in your own country.
Of course, the wedding in Maldives cannot be compared to any other country. Saying "I do" in LUX* South Ari Atoll is like one of your wildest dreams coming true. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and small fragments of your memories will remind you of the times where you were wondering if you would ever find your other half.
The reception will take place on a stretch of golden-sand beach, whose turquoise waters shine so brilliantly that it looks like thousands of stars sunk into the sea. All of your bad memories will slowly fade away from the sound of the bodu beru drummers as you walk down the aisle. But, the best part of the wedding has yet to come.
You will be showered with a handful of flower petals which symbolize your colorful and fragrant future together. You will be blessed by a celebrant with a few quiet words, and you will blend two different types of sand in a vase, symbolizing your separate lives merging into one.
In the end, you will place your vows in a coconut and you will throw them into the ocean, meaning that your secret promises will be kept forever. You will also plant a baby palm tree which will blossom and bloom as your love continues to grow. You can take the tree back to your home as a token to remember your wedding in the Maldives!
Make your wedding an excuse for you and your friends to get away!
Your wedding ceremony is complete, but your journey in the Maldives has just started. Since you have made the decision to visit a country like Maldives, you should extend your wedding celebration for you and your friends/family and spend at least 5 days on the island all together. The resort is packed with many facilities and services, so you will soon realise that Maldives is not only about sunbathing and swimming in the beach.
Eat to your heart's content!
Staying in the same island for your entire holidays could easily become a routine, especially when you have to eat the same style of food every day. That's why LUX* South Ari Atoll is the only resort in the Maldives that hosts 8 restaurants, offering you all kinds of dining options and settings.
Senses Restaurant offers Middle Eastern and Indian Ocean Cuisine, and it's the best place to enjoy a beautiful and romantic a la carte dinner under the stars. In the indoor/outdoor MIXE Restaurant, you can enjoy a refreshing buffet dinner and breakfast.
For authentic Asian cuisine including dishes like Peking duck and dim sum, head out to the East Market. Not fancy of Asian cuisine? Allegria Restaurant offers delicious European recipes, specializing on Italian cuisine. You can check out more details about the restaurants here.
Indoors & Outdoor Activities in the Maldives!
And don't think that holidays in Maldives is only about sunbathing and snorkeling... as one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers plenty of other indoor and outdoor activities that you will both appreciate. The hotel has a modern spa where you can enjoy refreshing and relaxing spa treatments and massages.
For a more thrilling touch on your trip, you can choose a wide range of outdoor activities like hover boarding, catamaran excursions, outdoor yoga, windsurfing, jet ski, kite-surfing, and fishing are also available.
Party at the Beach Club Rouge!
Beach Rouge is currently the only fully fledged beach club in the Maldives, making up the perfect hotspot to chill out through the day with light snacks, cool drinks, and easy-going music. But the best part comes every night, when the outdoor dance floor overlooking the beach, converts Beach Rouge into the perfect hotspot for partying and socializing. The cocktails are to-die-for!
An unforgettable honeymoon worthy of the wedding!
Your wedding ceremony exceeded every expectation and it's time to say goodbye to your friends and start your honeymoon... at last! LUX* South Ari Atoll offers many offers which will benefit you greatly since you are going to stay for a long time in the hotel. You can either choose a stay more pay less offer and if you are lucky, you can even find an even better special honeymoon package.
Specially created for couples, the Romantic Pool Water Villa will seduce you with its breathtaking sunrise views of the Indian Ocean and over-the-top villa facilities. The floor to ceiling windows allow the sun's light to reach the interior area, infusing the villa with natural light. The outdoor wooden deck terrace has a beautiful dining area where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, and the cozy cabana overlooks the villa's private 14 meter infinity pool, creating the perfect setting to spend your evening with your husband.
Scuba-diving in its most romantic form!
Snorkeling & scuba diving are two great experiences, especially in the exotic islands of the Maldives, which are all known for their rich undersea environment. But, have you ever tried scuba diving in the evening? Fluorescent Night Diving will unfold a whole new world right before your eyes!
The hotel's expert guides will guide you to a magical place that most people never got the chance to see. You will be equipped with a unique torchlight and a filter that fits over your mask. You will see all kinds of glowing fish in the Maldivian waters that will remind you of exotic movies like Avatar.
Still not convinced? Take a look at the hotel's website by clicking here, and see photos of the hotel's facilities as well as more details about the available activities. Or else, you can book directly by clicking here!
6 + 1 Reasons to Visit LUX* South Ari Atoll
- Gay-Friendly Staff that respect the guests' privacy.
- Message in a Bottle; Find bottles hidden all over the resort and win special prizes!
- Exceptional Wedding Receptions with unique activities that you can do nowhere else.
- Luxury Rooms equipped with advanced facilities and amenities that ensure a comfortable stay.
- 8 Restaurants serving all type of cuisines, from Asian to Western.
- A romantic outdoors cinema where you can enjoy family classics and blockbusters under the stars.
- Availability of a wide range of activities including various water-sports, diving, junk art, and more.