BACKGROUND
I have travelled and snorkelled or dived in many places in Asia, including Malaysia, Philippines, Phuket, Bali, and the famed Raja Ampat — Each of these have their unique plus points, but if you are looking for the perfect resort getaway, Maldives is by far your best choice.
Why is that? I have been there 3 times over the past decade (each to a different resort) and was never disappointed — the experience varies greatly but in a good way! I also try not to stay in the same resort twice just so I can try out the hundreds of resorts there.
Moreover, flights to Maldives are affordable now with budget carriers and low-cost national airlines like Sri Lanka Air going there. A top alternative is the Great Barrier Reef, but going there from Asia is much further and pricier.
WHEN TO GO?
Maldives has two seasons:
- Dry Season: December to April (Peak Period)
- Rainy (Monsoon) Season: May to November (Off-Peak Period)
Resort prices are more expensive during dry season, yet I have gone there only during the rainy season and the weather seemed just as fine. Of a total of 14 days or so, it only rained heavily once, plus a short drizzle another time.
It might be down to luck (I went in May, July, and August) but the low period option saves you much more on accommodation. Avoid June and November though, these are known to be the wettest months.
HOW LONG?
Four to five days is enough (with a day or two set aside in case of rainy days). Stay too long and you may get bored (or feel the pinch on your wallet).
But it’s only when you are back in civilization, sitting at your office desk, will you miss the sound of lapping ocean waves and picture-perfect beaches.
But it’s only when you are back in civilization, sitting at your office desk, will you miss the sound of lapping ocean waves and picture-perfect beaches.
STAY IN A BEACH RESORT, GUESTHOUSE, OR LIVEABOARD A SHIP?
Those on a super tight budget may prefer to stay in a guesthouse, or for hardcore divers, going on a liveaboard may suit you more.
But for everyone else, you should definitely stay in a private island resort which is the quintessential Maldives experience: An island getaway with luxurious accommodation, pristine beaches and an underwater paradise.
WHAT TO BRING?
Beach and swim wear, definitely. A hat will be good. Sunblock is optional. Bring motion sickness pills if you are very prone to sea sickness (on the speedboat ride).
If you plan to go snorkelling wherever more than once, consider ‘investing’ in snorkelling gear (resort rentals are often free but a hassle to get your size and return them). Rashguards are great to prevent sunburn, and Booties (diving boots to protect your feet from coral and sand) are recommended. If coming from Singapore, drop by Decathalon and get some items!
An underwater camera is also a great addition for taking photos. A value for money option is the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 Waterproof Digital Camera at S$225/US$150.
FLIGHTS
There are many flights, both budget and full service, operating between Male airport and many major Southeast Asian cities.
Sri Lankan airlines, Air Asia, and Batik Air are the three more common and cheaper options to travel to Male now, with round trip ticket prices as low as S$400 per pax from Singapore. Best to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
CHOOSING A RESORT
There are many flights, both budget and full service, operating between Male airport and many major Southeast Asian cities.
Sri Lankan airlines, Air Asia, and Batik Air are the three more common and cheaper options to travel to Male now, with round trip ticket prices as low as S$400 per pax from Singapore. Best to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
CHOOSING A RESORT
The next question (and fairly important one) is: which resort is for you?
There are hundreds of private island resorts in the Maldives, each with their unique location, vibe, facilities, luxury level, and pricing:
Location
This to me is the most important. Maldives is accessible only via the Malé International Airport on the main island of Malé. From there, tourists will take one of the below routes to their resort island:
- Direct speedboat (for nearby resorts)
- Domestic flight & speedboat (for faraway resorts; must pay a lot extra for domestic flight)
- Seaplane/Luxury Yacht (for few resorts)
Generally, a round-trip speedboat ride by itself costs US$100 per adult. However, most resorts are far from Malé and require a domestic flight transfer. This will cost much more (~US$200 extra per adult) plus you waste many hours waiting for the flight, boarding, disembarking and then taking the speedboat.
The more inaccessible the island resort, the cheaper it usually is. So prioritize your needs and carefully read the resort’s transfer policy before booking.
Price
If you have plenty of time but cost savings is your top priority, consider a more secluded resort island. There are many such places starting from US$110/S$150 a night for a couple’s beach villa, and these prices include the high 23% service tax and small green tax. That’s only like US$55/S$75 a person per night, with breakfast!
And save more by using a credit card that gives rebates or miles!
And save more by using a credit card that gives rebates or miles!
CHEAPEST RESORTS
- Royal Island Resort & Spa | Trf Time & Px: ~3 hours & US$275 | Starting Room Rate: US$145 per night
- Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon | Speedboat: 1.5 hours & US$202 OR Seaplane: Waiting time+25 min & US$381 | US$110 per night
The catch is these places charge hefty transfer fees, so you should stay a week or so to get your money’s worth. Also, long speedboat rides to say Ellaidhoo Maldives can be very bumpy and uncomfortable for many people!
VALUE FOR MONEY & ACCESSIBLE RESORTS
How about cheap, good, and near to the international airport, you ask? Look no further, I have compiled a list of the cheapest and most accessible Maldives island resorts (only a speedboat transfer away from Malé airport):
1. Bandos Maldives | 15 min & US$95 | US$200 per night
2. Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa | 25 min & $100 | $200 per night
3. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives | 20 min & $168 | $150 per night
9. Meeru Island Resort and Spa | 55 min & $194 | $250 per night
For a list of ALL island resorts near to the international airport, read my second Article here.
*All prices are during low season in USD from Agoda.com (which has some of the lowest prices anywhere) and include daily breakfasts.
For a list of ALL island resorts near to the international airport, read my second Article here.
*All prices are during low season in USD from Agoda.com (which has some of the lowest prices anywhere) and include daily breakfasts.
*Transfer prices are for round trips per adult, child transfer prices are sometimes halved
**Photos taken from resort’s website or Facebook page
**Photos taken from resort’s website or Facebook page
Type of Resort
Most island resorts in Maldives cater to young and old, families and couples. Some island resorts are big and are family/children-friendly. If you prefer a romantic getaway, the smaller islands are ideal, especially a water villa!
There are generally 3 types of resort villas:
- Garden Villa — Not directly on the beach. Some are facing the ocean, some are inland. Cheapest type available.
- Beach Villa — Located on or next to the beach, and facing the ocean. Some have a mini-infinity pool or jacuzzi pool. Costs more than the garden villa.
- Water Villa — Built over the reef or waters. Top tier and most expensive.
Fun fact: Maldives contains the first underwater hotel in the world: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s The Muraka which costs US$50,000 per night (min. 4 nights). This hotel is also famous for Ithaa: the first undersea restaurant in the world!
Facilities & Activities
Each resort has its own style and type of facilities available. A large, family-themed resort like Bandos Maldives has a big, bustling swimming pool and even a soccer pitch. Contrast it to a remote getaway resort like Royal Island, which has a quiet and tranquil setting.
And of course, every resort contains hidden wonders to discover:
- Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has a stingray feeding program every night (with free access from its sister resort Angsana Ihuru).
- Royal Island has a breakwater around its entire reef which is fun and easy for snorkelling and kayaking.
- Bandos has a super-instagrammable ocean hammock and many dive sites around the area.
Each resort has the standard watersports, plus other unique events or activities. Some are free, like snorkelling, in-house shows, (sometimes kayaking) while others are chargeable.
General stuff to note:
- Snorkelling in the house reefs (reefs surrounding the resort island) is generally safe. The small sharks in Maldives do not attack humans, period. However, some house reefs (such as Bandos) have strong waves and undercurrents (due to location, tidal movement, or lack of breakwater) which may be difficult or scary for beginners.
- Almost every house reef has very good water quality and abundance of fishes. Spotting bigger marine life such as sea turtles and small sharks is harder but is usually attainable after spending several hours in the water.
- Spotting large marine life such as tuna, giant trevally, manta rays, while snorkelling is only at the reef’s edge (not suitable for newbies) and still very rare. Some luxury resorts in prime locations do have a higher chance of seeing them though. Hanifaru Bay is a famous snorkelling spot for whale sharks and manta rays!
- Scuba diving in Maldives is expensive but holds a bonanza of underwater flora and fauna.
- There are many excursions and tours to sightsee dolphins, visit native villages, big game fishing, or romantic dinner getaways.
- Surfing is also possible at some resort islands facing the open ocean.
- And of course, Maldives’ idyllic setting makes it a favourite honeymoon and wedding destination!
Dining
Food-wise most resorts serve continental fare, it’s not easy to find Maldivian dishes at any of their restaurants (likely because of little demand).
Buffet breakfasts are usually complimentary and satisfying. Because resort restaurants aren’t cheap (starting from US$20 per pax), me and my wife Jess usually skip lunch in favour of a big breakfast and hearty dinner at the resort’s restaurant (with snacks in between).
COST BREAKDOWN (CHEAPEST RESORTS)
Flight: S$560/US$400 per pax
Transfer to Resort: S$140/US$100 per pax
4D3N Resort Stay: S$420/US$300 per pax
Meals & Snacks: S$140/US$100 per pax
Activities: Optional (starting at S$75/US$50 per watersport or dive; usually S$140/US$100 per dive)
Total: S$1,260/US$900 per pax
SUMMARY
Maldives is the perfect resort getaway with the best balance between price and experience. Try it today and find out for yourself!
To see a complete list of resorts near to the international airport, click here.
Considering visiting Singapore? Check out my Singapore 101 guide here!
Return to Articles main page; or Return to Home page.
To see a complete list of resorts near to the international airport, click here.
Considering visiting Singapore? Check out my Singapore 101 guide here!
Return to Articles main page; or Return to Home page.
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