FAQs

If there’s one place that consistently finds its way onto every traveller’s bucket list, it’s undoubtedly the Maldives.

The Maldives is often described as a dreamlike destination, where the beauty of nature creates an atmosphere of serenity and wonder. Its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Snorkeling among colourful coral reefs and observing marine life adds a touch of magic to the experience, while watching the sunset paints the sky in a mesmerizing display of colours. 

In the Maldives, the line between reality and dreams seems to blur, leaving visitors enchanted and rejuvenated.

But amidst the allure of this tropical paradise lies a daunting decision: which resort to choose? With over 1,000 islands and nearly 200 resort options, selecting the perfect one can be overwhelming.

Below are some questions I get asked all the time.

 Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliated links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in.

1. Which resort is good?

The answer to this question is not as straight forward. Definition of good all depends on what you are after and does it fit into your budget. With so many resort choices, each resort is different in terms of size, location and what it has to offer around its surroundings, family vs couples etc.

Below are some common FAQ that might help guide you through your choice and what are some of the key elements that make it a good resort.

2. How much does it cost a night at the Maldives? 

This varies greatly where most decent resorts will start from around $400 AUD for the room rate, and some can cost $12,000 AUD a night. Cost depends also if it is an all-inclusive resort and optional meal plans available. Other costs that you need to consider are transfer costs. If the resort is only reachable by seaplane the average cost is around $600 USD adults and children pricing 2-12years is usually 60% of adult price. If you are choosing a resort that is reachable by speed boat pricing is average around $150-200 USD for adults and $70-90 USD for children aged 6-11 years old inclusive of taxes. Note tax rates are GST 16%, 10% service and chargeable in USD. There is also a green tax of $6 USD green tax for tourist per day. 

Luxury Escapes, a travel company I use quite often particularly for the Maldives are really bang for buck. Average deal will probably be around $1000-$1500 AUD a night all-inclusive for their entry level room types for 2 people. But if you are not using them, I would always try looking at resort websites directly to see if they have any special offers in place as going direct most of the time will be cheapest as they don’t need to pay any commissions or fees to third party providers. And if the resort is part of a larger hotel chain, then it’s a good opportunity to collect hotel reward points or redeeming points.

3. Which airlines fly to the Maldives? (Velana International Airport on Hulhule’ island)

- Emirates

- Qatar Airways

- Singapore Airlines

- Etihad Airways

- Cathay Pacific

- China Eastern Airlines

- Thai Airways

These are just a few examples, and there may be others depending on your departure location and specific travel dates. It’s always a good idea to check with multiple airlines and travel websites for the most up-to-date information and available options. For me I always fly using Singapore Airlines as I enjoy the stop over to Singapore and the times, they have been suitable for my itinerary. I normally take a flight to Singapore first and stay a few nights before heading to the Maldives on the 10.05am flight to arrive in time for Lunch at the Maldives. This is a great flight to catch not only to make use of the sunshine for the day but to maximise your meal plan if you have one. If you must take the later flight due to either tight schedule or if you are redeeming your air ticket with points, I suggest negotiating with the resort if you can take up your meals on the last day and choose the later flight out. Or even starting your all-inclusive plan the following day. 

Going home, I normally go straight back with a brief transit in Singapore. Check into (Male) Velana International Airport on Hulhule’ island and grab your boarding passes for Singapore---to home and enjoy the brief stopover at Changi airport to have a rest or buy last minute gifts for family and friends!

2 flights operate out of Singapore (Changi airport)

SQ432 10.05am arrival 11.55am [4h 50m]

SQ438 20.45am arrival 22.10pm [4h 25m]

4. Seaplane or speedboat? Which is better?

If you want to only catch a speed boat, then you need to find resorts that are located close to the airport. E.g. South Male Atoll or North Male Atoll and majority of the islands are located further away which means speedboat is not available. 

Personally, for me I really enjoy getting to the resort by speedboat. For several reasons: I don’t waste time waiting around for the seaplane when I land. Most resorts will provide a lounge waiting area at the airport which is relaxing but there have been times when I have wasted hours waiting for a seaplane and this is because you can only book your seaplane ticket when you land so it’s a first in best dress scenario. Plus, if weather is not great you risk flight delays as well. Seaplanes are run by Trans Maldivian Airways, Manta Air and Maldivian Air Taxi. Also, it is a very scenic boat ride across the water to the resort.

Seaplanes are not permitted to fly 4pm and their first flight is from 6am. If your international flight arrival time after 3:30pm, for example, you’ll have to book overnight stay in Hulhule’ before your transfer in the morning. 

5. Which month is best to go to the Maldives?

The peak season typically runs from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and the seas are calm, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. The low season, on the other hand, usually falls between May and November (monsoon season), bringing occasional rain and stronger winds. However, even during the low season the weather can still be pleasant sometimes. If this is your first time going to the Maldives I will recommend going during the peak season and if you’re lucky enough can snap up some good resort rates if it’s early December and still take up the sunny weather. 

For my personal experience if you have family and young kids, I recommend going December- January as the heat is not as hot as February to April. 

6. I have young children and I heard the Maldives is more for honeymooners and couples?

The great thing about the Maldives is it caters for both, there are adult only resorts and then there are resorts who cater for both with various activities to keep the kids occupied. A lot of resorts encourage family holidays, and some even provide “kids stay and eat for free” which is a great way to save some dollars and resorts have kids’ clubs which keep the kids entertained.

7. Which room type is better? I want a room overlooking the water is it worth it?

When someone mentions the Maldives the first thing they picture are the water villas. It makes a great Instagram photo, and it truly makes you feel you have ticked that bucket list off. They are very beautiful and very surreal being situated right in the centre of the water. 

It all comes down to personal preference but below are my own views and experience of Water villa vs a Beach front villa. 

1. Water villas cost a lot more than beach villas.

2. If you have young children, it is probably better to get a beach villa as it’s a little safer plus the beach villas are located more centrally and closer to main facilities making it more convenient going to restaurants and if you need to duck back into the room to get something. When I stayed at the water villa many years ago, I felt it was too secluded and we didn't end up using our private pool as it was a much better vibe at the main pool.

3. Being able to walk out early hours or late at in the evening to the beach to enjoy sunrise or sunset with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in hand was my favourite thing.

4. Also, maybe for me I couldn't swim I was not comfortable to go down to the water directly from my villa, but I could do this when I was staying at a beach villa.

8. I would like to go to the Maldives but it’s so expensive is there a way to make it budget friendly?

This is another misconception about the Maldives. As mentioned earlier you can scoop up some good deals from Luxury Escapes Also, because there are so many resorts, it is highly competitive and there are various price range to choose from. Another tip also is to look out for newly opened resorts. While this might be a risk staying at a new established resort, but it might also be a great opportunity to take up any special opening offers.

9. Should I get all-inclusive/ full board or just pay as I go? I don’t really drink much alcohol, but I am not sure which meal plan to get?

There are a few answers to this question. For me, step 1 in choosing a resort is looking at how big the resort is. You can normally gauge this but looking at how many restaurants it has. I will try to choose a resort that has a good number of restaurants say around as a min 4-5. This is because if you were to opt for an all-inclusive meal and the resort only had 2 restaurants then it will be quite boring to have the limited menu choices. Even if you are not a big drinker in terms of alcohol, even non-alcoholic drinks can be very expensive and remembering everything is priced using USD and the added goods and services tax of 26%. There are options for Full board which usually includes non-alcoholic beverages or just water, whereas all-inclusive will include alcohol. Some resorts will further categorize their all-inclusive options to include premium inclusions such as premium spirits and a wider choice of alcohol. Each meal plan type can vary at each resort, so it is important to read the inclusions. Some only allow alcohol to be included during meals and not e.g. at the pool bar. It is also worth noting that most resorts can charge for water, and some don't, so it is best to ask this first. As a minimum I recommend getting half board which is breakfast and dinner. It is also worth researching the menu prices at the resort which is normally accessible on their website or alternatively you can request for this. Then work out if it is worth for you to get the full board or all inclusive. 

My final point would be getting an all-inclusive plan or full board really does a) help budget your trip b) makes it more enjoyable when you are there without having the worry of counting the dollars each time you sign that bill! PS even a coffee can set you back $15 AUD!

10. Is the Maldives boring? I don’t really like the sun and I don’t like water sports.

I personally don’t like water sports and I can’t swim either and not a fan of the sun either for long periods of time, but I must say after being to the Maldives for the last 10 years my view on this has changed. There is something mystical about the Maldives, when you are there, it is like you are somewhere where you didn’t realise this sort of beauty existed on earth. Yes, I cannot swim but all resorts provide a life jacket. So, I managed to snorkel and see the beautiful marine life in crystal clear waters and the good thing is if there is a house reef you do not need to go deep to see fishes, you can snorkel right in front of your room. I don’t like the sun for long periods that’s fine there are plenty of umbrellas and most of the time my room is very close proximity to the beach so I would tuck back in for a rest quite easily.  If you are going with children, it is a great place for the entire family to wind down and relax as there are plenty to keep the kids occupied. 

11. How long should I stay there for? 

For first timers I would recommend between 5-7 days as a minimum.

12. Are airfares expensive to get there? 

Depending on where you are but based on my experience and I live in Melbourne, Australia, generally airfares are very similar to going to Singapore. To give you a rough idea of the cost I will take the departing destination being Changi (Singapore) will cost you around $560 SGD to $800 SGD return (ecomony) . Unless you are using points from Melbourne to Singapore leg, I would recommend booking a multi trip via Singapore and it is much cost effective this way and you get to stay over in Singapore if you wish.  Economy round trip with stopover in Singapore will be around $1100 AUD to $1800 AUD. Business class will range around $6000 to $7000 AUD and Premium Economy around $3000 AUD (Singapore to Male will be economy cabin) 

It will all depend on how early you book and the demand for that particular month but the above will give you a rough range.

13. How is the food at the Maldives?

Where I come from in Melbourne, we are quite the foodie city so our standard and expectation of food quality is quite high. So how does it compare to the Maldives? I must admit I have been to a few resorts where the food was a letdown and it just didn't hit the spot. So, the question is how we find a resort that has good quality fresh food. As you know the Maldives being quite remote, logistically can be difficult plus expensive to get produce and supplies into the island.  Speaking to a few resort managers they were telling me it takes many many months of planning to get the demand and supply correct.  A couple of things that could help increase your chances of having great quality and fresh food is to look at: a) how long has the resort been open for, b) is it part of a larger chain of hotels/resorts, if yes it probably means they have a much bigger buying power and have negotiated well with their suppliers.  Even if the resort is not part of a bigger chain, you can look up the resort and to check if the particular group has ownership in other resorts either in the Maldives or around the world this will indicate how big they. 

To me, food is a very big part of what makes the resort good or bad.  You are on a remote island and while relaxing or enjoying water activities during the day, you always look forward to mealtimes as one of the highlights of the trip, so if food is a letdown, it does ruin the experience.