Maldives Paradise Island Resorts for Everyone - Read the ultimate Top 10 Collection of affordable Value for Money Escapes
Have you been dreaming of powdery white beaches, endless lagoons and infinite turquoise but there seems to be a gaping hole in your wallet every time to start to search for offers? Look no further - I've put together the ultimate Maldives Collection for budget travelers including comfy guest houses, stunning beach resorts and a bit of glam!
1. Kandima Maldives - 4* All Inclusive Resort
Kandima Maldives
Kandima Maldives - Dhaalu Atoll. The island is just a 30-minute flight from Male’ International Airport to the domestic airport in Dhaalu Atoll followed by a 20-minute boat ride to the island. Kandima is a trendy and yet chic island resort with lots of space to roam. Kandima Maldives is one of the newer resort in the Maldives and has been skyrocketing in popularity ever since their opening in 2017. Genuine hospitality meets island fun. So much to do and 8 (!) restaurants to choose from. The modern contemporary design flair provides a relaxed atmosphere, making Kandima's motto "my kind of place -oh so kool" quite true. Lots of fun and entertainment bring the paradise feeling to life and those looking for a great beach party will make unforgettable memories at Kandima's DJ Beach Parties. The island is nearly 3 km long, and the resort has the largest pool in the Maldives measuring 100 m. This vibrant resort definitely has ‘wow’ experiences all around the island. It’s much more than just a holiday – it’s a lifestyle! Kandima caters for guests of all ages; families, couples, groups of friends and of course honeymooners. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, wellbeing, sport, health, spa experiences or just family time, Kandima Maldives has something for you.
Beach: 8/10 - Snorkeling 7/10 Villas 9/10 Food 10/10 Service 9/10
2. Fushifaru Maldives - 4* All Inclusive Resort
Fushifaru Maldives
Fushifaru Maldives - Lhaviyani Atoll. The island is just a 30-minute seaplane flight away from Male’ International Airport. The newly opened Fushifaru resort brings to live the real Maldives experience. Most staff are Maldivian and many local design influences make Fushifaru a modern Robinson Crusoe resort. The private sandbank right at the lagoon's end offers a fantastic stage for close-to-nature picnics or romantic honeymoon experience. With nothing but the Indian Ocean around you, this will be a truly unforgettable check off your Maldives bucket list. Fushifaru island is quite small, making it a more intimate resort experience for guests looking for a bit more peace and quiet. Maldivian Buffets and drumming evenings with local bodu beru drums and traditional dance around the beach bonfire showcase the exotic flavors of the Maldives in relaxed seafood BBQs. The open-air architecture enhances the natural beauty of the island, lots of driftwood and locally sourced design elements make Fushifaru an affordable, but special place. A total of only 49 beach and water villas will exude luxurious coziness, guests can choose what type of villa suits them best, above water or on the beach. Various categories of villas face the Maakandu (open ocean), Etherevari (lagoon) or Kandu-Olhi (channel) reflecting designs inspired by their locations on the island. The Especially first-time visitors to the Maldives will enjoy the close and warm service of Fushifaru, become part of the island family!
Beach: 6/10 - Snorkeling 8/10 Villas 7/10 Food 9/10 Service 10/10
3. Hurawalhi - 5* All Inclusive Resort
Hurawalhi Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa, located in Lhaviyani Atoll can be reached in a short 35 minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport. The adult only resort has its own lounge at the seaplane terminal which guarantees a first relaxing glimpse of what's waiting at the island. Hurawalhi is full of highlights with for example the world's largest underwater restaurant. Dining at 5.8, the fully submerged restaurant lets you watch the tropical reef teeming with life while indulging dishes are served. Resident marine biologists care for the delicate reef with its rare corals and fish. A marine life highlight without even getting wet! Lunches are recommended rather than dinners since the daylight makes the experience so much greater. Hurawalhi is more luxurious than our other selected resorts in this collection, but still affordable with great value for money. The resort boast a quirky champagne bar, a divine spa and personalized fitness options such as beach yoga and work out sessions on the beach. All villas are spacious and have butler service available. Gourmets will be delighted as culinary highlights are served throughout the entire resort. Hurawalhi is a medium sized resort with 90 villas in total, while the island itself is not as large most of their villas are above water. Diving is one of the main must-do's at the resort, the dive center ProDivers offers fantastic dives at the famous Lhaviyani dive spots such at Kuredu Express where many large fish and sharks can be marveled at. Hurawalhi also has a private sandbank close-by where dig-in the sand dinners and private picnics can be arranged. The resort has it's own water bottling plant which makes most of its plastic waste redundant. Ecofriendly tourism is important to the management and Swedish owners of Hurawalhi, therefore a solar panel system was installed to reduce the carbon footprint of the resort. Fantastic!
Beach: 9/10 - Snorkeling 10/10 Villas 10/10 Food 9/10 Service 9/10
4. Kuredu Island Resort - 4* All Inclusive Resort
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, located in Lhaviyani Atoll. This resort has they own charter seaplanes and private lounge at the airport making the journey to the island swift and comfortable. Kuredu can be described as the golden lady of island resort since it has been in operation for over 25 years. It was one of the first resorts in the Maldives and is the second largest island resort with 383 villas! The island is so large that the resort boasts a full size driving range with the option of a shaded area and also hitting from the grass. A large putting green is also available to perfect the short game. The golf course is a 6-hole Par 3 course with the average length of a hole being 55 yards. Fun, activity and entertainment defines the essence of Kuredu, there's always something to do! Fun DJ nights at Babuna Bar, Beach Cinema evenings, diving, parasailing, Jetski, snorkeling trips, sailing day trips... the list is long. For those seeking more quiet relaxation, Dunyie Spa has a large spa on the island. If you seek long walks on the beach, this place is right for you! The long island offers wide soft beaches for dreamy walks in the sunset, walking all round the island takes about 2 hours! Kuredu is extremely family friendly and offers villas especially designed for families traveling. Lots of wood and environmentally friendly materials make up a rustic chic in the resort. A total of 3 resort areas divides the hotel community so that the main area is designed for families with children, O'Resort caters to adults only and the Sangu area is reserved for the Water Villa guests and Sangu Beach guests. All areas have their own restaurant and in addition to the wonderful all inclusive packages 2 a la carte Restaurants - one fine dine, one Japanese- are available as well. I would recommend a Jacuzzi Beach Villa in the Sangu area, best beach - most access. Over the years, Kuredu has been renovated many times keeping their value for money standards high and many repeat guests have visited the resort over 20 times!
Beach: 10/10 - Snorkeling 6/10 Villas 6/10 Food 6/10 Service 9/10
5. The Aquzz Maldives - Hulhumale' Guest House 4,5* Bed & Breakfast
The Aquzz Hulhumale
The Aquzz Boutique Guesthouse is located at Hulhumale, 10 minuted away from Velana International Airport. If you are on the tightest of budgets but still want to visit the Maldives and see its beautiful beaches, the Aquzz is where you need to go. I have stayed there many times and it is by far the best of all guest houses in the area. The convenient airport pick up is arranged by the hotel as there is no taxi system in place on the airport island. With the recent opening of the connection bridge this might change in the future but don't be surprised when a normal looking car picks you up from the airport - all good! The Aquzz has opened its doors in late 2017 and offers the best comfort of guest houses in the market. "Home is where the anchor drops" their modern key cards read. Wonderful rooms in maritime ocean flair, great amenities and heavenly sleep! The location is right at the beach and the hotel even has its own volleyball net, an instagrammy swing by the sea and an outdoor restaurant area that belongs to The Keyolhu, a flavorful dining hub popular with Maldivians and expats alike. The chefs are highly skilled, everything is delicious. The Aquzz is great for a short stay but also backpackers looking to do some watersports such as windsurfing, snorkeling and jetski riding will be happy there. The hotel can also organize day trips for diving and fishing and even to visit one of the near-by island resorts. Hulhumale is the neighboring island of Male', the main island. Charming ferry boats connect both islands and make visits to Male's famous fish market, ancient mosques and harbor streets accessible. Lots of trendy cafes and small restaurants with great cuisines are opening up these days as the Maldivian community grows fonder of fusion cuisine. While there, you must try the breakfast dish "Mashuni", a tuna/lime/coconut salad eaten with Roshi, a flat bread. It is delicious and a true taste of the exotic Maldivian cuisine.
The Aquzz Hulhumale
Beach: 6/10 - Water Sports 8/10 Rooms 9/10 Food 9/10 Service 8/10
6. Finolhu, 5* All Inclusive Resort
Finolhu Maldives 1Oak
Finolhu Maldives, located in Baa Atoll can be reached via seaplane within only 25 minutes from Velana international airport. The resort also has its own lounge and makes sure the journey start as groovy as the resort gets right there. Finolhu is an upscale all inclusive resort designed in full retro charm with lots of design highlights that unfold throughout the island experience. It is home to 1 Oak Beach Club where Leonardo di Caprio and Paris Hilton attended the opening party. The resort provides a vibrant and dynamic flair wherever possible. Lots of great dining options cater to every taste, for example the Fish & Crab Shack, an oasis of rustic chic deliciousness can be found halfway along Finolhu’s stunning 1.8km sandbank (Instagram alert!) The main pool is full of quirky pool floats, Beach Shacks serve delicious treats, great music and lively vibes in all areas. The pool bar is full of retro-chic chairs and beanbag, the upstairs man cave invites for table soccer, pool and video games. Great architecture and Miami beach style designs bring some fresh wind to the Maldives. Not the authentic local experience for sure but something different. Finolhu's passion for events offers the very best in beach club events and entertainment worldwide with exclusive one-off extravaganzas featuring appearances from the world’s coolest performers and hottest DJs. A sense of togetherness and fun is part of Finolhu's DNA, the resort is definitely the right choice for couples and friends traveling together and looking for entertainment and fun in the sun. The Playfulness of Finolhu's staff is warm and welcoming making the chic party place with a fabulous cocktail list a home away from home.
Beach: 9/10 - Snorkeling 8/10 Villas 7/10 Food 9/10 Service 9/10
7. Malahini Kuda Bandos, 3,5* All Inclusive Resort
Malahini Kuda Bandos
Malahini Kuda Bandos is located in Male' Atoll and is reachable by speedboat within few minutes from the airport. Other than seaplane resorts, a speedboat island has the big advantage of short transit times and more comfort when traveling to the Maldives on longhaul flights. Malahini Kuda Bandos is a small island resort as the name "Kuda", Maldivian for "small" suggests. It's a nice and tidy place, great for budget travelers who would like to experience the Maldives but can't afford to spend too much. This island is great for young honeymooners and families and offers a wide range of water sports activities as well as diving. Malahini Kuda Bandos is a simple but comfortable resort with young guests looking to enjoy the beach and ocean to the fullest while the rooms offer basic amenities. Definitely value for money!
Beach: 6/10 - Snorkeling 8/10 Villas 7/10 Food 9/10 Service 10/10
8. Kudafushi, 4,5* All Inclusive Resort
Kudafushi Maldives
Kudafushi is located in Raa Atoll and can be reached by seaplane in a 45-minute flight. The island is small-medium sized and has great beach all around. The resort style is traditional and minimalistic and thrives to bring guests closer to nature. The focus lies on the preservation of marine life, local lifestyle, tradition and culture. Kudafushi is a great blend of what Maldivian resorts have to offer but on a more affordable basis. Four restaurants and bars are available where the warm and friendly service take personal care of their guests. Life on Kudafushi is a bit more slow and relaxed, wellness playing a big part in the resort concept. The large Spa with 10 treatment rooms offers a wide range of treatments from all around the world. The spa is even open until 9pm for peaceful late evening relaxation before bedtime, guaranteeing heavenly sleep. The villas of Kudafushi offer many wooden element and down to earth comfort, the private beach villa pools are a great retreat during the heat of the day when you want to enjoy your private villa to the fullest. Various all inclusive packages are available, and even beach weddings can be organized along with romantic honeymoon experiences.
Beach: 9/10 - Snorkeling 8/10 Villas 7/10 Food 8/10 Service 8/10
9. Cocoon Maldives, 4,5* All Inclusive Resort
Cocoon Maldives
Cocoon Maldives is located in Lhaviyani Atoll and can be reached via seaplane in a scenic 35 minute flight from Male' Airport. Cocoon is managed by an Italian company, Viva Italia in the Maldives which for sure reflects in the culinary offerings of the resort. Cocoon offers design quirks with a twist of modern Maldivian flair. The island is medium sized and has nice beach strips all around. The resort lifestyle is simple and minimalistic, most of the guest are Italian, a warm and friendly, fun crowd. In Italian style, the evenings at the bar are lively and full of joy, new friends are to be met! In total the resort has 150 Beach and Over Water Villas, affordable luxury for everyone. Diving is important at Cocoon due to its prime location close to Manta Ray feeding spots and coral reef Thilas, every day diving boats go out to explore the Indian Ocean, beginners courses are available, too!
Beach: 8/10 - Snorkeling 8/10 Villas 8/10 Food 8/10 Service 8/10
10. Reethi Faru, 4* All Inclusive Resort
Reethi Faru Maldives
Reethi Faru Resort is a brand-new bio Luxury resort, located in Raa Atoll. The resort can be reached via seaplane with a 40 minute flight from Male' international airport. The island of Filaidhoo, the local name of Reethi Faru, has a stunning house reef to offer which can be entered for snorkeling directly from the resort lagoon. There even is a reef drop where turtles, friendly reef life and the occasional manta rays can be spotted while snorkeling or diving. The island itself with 600m in length is quite large and has a healthy jungle of coconut palms to offer. This great climate attracts wildlife such as Makana Birds, the Grey Heron or Fruit Bats from the Flying Fox family. The sunrise beach villas have a smaller beach and are more affordable, the best choice for a beach accommodation would be a jacuzzi beach villa where the beach there is wider with more privacy. The evening entertainment is celebrated in Maldivian flair with bodu beru drum nights and theme buffets, favorite nights are definitely Indian and Maldivian Night. The Chef is from India, if you love right curries and dishes full of flavor you will love it.
Beach: 8/10 - Snorkeling 9/10 Villas 8/10 Food 7/10 Service 8/10
Traveling to the Maldives is definitely a bucket list destination. The pictures don't lie and after my countless travels to the island nation I can honestly say - no photoshop needed, it really is that blue and green. If you were fond of turquoise already you will absolutely adore it afterwards. Getting to the various resort can sometimes be exhausting after a long flight, however it is so worth it and all tiredness will be forgotten when you arrive on your little dream island and dig your bare feet into the powdery sand. For first time travelers to the Maldives I would recommend to choose a seaplane island, simply because it is an unforgettable experience itself to see the Maldivian Twin Otter Pilots fly their planes barefoot and in shorts - plus, the view over the archipelagos is incredible.
What needs to be in your luggage?
GoPro, Flip Flops, reef-friendly (!) sun protection lotion factor 30, straw hat, power plug adapter
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