When talking about dream vacations, the Maldives is probably one of the first few destinations that comes to mind.

Now more than ever before, as travellers itch to tour the globe after two years of travel inactivity, the Maldives is quickly rising to the top of bucket lists as the ultimate safe haven and island getaway. The country has recently removed Covid-19 test and mask mandates for international travellers, and the tourists are flocking in by the droves.

Contrary to popular belief, the Maldives is not only reserved for affluent travellers. While the destination is synonymous with ultra-luxurious resorts, there are lesser-known accommodations that allow travellers to check into paradise on a budget and experience the destination's eclectic array of experiences.

Guesthouses with a touch of luxury

Only in the Maldives can guesthouses pass off as five-star resorts. With the destination providing unbeatable views and backdrops, these budget-friendly properties far surpass expectations of typical guesthouses.

Being the Maldives’ only accommodation type to be located on inhabited islands, guesthouses open a door to priceless local experiences. For those looking to discover a side of the Maldives that few others have seen, look no further than guesthouses.

To top things off, guesthouses score high on both affordability and accessibility. This class of accommodation is located on local islands that are accessible by domestic flights or speedboats.

Kaani Palm Beach (from US$145/night)

Infinity pool, check. Seafront location, check. Beach dining, check. Kaani Palm Beach offers the trappings of an island resort, but at a fraction of the price.

With what’s said to be the tallest infinity pool and rooftop restaurant on Maafushi Island, the guesthouse is an excellent spot for stunning sunset views of the Indian ocean. There are no villas, but Kaani Palm Beach does have sea-facing balcony rooms, making this an excellent option for the budget-conscious.

Bliss Dhigurah (from US$97/night)

This guesthouse sits within one of the world’s best zones for whale shark sightings — the South Ari Atoll. A hit among those with a taste for adventure and luxury, Bliss Dhigurah offers a range of experiences from exhilarating snorkel trips to romantic sandbank picnics.

Guestrooms include the most basic Compact Room, Deluxe Room complete with balcony and hammock, as well as Family Room and Suite.

Aveyla Manta Village (from US$176/night)

Aveyla Manta Village has a prized location that gives guests a taste of the best that the Maldives has to offer. In addition to being at the heart of the Maldives’ UNESCO marine biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, the guesthouse also occupies a beachfront spot on the sleepy island of Dharavandhoo.

Given its location, Aveyla Manta Village can serve as a base to discover the stunning reefs of the UNESCO marine reserve, as well as the local way of life.

Speedboat-accessible resorts

As enticing as guesthouses are, private islands are no doubt still a big draw for those visiting the Maldives.

The quintessential one-island-one-resort experience is not out of reach even for the budget-conscious thanks to the diverse lodging options available in the destination. When planning for budget-sensitive clients, look out for inexpensive resorts that are directly connected to the international airport by speedboat.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli (from US$259/night)

A mere 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Sun Siyam Olhuveli occupies the quaint island of Olhuveli.

The resort’s convenient location makes it an attractive option not only for families, but also MICE travellers. In addition to the 11 F&B concepts, there are three pools at the resort (although intrepid travellers may be lured into the glistening lagoon).

For events of different sizes (2-300 people), the resort boasts flexible event spaces, a dedicated MICE team and packages with F&B inclusions. From Olhuveli island, dive enthusiasts can also venture out to discover mysterious shipwreck sites.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives (from US$232/night)

This adults-only resort in North Malé Atoll features 140 villas, each for no more than two guests. The island is a child-free playground for the ultimate couple’s retreat, offering relaxation and fun in equal degrees.

Guests can choose from Italian, Middle Eastern and Thai fare at dedicated restaurants, or dine privately with their feet in the sand. There are also different lounging areas for tipples, including a pool bar. Another highlight is the spa. As much as it is great for relaxation, the resort also presents opportunities for active fun such as snorkelling and water sports.

Meeru Island Resort & Spa (from US$371/night)

Oozing with rustic charm, Meeru Island Resort & Spa sports classic thatched roof villas and even its own museum. Sitting on a 32-hectare island in the North Male Atoll, Meerufenfushi, the resort is an easy 55-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.

It features 284 guest rooms starting from garden rooms and going all the way up to overwater jacuzzi villas. In addition to two buffet restaurants, the resort also offers a la carte options and water-front bars. Perfect for the whole family, the resort has a kids’ club and game room too.

The dive centre on Meerufenfushi, in addition to offering PADI certified experiences, is also committed to protecting biodiversity as a supporter of Manta Trust research on Manta Ray populations in the North Male Atoll.

Escape to private paradise

The epitome of barefoot luxury – these resorts bring privacy, exclusivity and laid back sophistication synonymous with high-end Maldivian retreats. Guests arrive in style via seaplane, after being treated to breathtaking views from up high. They then luxuriate in beautiful villas with postcard perfect views, blissfully hidden away from the crowds.

The difference is, villas here do not cost an arm and a leg. Before you write off luxury villas in the Maldives for being out of budget, check out these affordable-luxury resorts.

Noku Maldives (from US$368/night)

With only 50 private villas, spacious exclusivity and safely distanced luxury rank high. The resort is located on Kuda Funafaru island in Noonu Atoll, a prime spot for spinner dolphin sightings. Hop on a traditional sail boat (dhoni) to see the acrobatic sea mammals, which got their name from how they leap out of water in impressive spinning displays. Guests can also step into the vibrant underwater world right from the resort’s doorstep. In Noku Maldives’ private lagoon, snorkellers may see clownfish, triggerfish and sea anemones. Guests catch a 45-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport to get here. The alternative is a 40-minute domestic flight to the new Maafaru airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.

Sandies Bathala Maldives (from US$343/night)

This resort in the North Ari Atoll that opened in 2019 is one of the newer additions to the crop of all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives. Bathala island is a prime location for dive enthusiasts, with Fishhead, Mayaa Tila, Maaga Tila and Manta Point in the vicinity.

The island is also a hop and skip away from Male (15 minutes by seaplane), a winning location for those seeking convenience and accessibility. Despite being located near Male, the resort does not trade off on exclusivity with its small inventory of just 46 beach bungalows and 24 water villas. It may be tempting to hole up in the comfortable rooms, but be sure to step out and experience another of the resort’s highlights – the stunning infinity pool.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives Resort (from US$335/night)

Prior to Covid, Finolhu Maldives' beach club had hosted big names like Paris Hilton and Leonardo DiCaprio. The beach club is just one of several trendy F&B concepts at the resort. There is also the Crab Shack, a rustic option for toes-in-the-sand dining, and Milk LAB, where guests can conveniently pick up a post workout shake, an espresso pick-me-up, or just a refreshing juice.

After the sun sets, it brings dreams of Ibiza and Mykonos wafting through the night. For an unforgettable night of sleeping under the stars, the resort has a “beach bubble” tent fashioned from a patented technology.

From the international airport, guests may catch a 30-minute seaplane ride to the resort. The other route is 20 minutes by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport and then a 30-minute speedboat ride to arrive at the resort.