The Maldives, this dreamy archipelago on the Indian Ocean, offers two very distinct travel experiences: a stay in a luxury resort on a private island-hotel, or a getaway in a boutique hotel on a local island. Each has its own assets and is aimed at a different type of traveler. So which should you choose for an unforgettable vacation in the Maldives? Here’s how.
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Practical info
The Maldives can be reached by international flight via Malé airport. From Europe, it’s a ten- to twelve-hour flight with a stopover. Once there, transfer to your island by speedboat or seaplane, depending on your accommodation.
In terms of climate, the best time to visit the archipelago is from November to April, during the dry season when the sun is out and the sea is calm. From May to October, the wet season brings more rainfall, but also more attractive prices and ideal waves for surfing.
For details of the best periods and transport options, see our dedicated Maldives page.
Why choose the Maldives?
The Maldives immediately conjure up images of crystal-clear lagoons, white sandy beaches and an idyllic backdrop for a change of scenery. But beyond the picture-postcard landscapes, this archipelago offers a real diversity of experiences to suit every traveler’s desires. Whether you’re looking for absolute relaxation, an underwater adventure or an immersion in the local culture, the Maldives have something for everyone.
- Diving and snorkeling: The coral reefs are home to exceptional marine life. Manta rays, whale sharks and tropical fish live in translucent waters, accessible to both experienced divers and snorkelers.
- Boat excursions: Embark on a sunset cruise to meet the dolphins, a day on a secluded sandbank or a spot of deep-sea fishing.
- Water sports: Paddle, kayak, kitesurf or jet-ski… there’s no shortage of activities to explore the lagoons from a different angle.
- Relaxation and well-being: Enjoy an oceanfront massage in a stilt spa, a sunrise yoga session or simply the luxury of doing nothing, lulled by the sound of the waves.
Hotel-Island Stay: Luxury, Comfort and Escape
In the Maldives, island hotels offer a unique experience: each establishment occupies a private island, guaranteeing total immersion in a postcard setting. With over 170 island hotels spread across the archipelago, the concept is based on a promise of exclusivity and tranquility. No roads, no crowds: just pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and accommodations designed for absolute relaxation.
Far from being limited to ultra-luxury establishments, the hotel offer in the Maldives is more varied than you might think. While 5-star resorts dominate the market, there are also 4-star and some 3-star hotels, enabling a wider range of travelers to enjoy this paradise.
5-Star and 5-Star Luxury Resorts
The most prestigious hotels in the Maldives offer an exclusive experience, with spacious villas on stilts or on the beach, often with private pools. Service is ultra-personalized, with dedicated butlers and made-to-measure attention. Underwater gastronomic experiences, spas on stilts, diving with manta rays and whale sharks, private cruises… everything is designed for an unforgettable stay.
Some exceptional addresses:
- Cheval Blanc Randheli – Ultimate luxury from LVMH, sumptuous villas and refined service
- One&Only Reethi Rah – Not to be missed, renowned for its spacious villas and top-class cuisine
- Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani – Eco-friendly barefoot luxury concept
- Gili Lankanfushi – Casual elegance with villas on stilts and private butler
- Anantara Kihavah – Underwater restaurant, exceptional spa and superb diving sites
- LUX South Ari Atoll – Modern, relaxed luxury, perfect for an upscale experience without ostentation
Price range: between €5,000 and €20,000 per week for two people, depending on the season and type of accommodation chosen.
4-star resorts
4-star hotels offer a great alternative for enjoying the Maldives without reaching the prices of ultra-luxury resorts. Less exclusive than 5-star resorts, they nevertheless offer bungalows on stilts and quality services. They also offer a wide range of gastronomic delights and activities: snorkeling, kayaking, sea excursions…
Some examples of 4-star resorts
- Club Med Kani – A friendly, all-inclusive atmosphere, ideal for a dynamic break
- RIU Atoll & RIU Palace Maldivas – All-inclusive with excellent value for money
- Sun Siyam Olhuveli – One of the best options for a first stay in the Maldives
- Meeru Island Resort & Spa – Appreciated for its warm atmosphere
- Kuredu Island Resort – Large beach and superb snorkeling lagoon
Price range: from €3,000 to €6,500 per week for two people
3-star resorts
Rarer on private islands, 3-star resorts are aimed at travelers wishing to enjoy the Maldives at a lower cost. The infrastructure is simpler, with comfortable rooms but no villas with private pools, less varied catering and more limited services. The main attraction, however, is the exceptional natural setting.
Some examples of 3-star resorts
- Embudu Village – Friendly hotel, perfect for diving enthusiasts
- Rihiveli Maldives Resort – A relaxed atmosphere close to nature
Price range: from €2,500 per week for two people
Boutique Hotels on a Local Island: The Authentic Experience
Long the preserve of resort travelers, the Maldives opened its inhabited islands to tourism in 2009, allowing visitors to stay in the heart of local communities. This alternative to island hotels has grown rapidly, with several hundred guesthouses and small hotels now spread over some thirty islands. By way of comparison, there are around 170 privately-owned island hotels, compared with more than 200 Maldivian-inhabited islands, some of which are actively developing a tourism offering.
Unlike resorts, which each occupy their own island, boutique hotels located on local islands offer a more authentic immersion experience. Here, you can discover the daily life of the locals, their traditions and their cuisine, while enjoying the paradise of the Maldives at a lower cost.
Which island to stay on?
Maafushi is the most dynamic island in terms of local tourism. Just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé, it offers a wide choice of hotels and guesthouses, as well as a multitude of restaurants and agencies offering excursions at affordable prices. You can snorkel, dive or take a trip to a deserted sandbank. Maafushi is ideal for a first stay on a local island, but its rapid development has made it a busier destination than others, with an atmosphere that is sometimes less peaceful than in a resort or on more confidential islands.
Dhigurah, located in the Ari Sud atoll, is renowned as one of the best places in the Maldives to observe whale sharks, which are present all year round in the surrounding waters. This three-kilometre-long island boasts a magnificent white-sand beach fringed with coconut palms, perfect for those who prefer to relax and swim. Quieter than Maafushi, Dhigurah offers a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, ideal for those wishing to explore the seabed while enjoying the charm of a traditional Maldivian village.
Thulusdhoo is a surfer’s paradise. Renowned for its powerful waves, it attracts surf enthusiasts from all over the world every year, especially for its legendary spots such as “Cokes” and “Chickens”. The island is also home to a vibrant local community and a small surfboard manufacturing industry. Far from the luxury of resorts, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for travelers looking for an active stay and an immersion in Maldivian surf culture.
Fulidhoo is a peaceful, unspoilt island, ideal for those looking for a real break. With just a few guesthouses and a superb natural setting, it offers an intimate and authentic atmosphere. There are no big crowds or mass tourism here, just deserted beaches, a crystal-clear lagoon and warm encounters with the locals. The island is also famous for its traditional “Bodu Beru” drum dances, which are a must-see cultural experience.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Staying on a local island offers a more immersive experience and far more affordable rates than a resort, while enjoying the same turquoise beaches and lagoons. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Advantages :
- Budget accommodation from €50 to €150 per night in a double room
- Opportunity to interact with locals and discover Maldivian culture
- Excursions less expensive than at a resort, often offered by local hotels
Disadvantages :
- On the islands inhabited by Maldivians, alcohol is prohibited due to the Islamic laws governing the country. However, it is possible to consume alcohol on specially equipped bar-boats anchored off some of the local islands.
- Comfort remains simpler, with hotels offering neither villas on stilts nor ultra-luxurious services.
- Public beaches require appropriate clothing (except on certain “bikini beaches” dedicated to tourists).
Staying on a local island is therefore a perfect option for travelers looking for authenticity and flexibility, while discovering another facet of the Maldives.
What type of traveller are you?
Honeymoon or Romantic Journey?
The Maldives is the perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Staying in a luxury resort, with villas on stilts above the turquoise lagoon, private sunset dinners on the beach, and exclusive spa treatments, creates the perfect ambience for couples seeking tranquility and intimacy. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make the Maldives an idyllic setting for creating unforgettable memories in lush, soothing surroundings.
Family trip ?
The Maldives can also be an ideal destination for a family trip, although the choice of accommodation is essential. Some luxury resorts offer child-friendly services, such as kids’ clubs, family pools and fun activities. However, for a more active and affordable experience, staying on a local island can offer some interesting options. Here, you’ll find more affordable boutique hotels, while enjoying scenic beauty, the chance to discover the local culture and engage in family activities such as diving or boat trips.
Adventurer?
For adventure-seeking travellers, the local islands are the perfect choice. They offer immersion in authentic Maldivian life, as well as the chance to take part in a variety of activities, such as snorkeling with whale sharks, fishing excursions or discovering surf spots. These islands, less developed for luxury tourism, offer more authentic and often less expensive exploration opportunities, while allowing you to interact with the locals and discover the Maldives from a different angle.
Fan of All-Inclusive?
If you’re a fan of all-inclusive vacations, the luxury resorts of the Maldives are for you. These establishments offer all-inclusive packages that include gourmet dining, a wide range of water and land-based activities, as well as high-end services such as private excursions, spa treatments and exclusive entertainment. So you can enjoy a carefree experience, where everything is taken care of, from accommodation and meals to leisure activities, for a totally relaxing experience.
The Maldives is a dream destination to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for the exclusivity of a luxury resort or the authenticity of a local island, each experience offers its own share of magic.
Still hesitating? Contact us to create your tailor-made trip to the Maldives!
