How To Enjoy A Five-Star Luxury Maldives Vacation On A Budget

What was once a pipedream is now a reality: Budget-conscious tourists can travel to and experience all-inclusive five-star luxury in the Maldives on a budget. Here’s how you can visit photogenic islands and some of the best Maldives resorts without spending thousands of dollars.

Formerly the World’s Most Exclusive Destination

It’s no secret the Maldives are a notoriously expensive destination. The Indian Ocean archipelago is famed for coral reefs, intense beauty, snorkelling, Asia’s top diving sites and luxurious resort islands. With the average night costing several hundred dollars, the Maldives were out of reach for budget travellers. But not anymore. Today, the islands burst with mid-range tourists and the occasional backpacker visiting the Maldives on a budget.

Water bungalows on the resort island can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per night

Visiting the Maldives on a Budget

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Maldives?

After arriving at Velena International Airport in Male, either take the local ferry via Male or the speedboat. The former costs approximately $3 but operates on a sparse timetable. Private speedboats have regular departures charging $25 per person. A typical guesthouse on local islands like Maafushi have nightly prices between $50 and $70. Day trips to resort islands range from $70 to $150 per person. Activities, such as night fishing, snorkelling and half-day trips are anywhere from $25 to $60. Food is surprisingly affordable, with meals costing just a few dollars for a single meal and up to $15 for buffet-style barbeques.

Luxury on a Budget

Tourists travelling to the Maldives on a budget can experience five-star luxury without spending hundreds of dollars per night. While staying at the local islands, you can get a day pass to the resorts. The pass, about $100 per person on average, includes a return speedboat transfer, entrance fees and full access to the resort’s facilities. Many offer a lunch buffet and unlimited drinks, including free-flowing cocktails, wine and beer.

Take a day trip to one of the resort islands such as Adaaran Club Rannalhi

The Smart Way to Visit the Maldives

Couples who stay at one of Maafushi’s guesthouses and take a day trip to the resort islands will spend about $260 and still have access to the facilities and amenities, rather than paying $800 or more per night. Tourists have the advantage of visiting more than one resort too. So yes, travelling to the Maldives on a budget is possible. A dream vacation in one of the world’s most beautiful spots won’t break the bank.

For approximately $100 each, a trip to one of the resort islands is worth it

Swim in the clear blue waters of the Maldives

Take the opportunity to go snorkelling when in the Maldives

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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