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As an island nation cut-off from the world, Maldives exudes unmatched exclusivity, most prominently witnessed through the presence of its extravagant “one island one resort” options dotted around the archipelago.
While the Maldives has long been a preferred holiday spot for the rich, it isn’t without pocket-friendly opportunities that are now starting to attract budget travelers in the thousands every year.
Adding to this changing persona of the islands are ways to save money in the Maldives. These simple to follow tips can help you save anything from a few dollars while buying souvenirs to hundreds of dollars at the time of booking your room or transport within the islands.
Constantly check for discounts
There are two simple ways to get discounts and save money in the Maldives at the time of booking your resort. Adventurous travelers and risk-takers can keep track of the room rates till the very end. In most cases, the rates initially increase but then fall down as a date draws nearer. To make the most of this tactic, keep a watch over three or four resorts and book the cheapest one closer to your travel time.
Most hotels these days offer outstanding internet room rates, and they are undoubtedly a great deal. Nevertheless, it is worth emailing the resort, asking them for the “best possible price.” You’ll be amazed how many retreats will either give you a more significant discount or at least add in a few complimentary activities like dinner for two or spa massage as part of your package without increasing the price.
Plan for off-peak travel dates
A wonderful thing about the Maldives is that it is an all-year tropical destination. While the peak season is typically from November to April, you can visit the islands at any time and enjoy its natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and laidback environment.
The months before the peak season, October and May, are when the Monsoon is just about to end or start, and if you don’t mind a little bit of rain, it’s the perfect time to pick up amazing discounts.
Also, avoid dates around holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year as the room rates are at a premium, and the stay includes compulsory participation in dinners.
Use cheaper modes of transport
A seaplane ride over the archipelago is a visually spectacular experience, but also one that will put a dent in your wallet. Thus, an excellent way to save money in the Maldives is to travel between the islands using alternative transportation modes.
If your resort is near Malé, a speed boat is good enough a choice. However, instead of the more expensive hotel transfer, book a ride on private speedboats that are reasonable and take passengers to several different resorts in one trip. It’s essential to pre-book these speedboats as the scheduled vessels fill-up fast while some only work when they have enough customers.
Many tourists are now starting to realize that it is possible to have a budget-friendly holiday in the Maldives. For that, you will have to stay on an inhabited island, and if doing so, you’ll be able to save loads of money by using the local ferry system.
Holiday with your children
The Maldives is as much a honeymoon destination as it is one for the family. In fact, bringing your children on holiday to the islands can prove quite economical because resorts love their little guests and have plenty of offers to accommodate and entertain them.
Not only do kids stay at discounted room rates, but many family-friendly resorts include specials like kid activities and food for free into the whole package, resulting in tremendous savings for families.
Pick the right villa
When searching for accommodation options in each resort, you’ll notice a considerable difference between garden-view rooms, beach villas, and the most desirable of them all, overwater bungalows.
Remember that the hotel amenities, the magnificent views, the beach, and the best snorkeling spots are precisely the same for everyone. Therefore, you can easily overlook the water villas and opt for beach or garden villas to save money.
Still, since the Maldives is world-famous for its water bungalows, think about planning your stay on land for most of the trip, shifting to a water villa for a night or two to tick it off your bucket list.
Book an all-inclusive package
All-inclusive packages are a little on the expensive side, but eventually, you end up saving a lot during your vacation. For starters, an all-inclusive, as the name suggests, includes everything from your room and meals to a specific number of activities such as spa treatments and non-motor water sports.
Most all-inclusive packages allow you to have food at any resort restaurant, both from the buffet and a la carte menu. The use of the kid’s club, participation in cultural events, unlimited alcohol, and a host of other features make it a no-hassle option that is ideal for guests who like to be out and about all the time.
A half-board is a good idea
Yes, we just told you to go all-inclusive, so why are we talking about half-board now? Well, for one thing, there is a huge price difference between all-inclusive, full-board, and half-board packages. Secondly, not all guests are likely to be big on drinking alcohol or want to pack their holiday with too many activities.
A full-board usually includes three meals, all buffets, and maybe select alcoholic drinks. In comparison, a half-board package is a better and cheaper choice, especially for people who do not drink alcohol.
Having a buffet meal at the same restaurant throughout the holiday can be boring. With a half-board, you can have a hearty breakfast, skip lunch, and then enjoy dinner. It also gives you space to try some of the other restaurants on your island. If wanting that occasional drink, you can always pay for it, rather than having to choose an all-inclusive and not utilizing it to the max.
Stay near Malé
The vastness of the Maldivian archipelago means you have private island resorts that can only be reached via seaplane or domestic flight. While they provide a secluded hideaway, the cost of transport to the island and then traveling to nearby places of interest can significantly increase your total trip expense.
Thus, staying in a resort near Malé is a great way to save money in the Maldives. Firstly, you won’t have to spend much on transport. Moreover, having a bustling inhabited island nearby gives you access to shopping, eating, and excursions that are far cheaper than what you will pay on a private island.
Bring essential toiletries
One look at the ultimate packing list for the Maldives and you will quickly realize that there is not much you need to bring to the islands. But if you are staying on a resort, a few accessories and toiletries can cut down on added costs.
A Maldivian holiday is about being on the beach, in the water, and under the sun. A high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are thus three essentials you should carry. You will find them at your resort shop, but why pay extra for something you have or can get cheaper from home.
Also, bring your own bottle. Some resorts charge for extra mineral water bottles, or you’ll need to buy some when staying on inhabited islands. By carrying a water bottle, you cut down on plastic use and can refill it during breakfast or lunch for free.
Spend time on inhabited islands
There is no denying that Maldivian resorts are some of the most opulent in the world. Staying at one is a dream come true for couples either on their honeymoon or families looking to bond in an isolated part of the world.
You don’t necessarily have to give up on these luxuries to keep your budget in check. For instance, if your resort is near an inhabited island, it will be cheaper for you to go there and book an excursion than through your resort’s travel desk. Moreover, the inhabited islands have multiple dive centers, allowing you to bargain on the price and also include a drop off to your resort as part of the deal.
The same is true for Maldivian souvenirs. There might be a shop on your private island, but it will likely have a limited selection and possibly higher prices. By buying souvenirs from an inhabited island, you can directly help the local people and get a discount on these exotic handmade products.
