Renowned for its overwater villas and luxurious guest cabins on the water, the Maldives is one of the world's leading beach holiday destinations. The sheer variety of accommodation options available in the Maldives can be overwhelming, to say the least. Picking the perfect base for a getaway in paradise is not as straightforward as it appears when one considers the costs and what's on-site. Here are some tips on how to decide on the ideal base for your holiday in the paradise isles.
1. The Budget
The main consideration when selecting a rest for any holiday is the funds allocated for accommodation in a vacation budget that also includes airfare and other expenses. The Maldives can be an expensive holiday hotspot for most as its high-end resort hubs indicate. However, that does not mean that one must overspend to find a great resort base for their vacation experience. While the country may have only offered 5-star luxury resorts for decades, changing times and tourism trends has seen more budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly hotels pop up in islands including Thulhaadhoo Maafushi, Isdhoo, Addu City and Thulusdoo. Although these rests may not offer the comforts of the signature Maldivian resorts, they do provide a more culturally engaging experience albeit with fewer on-site amenities.
2. Island features
Contrary to popular belief, not all islands are created equal. As a country that's made up of more than a thousand islands, the Maldives' resort islands are also thus quite diverse. One can easily explore one's surroundings by simply hopping on board a bus or a tram in most holiday hubs; however, those who holiday in the Maldives will be confined to the resort island for most of their getaway. This is why not only dining options but also the types of activities available should be considered when picking a venue. The best all-inclusive resorts in Maldives will offer guests a plethora of water-bound adventures including snorkelling and diving tours as well as the chance to engage in jet skiing, surfing, water skiing etc. Some resorts will house their own water sports centre or diving school where travellers can learn various water sports while others will organise sunset cruises or dolphin-watching tours. So, whether you select the Adaaran Maldives or any other base, it is crucial to take these extra perks into account.
3. Accessibility
The Maldives' main international airport is located in Male and most travellers will need to transfer to their hotel in the outer atolls by hiring a seaplane or hopping on a boat. Ideally, the resort you select should not be too far from the capital as the transfer fees can be substantial and make some of the cultural attractions in Male inaccessible. Seaplane transfers are also only accessible during the daytime while boat transfers halt in the evening. This means those who are arriving on later flights will need to book accommodation in Male and travel to their final destination the next day.
4. Accommodation Varieties
It is important to choose a hotel that offers more than one type of accommodation as your preferences must also be taken into consideration. Some hotels will have their deluxe guestrooms in a terraced layout while others will have single units that are separated by natural boundaries or water features. Overwater villas also come in all shapes and sizes while regular guestrooms can face either the beach, the garden or an overwater villa.
5. Meal Plans
To get more out of your accommodation, guests must also consider the meal plans available in various resorts. This means whether it is possible to opt into Half Board, Full Board and All-Inclusive meal plans. Half Board only offers one bed and breakfast while Full Board means that all three meals are part of the package. All-inclusive, on the other hand, includes every meal and beverage including alcohol and soft drinks.
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