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A significant shift in Maldives tourism came about in 2010. It was in this year that the government allowed residents to open and operate guesthouses on inhabited islands. These public islands till then were off-limits for travelers.
The first guesthouse in the Maldives opened on the island of Maafushi. In just over a decade, there has been a dramatic increase in this number. At present, well over 600 guesthouses greet tourists across the archipelago. However, the number of guesthouses on an island differs significantly, with some places having only a couple and others with over 20 residences.
Living in a guesthouse is an ideal occasion to get the natural feel of the country and its people. And if the growing number of inns is not a clear indication of their popularity, here are six reasons you should book a guesthouse for your Maldivian vacation.
Budget-friendly
The biggest draw for staying in a Maldivian guesthouse is the cost factor. Ranging anywhere from $20 to $150 per night, rooms on inhabited islands are far cheaper than what you pay on a resort.
In addition to the low cost of living, food is cheap at around $10 to $15 per meal at a guesthouse. And, small extras like bicycles hire are often complimentary during your stay. But if it wasn’t, renting a bike only costs $5 per day in most places.
Therefore, while several tourists spend a short holiday in a resort, guesthouses allow you to linger for longer in the Maldives and that too without breaking the bank.
Authentic
What can possibly be more authentic than living amongst the locals on a faraway tropical island of the Maldives?
Guesthouses provide travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the Maldivian way of life without having to skip the conveniences that one desires during a relaxing vacation.
Locally owned, these bread and breakfast establishments are the perfect abode for tourists searching for an offbeat travel experience. When residing in a Maldivian guesthouse, visitors get to witness the colors of the islands from up-close while having the chance to interact personally with the inhabitants.
Moreover, if you decide to live on a public island, you get to savor classic Maldivian food, made with the freshest ingredients, usually caught on the same day.
Pro-Tip:
Plan your guesthouse stay in the Maldives to coincide with a festival. Participating in the local celebrations – Eid, Holi, Prophet’s Birthday, Independence Day – along with welcoming island inhabitants is a genuinely fascinating experience you do not want to miss.
Variety of accommodations
Accommodations in Maldivian guesthouses are significantly different from those in resorts. Contrasting the luxury provided by the latter, rooms in guesthouses are modest in nature but clean and comfortable.
As a traveler, you can generally choose between various rooms when staying on an inhabited island. Some places are simple in design, while others are more contemporary and come with TVs, sea-facing balconies, and en-suite bathrooms.
Moreover, guesthouses are typically all over the island. So, you have the option of staying next to the beach or in the heart of the local village.
Guesthouse sizes also vary, depending on the popularity of the island among tourists. You’ll find intimate stays with three to four rooms as well as larger guesthouses that are like mini-hotels with up to 30 rooms. Still, the majority of guesthouses in the Maldives have under ten rooms.
Amenities and services also vary from one place to another. Some of the residences have in-house restaurants, a gym, a courtyard, lounging rooms, and terraces where you can sunbathe in a bikini. In contrast, some guesthouses will only offer you a cozy room and food, creating a more homely ambiance.
Unique activities
Whether you are staying on a private or public island, the waters and marine life of Maldives are common for everyone. As a result, you can enjoy the very same activities through a guesthouse that you would while booked in an overwater bungalow.
Nevertheless, staying on an inhabited island does allow travelers to indulge in a few unmatched adventures. For example, it isn’t always possible to go fishing on a dhoni with a local fisherman while living in a resort. Similarly, you won’t be able to play a game of football with the village children on the beach either.
Admittedly, resorts do offer top-class water sports to their guests. And you can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing, and diving through guesthouses. But these facilities aren’t always available on every public island. However, when they are, the charges are far less than what you would pay at a retreat.
Helping the local economy
When you book a guesthouse in the Maldives, you help the local economy directly. Owned by island residents, any revenue generated through these inns goes straight into their pockets.
But that’s not the end of it. With guesthouses popping up across islands, there is also a demand for more jobs in the service and tourism sector.
Not only limited to working in or running a guesthouse, but entrepreneurial locals also have set-up businesses that support guesthouses. These include souvenir shops, cafes, and providing water sports to guests staying on the islands.
Friendly-vibe
The service you’ll receive at any resort island is undoubtedly top-of-the-line. The staff is specialized, well-trained, and caters to all whims and wishes.
The general vibe at a guesthouse, though, is slightly different. It is professional, no doubt about that. However, you’ll notice that the relationship between the hosts and guests is more friendly and casual.
Staying at a guesthouse is as close to living with a Maldivian family as you can possibly get while on vacation.
Furthermore, this laidback, approachable atmosphere is equally visible among the guests as well. Unlike a resort, where honeymooning couples want privacy and families might spend time together, guesthouses create an environment that encourages people to mingle.
Since the common areas in guesthouses are smaller, residents are more likely to strike up conversations and share stories and tips about activities on the islands.
In the end, this kind of experiential stay gives guesthouses and small boutique hotels on inhabited islands a unique character, making them the perfect place to book your holiday in the Maldives.
N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
