The Maldives occupies a unique position in travel – a destination that sells itself on aspiration but requires careful navigation to book correctly. The one-island, one-resort concept means your resort selection essentially defines the entire holiday experience.
Understanding the Maldives
- Structure: 1,200 islands across 26 atolls, roughly 200 inhabited, 150+ resorts
- One-island concept: Each resort occupies its own island
- Transfers matter: Getting to resorts varies significantly
- All-inclusive dominates: Most resorts offer meal plans; many remote properties make this essential
- Premium pricing: Luxury destination with limited budget options
Transfer Types
This is critical booking information:
Speedboat Transfers
- Resorts within 45-90 minutes of Male Airport
- Available any time of day
- Lower cost ($100-300 per person round trip)
- Examples: Anantara Dhigu, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Domestic Flight + Speedboat
- Resorts further from Male
- Scheduled domestic flight to regional airport, then speedboat
- Moderate cost ($300-500)
- More resorts accessible during all daylight hours
Seaplane Transfers
- Most distant resorts
- Daylight only (approximately 6am-4pm landing)
- Highest cost ($400-700)
- Spectacular aerial views – experience in itself
- Weather dependent – delays possible
Resort Categories
Ultra-Luxury
- Soneva Fushi: Original barefoot luxury, sustainability focus
- One&Only Reethi Rah: Spacious villas, exceptional service
- Cheval Blanc Randheli: LVMH luxury, contemporary design
- Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi: Largest overwater villa in Maldives
Luxury
- Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru: Spa excellence, manta ray season
- Conrad Maldives Rangali: Underwater restaurant, established property
- Anantara Kihavah: Overwater observatory, dining variety
Upper-Mid
- Centara Ras Fushi: Adults-only, good value
- Sheraton Maldives: Family-friendly, speedboat access
- Bandos Maldives: Accessible pricing, close to Male
Accommodation Types
Overwater Villas
The Maldives signature. Direct lagoon access, glass floors, sunset or sunrise positioning. Premium pricing but defines the Maldives experience.
Beach Villas
Sand floor appeal, private beach access, often more spacious than overwater. Some clients prefer solid ground.
Pool Villas
Private plunge pools add privacy and convenience. Available in both beach and overwater formats.
Meal Plans
- Bed & Breakfast: Rare, requires cash for all other meals
- Half Board: Breakfast and dinner included
- Full Board: All meals included
- All-Inclusive: Meals plus select beverages
- Premium All-Inclusive: Full beverage selection, some activities
Agent tip: Always recommend at least half board. Remote resort locations make meal plans essential value.
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season (December-April): Dry northeast monsoon, best weather, highest rates
- Shoulder (May, November): Transition periods, better value
- Green Season (June-October): Southwest monsoon, occasional rain, lower rates, good diving
Sample Booking
5-Night Luxury Honeymoon
- Overwater pool villa
- Premium all-inclusive
- Seaplane transfer
- Sunset dolphin cruise
- Couple's spa treatment
7-Night Family
- Beach villa with pool
- Full board meal plan
- Speedboat transfer resort
- Kids club access
- Snorkeling excursions
The Maldives rewards careful matching of resort to client. Get it right, and you've delivered a dream holiday.
