Accommodations in the Maldives
The Maldives is unquestionably famous for its world-renowned resorts, but the stunning island nation has also welcomed tourists of all budgets for decades. Each of its accommodation options is distinct and offers exclusive benefits, making them idyllic tropical sojourns that complement the natural exquisiteness of the surroundings.
Amongst the alternatives for visitors to stay in the Maldives are close to 120 budget, mid-range, and luxurious resorts on its uninhabited islands. These resorts, operated by some of the biggest brands in the hospitality business, offer a variety of conveniences to suit different guest preferences. Peak season prices at Maldivian island resorts range from $350 to well over $1000 per night for a lavish water bungalow.
Hotels are limited to bigger cities like Malé. Costing anywhere from $80 to $150 per room, they come with modern amenities and are most preferred by business travelers.
A growing trend in the Maldives has been of locally-owned guesthouses. From single room boarding to stays with up to six rooms, location and size determine the property’s cost. During peak season, visitors can rent a single room with modern amenities for around $75.
A more novel place to stay in the Maldives is the liveaboard boats, vessels that hop between islands and present an opportunity to explore the archipelago’s hidden gems. The price of a liveaboard alters dramatically based on demand. However, during tourist season, it can go over $4000 based on the duration of the cruise and amenities offered.
HOTELS
Conventional brick and mortar hotels aren’t common in the Maldives. Malé, Hulhumale, and some of the other main cities are where guests can stay in a hotel, including some that have spectacular sea views.
As mid-range accommodations, these hotels tend to have basic yet clean facilities, from air-conditioned rooms, en-suite shower rooms, and in-house restaurants to a swimming pool and conference halls in some cases.
The rooms are well-appointed and contemporary in their look, featuring traditional art and furnishing materials.
Hotels in the Maldives are an excellent choice for a business person who wants to stay near an airport or for travelers wishing to explore more of the Maldivian city-life.
RESORTS
While incredible aerial views of island accommodations are aplenty and make them all look stunning, choosing the best resort to stay in the Maldives requires a little bit of research.
These exclusive getaways cater to a specific clientele, from travelers only interested in diving to those looking for a secluded romantic escape. Some of these places are popular with particular nationalities, where others are “adults only.”
Moreover, several island accommodations advertise children’s activities, yet it is essential to check beforehand if the resort has any child policies.
One significant advantage of staying in a resort is the availability of different types of rooms. Guests can indulge in luxurious and air-conditioned thatched-roof bungalows over the water or spend their time in villas that come with plunge pools, lavish open-air bathrooms, and gorgeous panoramic views. With no end to the extravagance, top-end resorts have private butler service and plush furnishings to give every room an elegant look.
For the budget-conscious, resorts have garden-view rooms that provide the best of both worlds as tourists can enjoy the benefits of a private island without having to spend much on housing. Breakfast, dinner, and evening snacks are part of the package in all resorts. Furthermore, each one of these hideaways offers watersport excursions like diving trips and snorkeling expeditions, albeit at extra cost.
Resorts in the Maldives attract mostly visitors wanting to get away from the hustle of everyday life. In contrast to a city abode, the beaches here are secluded with ample private spots on the islands to enjoy the tranquility of the environment. Moreover, resorts are lenient in terms of clothing as well as liquor consumption.
An important point to note when booking during the peak season, between late-November and March, is that most resorts in the Maldives have a minimum stay clause with compulsory participation in celebratory Christmas and New Year dinners.
GUESTHOUSES
Ever since the government, in 2009, permitted locals to operate guesthouses in the Maldives, more than 400 abodes have mushroomed across its various inhabited islands. Excellent budget lodgings, they are typical Maldivian houses that can accommodate solo travelers, couples, families, and occasionally groups.
There are several possibilities in the type of guesthouses available, from one room homestays to multi-bedroom houses and a growing trend of self-catering apartments.
For vacationers wanting to stay in guesthouses, part of the charm is getting to know the Maldivian people and their lifestyle intimately. As many of these abodes are full-board, guests have the privilege of savoring homemade island cuisine and getting insider’s information about local attractions from their hosts. However, since these bed and breakfasts are on inhabited islands only, one needs to keep in mind alcohol and clothing restrictions during their stay.
Guesthouses in the Maldives differ in price based on the services they offer. Residences with air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and beachside locations are more in demand, but still cheaper than hotels and resorts.
LIVEABOARD
Adding a hint of adventure and thrill to any holiday in the Maldives is a stay on a liveaboard yacht. Sometimes also referred to as “safari boats” taking a cruise on one of these sea vessels is a memorable experience that takes visitors to secluded and often hard-to-reach islands of the archipelago.
The boats in the Maldives vary in size and run throughout the year. Much-favored by diving enthusiasts, they can either be private 2-3-bedroom cruisers or larger “floating boutique hotels”.
Some of the luxurious ships have over ten guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and double-sized beds. These boats have wide-open spaces on the deck to lounge around during the day, activities such as yoga, separate diving dhonis, and professional staff to look after every whim and wish of the guests.
On the other hand, there are the more exotic boats like a Turkish gullet or a Maldivian dhoni that add oodles of character to your liveaboard vacation. While the staff and amenities might be limited on these boats, en-suite bathrooms, freshly made food, open and covered lounging and dining areas are fairly standard.
A liveaboard holiday in the Maldives is definitely a hassle-free, one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the region’s splendors from a unique vantage point.