The Maldives, often perceived as an ultra-luxury destination out of reach for many, can be enjoyed for as little as £162 per day, including flights. Recent increases in flight availability through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar have contributed to more accessible travel options.

Exploring Diverse Maldivian Islands

The archipelago comprises 1,192 islands, with approximately 160 developed for tourism. Travelers seeking more affordable options can explore various resorts and local islands.

Adventure on Addu Atoll

Located south of the Equator, Addu Atoll offers a unique experience at the Equator Village Maldives hotel on Gan Island. This region is connected by a bridge to other islands, allowing exploration of local villages. Diving opportunities include visiting a sunken British ship from World War II. A ten-day stay with flights from Manchester is available from £1,625 per person, equating to £162 per day.

Surfers' Paradise on North Malé Atoll

Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi Maldives, situated north-east of the capital Malé, is noted as one of the best surfing locations in the Maldives. The resort also offers diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, with beach and overwater villas. All-inclusive seven-day packages, including flights from Heathrow, start at £1,689 per person, or £241 per day. Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi Maldives is one of the best spots on the archipelago for surfing

The First Maldivian Hotel

Niva Kurumba Maldives, which opened on October 3, 1972, is the first hotel on a private island in the Maldives. Located near Malé, this resort features palm trees, tennis courts, a gym, and a spa. Seven-day Bed & Breakfast packages, including return flights, start at £1,249 per person, or £178 per day. Niva Kurumba Maldives, the island nation's oldest hotel, opened more than 50 years ago

Overwater Villas and Diverse Amenities

Sun Siyam Olhuveli on South Malé Atoll offers overwater villas across three islands linked by walkways. The resort boasts seven bars, multiple dining options, and extensive facilities including gyms, spas, and dive centers on each island. Seven-day full-board packages with return flights are priced from £1,929 per person, or £275 per day. Sun Siyam Olhuveli has three islands, linked by walkways. Each island has gyms, spas and dive centres

All-Inclusive Options and Watersports

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu in Raa Atoll is a popular all-inclusive resort offering beach and overwater villas. Activities include parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing, with options like flyboarding available. Seven-day all-inclusive packages, including flights, start at £2,189 per person, or £312 per day. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers sunbeds, watersports and bars with lots of cocktails

Chic and Sporty Stays

Kandima Maldives, with a 4.7 out of 5 Tripadvisor rating, offers a chic atmosphere with DJs, cocktail bars, and a sports complex featuring tennis courts and a five-a-side pitch. Accommodation includes overwater and beach villas. Seven-day Bed & Breakfast packages with flights are available from £1,721 per person, or £245 per day. The Beach Club has a pair of white-and-blue jetties leading to circular decks with seating

All-Rounder Resort with Activities

Bandos Maldives, a ten-minute speedboat ride from the airport, provides tennis courts, a spa, a gym, and a diving center offering PADI qualifications. Watersports and excursions such as night fishing, whale shark spotting, and dolphin cruises are available. Seven-day half-board packages with flights start at £1,539 per person, or £219 per day. Bandos Maldives private island can organise night fishing boat trips as well as whale shark spotting expeditions

Sporty Options and Dive Centers

Kuredu features a six-hole golf course, tennis, padel, fitness classes, and yoga sessions, alongside a dive center and watersports. The resort has two main restaurants and eight bars, with live music most nights. Seven-day half-board packages including seaplane transfers are available from £1,207 per person, or £172 per day. Kuredu offers several sports facilities, including a six-hole golf course and tennis courts

Unique Underwater Dining

Oblu Xperience Ailafushi, near Malé, offers the Maldives' largest underwater restaurant. This all-inclusive resort provides complimentary in-room minibars and cocktails at the X360 Bar. Seven-day all-inclusive packages with flights cost from £1,846 per person, or £263 per day. Visitors watch colourful tropical fish swim by as they tuck in to a meal at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi

Family-Friendly and Themed Experiences

Meeru Maldives Resort Island offers six restaurants, five bars (two adult-only), and themed events. Villas are situated among palm trees or on overwater platforms. Seven-day full-board packages with flights start at £1,639 per person, or £234 per day. Meeru Maldives Resort has five bars, two of which are adult-only beside infinity pools

Romantic Getaways

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, located in North Ari Atoll, is ideal for romantic holidays with features like a Lovers’ Deck and sandbank picnics. The resort offers Balinese massages and various excursions. Seven-day all-inclusive packages with flights start at £1,419 per person, or £202 per day. Dine on the Lovers' Deck at the end of a jetty at Ellaidhoo Maldives for a romantic night out

Whale Shark Encounters

LUX* South Ari Atoll is renowned for whale shark sightings, with the resort organizing trips led by marine biologists. The resort features stylish villas, infinity pools, a sushi restaurant, and a lagoon-side beach bar. Seven-day Bed & Breakfast packages with flights are available from £1,295 per person, with an additional £870 per person for an all-inclusive option. The daily cost is £185 per person. LUX* South Ari Atoll dishes up tasty grilled seafood, such as mussels with lemon slices

Prices were correct at the time of publication.