9 Tips on How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort

30 November 2024

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater villas. The choices can be overwhelming, with over 150 resorts scattered across 26 atolls. How do you choose the best Maldives resort for your dream vacation? This guide will step you step through how to choose the best Maldives resort. It will help you make an informed decision by walking you through key factors to consider. Let’s explore a checklist to help you find the perfect Maldivian resort tailored to your preferences, whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with your family.

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How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort

1. Set a Budget

Maldives resorts range from ultra-luxurious to more affordable options, and the first step is to know how much you’re willing to spend.

Luxury Resorts ($800+ per night): These resorts offer the ultimate privacy, personalised service, and luxury experiences, often with private butlers, overwater villas, and fine dining. This is the tier to consider if you want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Mid-range resorts ($300–$800 per night): These options provide great amenities and some all-inclusive packages without the high price tag of ultra-luxury resorts.
Budget Resorts ($100–$300 per night): If you want to visit the Maldives without breaking the bank, there are a few budget-friendly options. These resorts still offer beautiful locations and the essential Maldives experience but with fewer frills.

Tip: Watch out for hidden costs like airport transfers, food, activities, and service charges. Some resorts offer all-inclusive deals that include meals, drinks, and some activities, which can save you money.

2. Pick the Right Location

The Maldives consists of small islands, and each resort is usually on its own private island. Your location will influence your transfer options, weather conditions, and access to activities.

Proximity to Male: Resorts closer to Male International Airport (Velana International Airport) are accessible via speedboat, which can save you time and money. If you don’t want to spend too much time in transit, pick a resort within a short boat ride from the airport.
Remote Islands: Resorts further away require a seaplane or domestic flight, which adds to the cost but offers more privacy and often a more exclusive experience. Remote resorts can be great for those looking for seclusion.
Local Islands vs. Private Islands: The Maldives has two main types of islands – private islands for resorts and local islands where Maldivians live. If you want to experience the local culture, consider staying on a local island like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo, where guesthouses are more common. You’ll find cheaper accommodations here but fewer amenities than resort islands.

3. Resort Size and Atmosphere

The size of the resort and its atmosphere will greatly influence your experience. When you consider how to choose the best Maldives resort for you, remember some resorts are small and intimate, while others are large, with many rooms and amenities.

Boutique Resorts: If you prefer a quiet, intimate setting, opt for a boutique resort. These smaller resorts offer fewer rooms, more privacy, and personalised service.
Larger Resorts: Larger resorts have hundreds of rooms and a range of facilities. These are ideal for families, groups, or travellers who enjoy having a wide range of restaurants, bars, and activities to choose from.
Adult-Only Resorts: For couples or honeymooners, adult-only resorts provide a peaceful atmosphere without the distraction of children. These can be great for their romantic vibes and serene environments.

Tip: Check the resort’s vibe by reading reviews or visiting their social media pages. Some resorts have a livelier atmosphere with parties and events, while others focus on relaxation and wellness.

4. Accommodation Types

The Maldives is famous for its overwater villas, but these aren’t the only options available. When choosing accommodation, consider the type of experience you want.

Overwater Villas: These iconic villas sit on stilts above the water, offering stunning views and direct access to the ocean. They’re perfect for those who want a unique and luxurious experience. Some even have pools. However, they tend to be the most expensive option.
Beach Villas: If you prefer solid ground but still want easy beach access, a beach villa is a great choice. These villas are usually surrounded by lush gardens or placed directly on the beach.
Garden Villas: The most affordable option, garden villas are set back from the beach and offer a more budget-friendly option. You won’t have ocean views, but you’ll still have access to the resort’s beaches and amenities.

Tip: If you don’t have the budget for an overwater villa for your entire stay, consider splitting your time between a beach villa and an overwater villa to experience the best of both worlds.

5. Meal Plans

One of the important and often expensive things when considering how to choose the best Maldives resort is food and drinks. Maldivian resorts usually offer different meal plans, and choosing the right one depends on your budget and dining preferences.

All-Inclusive: This includes all meals, drinks, and often some activities. All-inclusive plans are great if you don’t want to worry about extra costs during your stay.
Half-Board: This includes breakfast and dinner but not lunch or drinks. Half-board is a good option if you plan to explore the island during the day or do activities that keep you away from the resort during lunch.
Bed and Breakfast: This includes only breakfast. If you’re staying on a local island or in a budget resort and want to explore dining options outside the resort, this plan can save you money.

Tip: Check the menus and dining options at the resort before booking a meal plan. If there are many restaurant choices or the resort is far from other dining options, all-inclusive might be the better deal.

6. Activities and Experiences

The Maldives isn’t just about lounging on the beach. Depending on your interests, you’ll want to pick a resort that offers the activities you’re excited about.

Snorkelling and Diving: The Maldives is home to some of the best coral reefs in the world, so if you’re a snorkeller or diver, make sure the resort has a house reef or offers guided excursions.
Water Sports: If you’re into activities like jet skiing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, check what water sports are available at the resort. Some resorts offer non-motorised sports for free, while others charge extra.
Excursions: Many resorts offer boat trips, dolphin watching, and sunset cruises. If you’re interested in exploring more of the Maldives, choose a resort that offers these types of excursions.
Spa and Wellness: For those looking for a relaxing getaway, a resort with a great spa is a must. Look for resorts that offer extensive wellness programs, yoga, and personalised treatments.
Kids’ Clubs and Family-Friendly Facilities: If you’re travelling with children, look for resorts that cater to families with kid’s clubs, babysitting services, and activities for all ages.

Tip: Some resorts focus more on specific activities (like diving), so check what’s included and what will cost extra.

7. Environmental Sustainability

If sustainability is important to you, choose a resort that prioritises eco-friendly practices. Climate change heavily impacts the Maldives, so many resorts are now focusing on conservation efforts.

Eco-Friendly Resorts: Look for resorts that use solar power, recycle waste, and minimise plastic use.
Marine Conservation: Some resorts have marine biologists on staff who lead conservation programs and offer educational activities like coral planting.

8. Transfer Options

Getting to your resort is crucial to your planning, as transfers can be expensive and time-consuming.

Speedboat Transfers: Resorts near Male offer speedboat transfers, which are usually quicker and cheaper. Depending on the resort, these can cost around $100–$200 per person.
Seaplane Transfers: For resorts further away, seaplanes are a common option. Seaplane transfers can cost upwards of $500 per person and offer incredible aerial views of the atolls.
Domestic Flights: Some remote resorts require a domestic flight followed by a speedboat ride. These transfers can take longer and be more expensive, but they’re worth it for the extra seclusion.

Tip: Always confirm the cost of transfers before booking your resort to avoid any surprises.

Need to transfer from the Male International Airport to the Seaplane Terminal? Read our Guide here.

9. Check Reviews and Reputation

Lastly, make sure to read reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google, or booking platforms before making your decision. Reviews from past guests can give you insights into the quality of service, cleanliness, and overall experience at the resort. While the resort’s website will show beautiful photos and highlight its best features, guest reviews provide a more realistic view of what to expect. Here’s how to use reviews effectively:

Look for Consistency: If multiple reviews mention the same pros or cons, those points are likely accurate. For example, if several guests rave about the service or complain about the food quality, that’s valuable information.
Recent Reviews: Focus on recent reviews to get an up-to-date understanding of the resort. Resorts can change over time, and new management or renovations can improve or worsen the experience.
Specific Needs: If you have specific preferences (like a focus on snorkelling, family activities, or romantic vibes), look for reviews from guests with similar needs. Many platforms allow you to filter reviews based on the type of traveller.
Social Media: Visit the resort’s social media pages (Instagram, Facebook) to see more guest photos and comments. This can give you a sense of the resort’s current atmosphere and appearance.

Final Checklist - How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort

Here’s a simple checklist for how to choose the best Maldives resort based on the points discussed:

Budget

- What is your total budget for accommodation, meals, and activities?
- Have you accounted for transfer costs and extra fees?

Location

- Do you prefer a resort close to Male (easy access) or a remote island (more seclusion)?
- Are you okay with the additional time and cost for seaplane or domestic flight transfers?

Resort Atmosphere

- Do you prefer a boutique or a larger resort with more activities and amenities?
- Is an adult-only, family-friendly, or eco-focused resort important to you?

Accommodation Type

- Overwater villa, beach villa, or garden villa – what suits your budget and experience goals?
- How much time will you spend in your villa, and does it match your expectations for views and privacy?

Meal Plans

- All-inclusive, half-board, or bed and breakfast – which plan fits your dining style and budget?
- Are there enough restaurant options at the resort, or will you explore dining outside?

Activities

- Is snorkelling, diving, or water sports important to your trip? Does the resort offer these?
- Do you want other activities, such as spa treatments, excursions, or kids’ clubs?

Sustainability

- Is staying at an eco-friendly resort important to you?
- Does the resort have programs for marine conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction?

Transfer Options

- What is the transfer method (speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight), and how much does it cost?
- Is the transfer time manageable, especially after a long international flight?

Reviews and Reputation

- Have you checked recent reviews on multiple platforms?
- Do the reviews align with your preferences and expectations for service, food, and overall experience?

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect resort in the Maldives requires careful planning. Our guide to How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort is here to help. By considering factors like budget, location, atmosphere, and available activities, you can narrow down your options and find a resort that fits your dream vacation. Whether looking for a luxurious overwater villa, a family-friendly island with activities for all ages, or a peaceful retreat focused on wellness, the Maldives offers something for every traveller.

Keep this checklist handy as you research and compare resorts. Taking the time to consider your needs and preferences will help ensure that your trip to the Maldives is everything you hope for and more. With its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and world-class resorts, the Maldives is a destination you won’t forget. Happy planning and enjoy your tropical getaway!

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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