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Maldives on a Budget: Discover Paradise Without Breaking the Bank
Written by Siri Smith
From exploring colourful coral reefs to lounging beside a turquoise lagoon, you’ll find that paradise doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Famous for its sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters and iconic overwater luxury bungalows, the Maldives often seems like a paradise reserved only for glossy Instagram feeds. But this idyllic destination doesn’t have to be a distant dream – with a little planning and a sound strategy, you can bask in barefoot bliss without breaking the bank.
Read on to find out how to make your Maldives dreams a reality on a budget.
Booking Maldives on a budget
Invest in a LuxPlus+ membership
By joining LuxPlus+, our exclusive VIP Travel Club, you can enjoy more savings, making your dream Maldives escape even more accessible. For an annual membership of A$249 (plus a one-off joining fee of A$500), unlock special pricing on limited-time hotel offers and tours, bonus inclusions, early access, and more. Save hundreds every year with exclusive discounts and hidden escapes just for LuxPlus+ members, including hotel credit, daily breakfast, complimentary room upgrades, and savings on select tours.
Save with more inclusions
The Maldives is famous for its all-inclusive resorts. Many offers now come with more inclusions than ever, making it easier for budget travellers to experience the high life. Look for packages that offer all-inclusive dining and drinks, transfers to and from Malé and more, as these can significantly reduce your overall expenses. With on-island prices often reaching into the hundreds of US dollars per meal, you’ll save money in the long run by purchasing (and sticking to) a meal plan.
Bundle your escape with a tour
Why not make your Maldives escape the endpiece to a wonderful tour? Some extended tours in neighbouring regions like Sri Lanka offer stays in the Maldives (with all the signature inclusions) before you head home. This way, your main expenses are covered – often at a discounted rate – and all that’s left to worry about is your flights.
Getting to the Maldives on a budget
Be flexible with travel dates
When it comes to finding a great offer, flexibility is key. Keep an eye out for offers well in advance and grab them when you can – in many cases, you can worry about sorting out the dates later. There’s never a bad time to visit the Maldives, and by travelling during the low season (from May to November) you could snag some savings. Despite the monsoon season bringing wetter-than-usual weather, rainfall or thunderstorms come in showers and are likely to pass quickly. Swim and snorkel year-round with temperatures averaging 25°C to 32°C and enjoy the added benefits of cheaper flights and fewer crowds.
Travel smarter, not harder
With more routes flying to Malé than ever, switching up your flight path may help you avoid the extra expense. You can find flights stopping over in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other major hubs for as little as A$300 one-way. Just don’t forget to purchase travel insurance – though it can often seem like an extra expense, in the case of cancellations, emergencies or lost luggage a good plan can save you a lot of money (and grief). Pack light and check your airline’s regulations to avoid those pesky additional baggage fees.
Where to stay in the Maldives on a budget
Budgets are different for everyone. We’ve picked a few of our favourite Maldives resorts, covering a wide spectrum of travellers and travel styles.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
Leave it all behind for the five-star luxury of LUX* South Ari Atoll – a drop in the ocean just a 25-minute seaplane ride from Malé. Do as much or as little as you like – relax beside two glittering infinity pools, enjoy music and drinks at Beach Rouge beach club and restaurant, partake in yoga beneath the palms, catch a movie under the stars at Cinema Paradiso, or try your hand at water sports. With half-board or full-board dining upgrades available, you’re able to customise your experience, all without spending more than $6000.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
For an adults-only escape that won’t break the bank, look no further than Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa. Only a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé away, the resort features secluded, thatched-roof villas, a stunning house reef, and renowned dive sites like Kikki Reef and Old Shark Point. It’s a decidedly all-inclusive escape, with daily gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, canapés, afternoon tea and US$100 spa credit per person all included in your package. Plus, get a glimpse of the island’s underwater wonders with a nurse shark snorkelling excursion with a local guide.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Escape to a highly acclaimed oasis in the South Ari Atoll, just a 25-minute flight from Malé, where unmatched all-inclusive luxury awaits. Honoured as the Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2024 by the World Travel Awards, this private island offers the signature island experience with incredible inclusions to make your stay worthwhile. Enjoy daily gourmet meals at Lily Maa, light snacks at AQVA pool bar, live music at Vibes bar, and explore the vibrant marine life with three complimentary ocean excursions.
How to enjoy your Maldives resort on a budget
Now the heavy lifting is over and you’ve arrived in the Maldives, there are plenty of ways to cut costs while on holiday. Enjoy the islands’ natural beauty without spending extra by swimming, snorkelling or simply lounging on the beach. Many resorts also offer complimentary activities like yoga classes or guided nature walks.
Alcohol can be quite expensive due to high import taxes, so if you’re not on an all-inclusive plan, consider cutting down or opting for a refreshing mocktail instead. If you shop around, you may find a package offering non-alcoholic drinks with meals, or if you’ve chosen an all-inclusive resort, savour your daily free-flow drinks in paradise.
Discover the Maldives
Looking for Maldives inspiration? Check out The Best Things to do in the Maldives
Feature image: LUX* South Ari Atoll.
