Ever feel like picking the perfect Maldives resort is more confusing than solving a Rubik’s cube? Or, even worse, choosing between 15 shades of lipstick, all kinda pink, but also so different from each other?
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You’re not alone, and I’m here to guide you through it. I’ve been in the same situation when I choose all the islands I’ve been on, no matter if they were a local island, a fancy resort, or just a night close to the airport. I will guide you through this choice by helping you look at:
- your budget
- your traveler type
- preferred activities
- meal plans
- room types
- transportation types
And because this can be overwhelming and time consuming, I have prepared slightly fun way to do this. Taking a 5-minute quiz makes this process easier, helping you choose the best Maldives resort for you based on a few questions.
Table of Contents
The Quiz
If you want a simple way to find out the best resort for your needs, you can just take the quiz below, answer a few questions, and get recommendations right away. If you want to get more resorts to choose from, all of them matching your criteria, you can sign up with your email, and you’ll get a list of three resorts perfect for you, and my super helpful emails for your upcoming trip. Of course, you can unsubscribe at any time, but I promise you won’t want to do this.
Understanding Your Budget
When it comes to choosing the perfect Maldives resort, your budget is the first thing you have to look at, as it’s usually limited. It’s easy to get caught up in the stunning photos and dreamy descriptions, but it’s crucial to dive deeper into the financials to avoid any surprises. While there are a few ways to save money on your trip, the resort you’ll book will be one of the major factors that will affect the expenses.
Additionally, the cost of your stay isn’t just about the nightly rate. It’s about the whole package, which includes those extra indulgences that can make your trip truly unforgettable, but also truly unaffordable.
- Additional Costs: You’ll need to account for food, drinks, spa visits, water sports, and other activities. Each of these can significantly impact your overall budget.
- Service Charge/Tax: The Maldives applies a standard 22% service charge and tax to almost everything, which can add up quickly. Factor this into your calculations to get a realistic understanding of the total cost.
- Tipping: Services are at such a high quality in the Maldives that you’ll want to offer everyone a tip for their amazing work. Plan this accordingly so you don’t get surprised by it.
- Early Bird Discounts/Last minute deals: Booking early can often secure you a pretty good discount on your stay. Many resorts offer early bird rates that are worth considering if your dates are set. Additionally, in my experience, last-minute deals can be surprisingly good, and it’s worth looking into them if you can afford to postpone the decision.
By taking these into account, you can map out a budget that ensures you enjoy every moment of your Maldives experience without worrying about unexpected expenses. Applying some of my tips to travel on a low budget can help, and you’ll have money left for another trip this year as well.
What’s Your Traveler Type?
Let’s play matchmaker, shall we? Are you the solo wanderer seeking peace and self-discovery, a hopelessly romantic couple on the quest for an intimate getaway, or a merry band of family adventurers geared up for endless fun? Whichever you are, there’s no right or wrong. It just doesn’t make any sense to go on a party resort if you want a quiet beach holiday for your little ones, does it?
Between you and I, if you’re a solo traveler, this is not really the place where you’d find help. I haven’t traveled solo to the Maldives, only as a child-free couple and later as a family of three. This being said, I think local islands would work great for solo travelers, as they give you that hipsterish vibe of meeting other people (if that’s your thing) or spending your time enjoying yourself.
The other two personas are thoroughly covered in the quiz, as it’s quite literally one of the questions. While it’s not mandatory that as a couple you’re looking for romance and as parents you have no interest in nightlife, some islands are better organized for one type of traveler, and that’s great news!
And of course, there are more types of travelers out there: elderly couple going for a second honeymoon (pro tip: go on a honeymoon every few years, I think it keeps the marriage in a happy place), family with teenagers, group or friends traveling together, and so on. This is why I will always recommend checking yourself the resorts I recommend, as you might not fit 100% into one of the categories allocated (none of us fit nicely in any pre-defined jars, and the world is a better place for it).
Are you overwhelmed by all the resort options? Discover your perfect island match below!
With this nifty tool, you’ll get from a list of 100+ resorts that look great and no idea where to start to a short list of islands that fit your wishes and desires. And yes, it also has the links for Booking and Agoda so you can book your stay straight away.
Check it out below!
Choosing Your Must-Do Activities
Now that you know better “who you are”, it’s time to decide what you want to do. No, I don’t mean in life, that’s for you and a therapist to discuss. I mean, on your trip, what are the must-do experiences you want to try?
While there are lots of things to do in the Maldives, some of them are even better to try at night, or when it rains. This doesn’t mean that all of them are for you, and this is the time when you should choose what you want, before you pay for things you don’t need.
Some people love snorkeling and diving, and the Maldives is a great place to do this, with its rich underwater world full of sharks and rays of all kinds. Other people would like a clear beach, without any coral or fish in the water, and to spend their time reading a book or enjoying a massage.
Some other people want to do all kinds of sports, from surfing to kayaking to God knows what else (can you guess this is really not my thing?). And some people just want to sip a cocktail on a sunbed next to the pool, hearing their little ones ask for the gazillionth time, “Mom, watch this!”.
Whichever of these people you are, you will find your resort in the Maldives for sure. Unless you dream about hiking here or visiting ice caves and hindu temples, the Maldives will probably have everything you need and more, if you choose the correct resort for you.
Deciding on Your Ideal Accommodation & Meal Plan
Alright, let’s get cozy with the idea of where you’ll be dropping your bags and calling home! The Maldives offers an array of dreamy accommodations, but two types generally stand out: Water Villas and Beach Villas. Imagine waking up and stepping directly from your bed into the crystal-clear waters of a Water Villa.
Or, visualize yourself lounging on a sunbed with the soft sand between your toes, just a stone’s throw from your Beach Villa. If privacy and direct ocean access float your boat, a Water Villa might be your match. However, for those who can’t part with the idea of a beachy doorstep perfect for castle building or sunset walks, a Beach Villa awaits.
As this criteria is not included in the quiz (most resort have both options anyway and the quiz would have been a huge thing if I included one more question), if you have a particular type of accommodation in mind, you can read my detailed lists of resorts from the list below:
- affordable water villas
- best water villas with slides
- glass floor water villas
- water villas with private pools
- cheap beach villas
- 2-bedroom water villas
- 3 bedroom villas
- 4 or more bedroom villas
Now, let’s talk about fueling up because let’s face it, exploring paradise is hungry work. Meal plans in the Maldives are like choosing your own culinary adventure. From Standard plans that typically include breakfast only, to Full Board giving you that all-day dining safety net, and All-Inclusive for the ultimate worry-free indulgence covering all meals, drinks, and sometimes even some activities.
The right meal plan for you depends on your dining expectations and how much do you prefer an a la carte experience versus the all you can eat restaurants. Love the idea of sipping cocktails without a care in the world? All-Inclusive might just be your vibe. You couldn’t care less about food and would rather spend you time snorkeling all day? A Standard plan offers that flexibility.
Choosing the right accommodation and meal plan plays a pivotal role in painting your overall Maldives experience with the hues of unforgettable. Whether it’s waking up to the ocean’s vastness or dining under the stars without fretting over the bill, aligning these choices with your expectations ensures every moment is as seamless as the horizon.
Transportation type
While you will most probably get to the Maldives with long and annoying flights (ours was 10 hours and I remember each and every one of them), you will also have to get one more means of transportation to get to the island. And this can not only take a while, but also can be quite expensive.
The three main means of transportation to the resort islands are speedboat, seaplane, and domestic flight (+speedboat, there’s always a speedboat with these). I have a more detailed blog post about transportation in the Maldives, as some people choose local islands, or a combination of islands, but to get to resorts, it’s only those three options.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these, and I cover them in detail in that blog post, but in a nutshell, resorts requiring flights have a better chance of having their house reef in a better state, as they’re further away from the airport (thus having less pollution), but these means of transportation will cost more (sometimes more than the intercontinental flight that took you there) and will take you longer to reach the island – something you might not like to do after a long flight.
Resorts reachable by speedboat present the advantage of getting you there faster, and you have more flexibility as speedboats run more often than flights. On the other hand, I know some people say flying on a seaplane is an experience in itself and they’d like to try it, so this is why the means of transportation is one of the questions of the quiz.
FAQs – How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort for You
What’s the best time of year to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April when the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities and water sports. This period marks the high season, so expect higher prices. The monsoon season, from May to October, offers lower rates but with the possibility of rain and overcast skies.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated at Maldives resorts?
Yes, Maldives resorts are well-equipped to accommodate various dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets. It’s recommended to communicate your dietary needs with your chosen resort in advance to ensure they can cater to your requirements during your stay.
Is it worth opting for an all-inclusive plan?
Opting for an all-inclusive plan can be worth it if you prefer having most of your meals, drinks, and possibly some activities included in one price. It simplifies budgeting for your trip and can offer good value, especially if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort enjoying the amenities.
How do I decide between a water villa and a beach villa?
Choosing between a water villa and a beach villa depends on your personal preferences. Water villas offer a unique over-the-water living experience with direct sea access, often providing more privacy and exclusivity. Beach villas feature direct access to the shore, ideal for those who prefer being a few steps away from the beach. Consider your priorities, such as privacy, views, and accessibility to make the best choice.
Are there activities for children at most Maldives resorts?
Many Maldives resorts offer a range of activities for children, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and specially tailored excursions, ensuring there’s plenty for younger guests to enjoy. It’s advisable to check with your preferred resort about the specific activities available for children prior to booking.
What should I consider when planning the budget for a Maldives trip?
When budgeting for a Maldives trip, consider factors such as the time of year (peak vs. off-peak), type of accommodation, meal plan, transportation to the resort (seaplane vs. speedboat), and additional costs for activities, spa services, and dining outside of your meal plan. Remember to factor in the 22% service charge/tax that is added to most services in the Maldives.
The Takeaway
We’ve now been together through the essential aspects of selecting the perfect Maldives resort, tailored specifically to you. Here’s a distilled list of the key insights to carry with you:
- The importance of factoring in extra costs like food, spa treatments, and water sports, on top of a 22% service charge/tax.
- How your traveler type (solo, couple, or family) directly influences your preferred activities and thus, your choice of resort.
- The varied allure of Water Villas versus Beach Villas and how your accommodation preference plays into the larger picture of your dream vacation.
- Different meal plans (Standard, Full Board, All-Inclusive) cater to diverse dining needs and can significantly impact your getaway experience.
- Deciding on an island’s features and size can make or break your ideal Maldivian escape, whether you crave relaxation or adventure.
- Accessibility considerations including the adventure of a seaplane versus the practicality of a speedboat journey, shaping the start and end of your island experience.
Ready to find your slice of paradise? Our quick quiz is the compass pointing you to your dream Maldives resort, harmonizing perfectly with your preferences and desires. Dive in now – your bespoke island getaway awaits!