Budget hotels in the Maldives: 10 resorts on private islands

The concept of a "budget hotel" in the Maldives is quite relative, especially if we are talking not about a guesthouse on a local island but about a full resort. In our selection, accommodation at most resorts starts at around 300-500 dollars per day for two people with meals. For a private island, this can be considered a relatively affordable price level by Maldivian standards.

When comparing offers, it is important to look not only at the villa price. Transfers in the Maldives are a significant expense. At Wiotto, the stated price already includes accommodation, the selected meal plan, as well as transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Embudu Village

Atoll: South Malé.

The small island offers a good beach and snorkeling. Overall, Embudu Village has preserved the format of a classic Maldivian resort: lots of greenery, bungalows practically by the water and a strong house reef that can be reached directly from the shore. Turtles, rays, moray eels, reef sharks and many tropical fish can be seen on the reef.

The accommodation choice is small: spacious Superior Beach Bungalows among the greenery and Water Villas over the lagoon with terraces and ocean views. The island has a restaurant and bar, a dive centre, Serena Spa, water activities and excursions. Another advantage for a budget trip is the location. Embudu is only about 20 minutes from the airport by speedboat.

Prices: accommodation with full board in a Superior Bungalow - from 318 dollars per day for two people. Water Bungalow - from 427 dollars.

Embudu Village

ERI Maldives

Atoll: North Malé.

The formerly popular Eriyadu Island Resort reopened after renovation under the name ERI Maldives. The beautiful island will appeal first of all to snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The house reef begins practically at the shore, and reef sharks, rays and turtles can be seen among its inhabitants. The rich reef and calm atmosphere can be considered the hotel's main advantages.

After the renovation, the rooms and public areas became more modern. The island has a pool, spa, dive centre, water activities, a buffet restaurant and several bars. The speedboat transfer from the airport takes about 45-50 minutes.

Prices: accommodation in a compact Sky Studio room with full board - from 327 dollars per day for two people. A spacious beach villa with sunset views and a private terrace - from 515 dollars.

ERI Maldives

Malahini Kuda Bandos

Atoll: North Malé.

Malahini Kuda Bandos occupies a small green island just 12 minutes by speedboat from Velana Airport. After a recent update, the accommodation choice became wider: in addition to the simpler Garden, Superior and Deluxe Rooms, beach villas and suites with private pools appeared. The island has a spa, gym and dive centre, and guests can enjoy snorkeling, fishing and water sports. The main restaurant serves buffet meals, and there are also several à la carte restaurants and bars.

Prices: a cosy Garden Room with full board - from 348 dollars per day for two people, Deluxe with the same meal plan - from 392 dollars.

Malahini Kuda Bandos

Bandos Maldives

Atoll: North Malé.

One of the oldest resorts in the Maldives is located just 7 km from the airport. Despite its proximity to Malé, the island is surrounded by a house reef and is suitable for snorkeling and diving. The Bandos dive centre works with dozens of dive sites around the atoll.

The island has 220 rooms and villas in eight categories. The most affordable Standard Beachfront Rooms are located practically by the beach; there are also garden and beach villas, while higher-budget options include Beach Pool Villas and overwater villas with private pools. The infrastructure is quite extensive: a swimming pool, Orchid Spa, sports complex, kids' club, water sports centre, four restaurants and three bars. Different meal plans are available, including All Inclusive.

Prices: Standard Beachfront with full board - from 484 dollars per day for two people.

Bandos Maldives

Fihalhohi Maldives

Atoll: South Malé.

Fihalhohi is classic Maldives: a small green island, sandy beaches, a lagoon and a house reef for snorkeling. At the same time, it is not far to travel - the resort is 28 km from Velana Airport, and the speedboat transfer takes no more than 45 minutes

For accommodation, you can choose more affordable Deluxe rooms among tropical greenery or by the beach, Premium Beach rooms with a terrace and direct ocean access, as well as Water Villas with a private terrace and steps into the lagoon. The island has a dive centre, spa and gym, with water sports, snorkeling and sea excursions available. The main restaurant serves buffet meals, while bars and a beach pub are also available.

Prices: a stay in an authentic Deluxe Superior bungalow with full board - from 425 dollars per day for two people. Block-style Deluxe Sky with full board - from 361 dollars.

Fihalhohi Maldives

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Atoll: North Ari.

The main reason to choose Ellaidhoo is the house reef, which is accessible directly from the shore. There are conditions for both snorkeling and diving. Numerous dive sites are also located nearby.

Four accommodation options are available - from standard rooms to beach bungalows and spacious Water Bungalows over the water. The latter have terraces. The island also has a swimming pool, spa services, fitness centre, several restaurants and bars, and fishing, sea trips and other activities are organised.

Prices: a standard room surrounded by a garden - from 349 dollars per day for two people with three meals a day, from 426 dollars with the All Inclusive package. A beach bungalow with coastal views - from 433 dollars with full board and from 510 dollars with All Inclusive.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Villa Park Sun Island

Atoll: South Ari.

The former Sun Island Resort & Spa now operates under the name Villa Park Sun Island. It is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives: the island stretches for about 1.6 km, and the room inventory includes more than 460 villas. A beach holiday here can be combined with activities - from diving and water sports to tennis, fitness and sea excursions.

Guests can choose simple and compact Sun and Beach Villas, lagoon villas, overwater options, and categories with jacuzzis and private pools. The island has several restaurants and bars, a large swimming pool, Araamu Spa and a kids' club. From the airport, you can take a domestic flight followed by a short boat transfer. A good option for a budget family holiday in the Maldives.

Prices: a stay in a functional Sun Villa - from 376 dollars with full board for two adults per day. Beach Villa - from 387 dollars with the same meal plan. Water Villa - from 468 dollars.

Villa Park Sun Island

Hondaafushi Island Resort

Atoll: Haa Dhaalu.

Hondaafushi differs from the compact resort islands near Malé. It is a large green island with long sandy beaches and a spacious lagoon, where development occupies only a small part of the territory. All bungalows stand by the beach: you can choose a Superior or a more spacious Deluxe with a semi-open bathroom. There are no overwater villas here.

The southern side of the island is interesting for diving and snorkeling, while the calm lagoon on the western side is suitable for swimming and water activities. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, dive centre, gym, buffet restaurant, as well as an à la carte restaurant and bar. Fishing, snorkeling tours and trips to neighbouring local islands are organised. The island can be reached by a domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo, followed by a short speedboat ride.

Prices: accommodation in a beach bungalow with full board - from 316 dollars per day for two people.

Hondaafushi Island Resort

Reethi Faru Resort

Atoll: Raa.

Reethi Faru occupies the small natural island of Filaidhoo, surrounded by beach and a house reef. Snorkeling is available directly from the shore, while a dive centre operates for more serious dives. The island has preserved a lot of tropical greenery, so even the most affordable garden villas here are quite private.

Options include garden and beach villas, overwater villas, as well as categories with private pools. The restaurant choice is impressive for a small island - there are six, including the main buffet restaurant, a beach grill, a 24-hour restaurant over the lagoon and a separate venue with vegetarian and vegan menus. The facilities are complemented by a swimming pool, Coconut Spa complex and water sports centre.

From Malé Airport, Reethi Faru can be reached by seaplane in 45 minutes. An alternative is a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and then about 40 minutes by speedboat.

Prices: Garden Villa with full board - from 410 dollars per day for two people.

Reethi Faru Resort

Summer Island Maldives

Atoll: North Malé.

Summer Island combines a simple island-holiday format with a good choice of accommodation. You can stay in a more affordable Superior Room, choose a bungalow directly by the beach or a Water Villa over the lagoon. There are also premium options with private pools. The island is compact, with sandy beaches and a lagoon, while snorkeling spots are located a few minutes away by boat.

In the centre of the island there is an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, while the Firuma Spa complex is built over the water. Guests have access to two restaurants and several bars, a dive centre and a water sports centre. In addition to snorkeling and diving, you can go fishing, take a dolphin trip or join a sea excursion. The speedboat transfer from the airport takes about 45 minutes.

Prices: a modern Superior Bungalow with coastal views - from 467 dollars per day for two people with the basic Full Board package.

Summer Island Maldives