Travel Blogs

Making the Maldives Affordable

While the Maldives private islands are not for the 3 or even 4 star markets, there are ways to maximize travelers’ budgets and put a luxurious vacation in reach. 

1/ Advise clients to book early.  Almost every Maldivian resort offers specials for travelers who book 6 months or more out. This works well for honeymooners who often plan this far in advance, or are willing to meet the requirement.

2/ Ask about honeymoon offers upfront. If your clients will be honeymooning soon after their wedding, they will qualify for offers such as free champagne and experiences. Knowing what is going to be a complimentary inclusion will help travelers decide about options. Note, a marriage certificate must be carried with travelers.

3/ Opt for the ‘Half-board’ rate. While breakfast is the standard inclusion, dinner, or lunch and dinner, or lunch, dinner and beverages are upgrades.  After a large, late brunch, many travelers skip lunch, or choose a small snack to tide them over until a special dinner.

4/ Consider shoulder season or low season. Prices during this time of year are a fraction of peak season rates. While it might be a bit windier, with a storm or two, there will still be long stretches of sunshine. Also, this is the time to see whale sharks.

5/ Choose a resort which is only a speedboat trip away from Male, or serviced by scheduled flights. Round trip charter flights can add up to $1,000 per person. Similarly, changing resorts will add transportation costs to the total package price.

6/ Serious divers and snorkelers should make sure their chosen island is close to a coral reef. The cost of getting to a dive or snorkel site can be very high. 

7/ Ask if it is possible to book at least one night in an over-water bungalow. If a traveler’s budget doesn’t stretch to booking their entire stay in one of these iconic suites, many resorts allow a one night stay and this is a great idea. Perhaps make it the last night rather than the first!

8/ Check to see if snorkel equipment is included for guests. If it isn’t, tell your travelers to take their own.

9/ If a 10% service fee is included, travelers shouldn’t feel obligated to tip further.

10/ Don’t exchange money. US dollars are accepted everywhere.