Maldives: Resort, Hotel or Guesthouse? Complete Guide to the 3 Types of Accommodation

After ten incredible days spent in Sri Lanka (you can find the itinerary here), Fabio and I couldn’t wait to continue our journey to another dream destination: the Maldives. We decided to fly directly from Colombo to Malé with FitsAir, a convenient and affordable option. If you’re planning a similar itinerary, Emirates, Flydubai, and SriLankan Airlines also frequently operate flights on this route.

The Maldives are often associated with luxury holidays in exclusive resorts, but they actually offer a surprising variety of accommodations suitable for every budget and need.

Three different types of accommodation

During our stay, we had the opportunity to experience three completely different types of accommodation: a private island resort, a hotel, and a guesthouse, both on islands inhabited by locals.

In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of each option, useful pricing information, available services, practical tips, and everything you need to know to choose the best accommodation for your trip to the Maldives.

Private Island Resort

Our stay began at Cinnamon Ellaidhoo, a private island resort. This type of accommodation offers absolute comfort and maximum privacy, with private beaches, swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, unlimited buffets, and cocktails always available. You can book directly on Booking HERE, but I recommend also checking the official resort website for any special offers. We found an offer that included a private beach dinner and a free excursion. The price was about €400 per night, an average cost for a good-quality Maldivian resort. We never got bored during our stay, as many people had warned us we might, thanks to the wide range of activities: from the nearby coral reef to massages and bars, every moment was perfect. Before booking, I wondered whether full board was worth it or not, and I assure you it’s best to opt for it to save money. A-la-carte prices are less economical.

Hotel on a Local Island

We then moved to Stone Hotels on Dhiffushi, a beautiful hotel with dreamy rooms and spectacular ocean views. Although Dhiffushi is one of the largest local islands, you can comfortably explore it on foot in about 40 minutes. It’s important to know that on local islands, you must respect certain cultural rules: alcohol is prohibited, and appropriate clothing must be worn outside the “bikini beaches” reserved for tourists. We booked it on Booking for €200 per night. The hotel offers full or half-board, but since you’re on a local island, I honestly recommend skipping full board to explore local Maldivian dishes in the island’s restaurants instead. Prices are quite affordable: a fish main course cost around €8. I’ll leave an example menu below.

Guesthouse on a Local Island

Our last experience was the most economical, staying at the Raalhu Fonu guesthouse (HERE on Booking) on the local island of Mahibadhoo. This accommodation is ideal for those seeking an authentic experience in contact with the local population, at affordable prices (around €50 per night). However, you’ll need to sacrifice extra comforts like massages and shops, focusing instead on the sea and excursions. Keep in mind that if the weather isn’t favorable, activities may be limited, making the experience considerably less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you move between the islands?

Transfers between islands are mostly done by speedboats. All accommodations specify the prices for their transportation services and will ask for precise arrival details at the time of booking to best organize the transfer. You can also contact them via Booking or their official website for any clarification.

Which currency should you use in the Maldives?

You can exchange euros into Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) at currency exchange offices at the airport and on the islands. In resorts, cash is usually unnecessary since expenses can be charged to your final bill and paid by card. On local islands and guesthouses, it’s advisable to exchange money or withdraw rufiyaa directly from ATMs, as prices paid in dollars are often rounded up, making it less convenient.

How to organize your trip to the Maldives independently?

We found our flight via Skyscanner and booked directly on the airline’s official website. In our case Qatar Airways, taking advantage of an offer. Here the Official Website.

After booking your flight, decide on the type of accommodation you prefer (resort, hotel, guesthouse) and especially consider its distance from Malé. Remember that the water and snorkeling excursions are fantastic everywhere, so your choice should depend more on the type of experience you desire.

For accommodations, Booking usually offers the most competitive prices, but always double-check the official websites of the properties. Don’t forget to get travel insurance. Also, remember the mandatory online visa application to be filled out within 96 hours before departure, which is very easy to do—here is the direct link: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller

Organizing everything independently is feasible and very satisfying, but if you prefer a simpler solution, agencies are always available to assist you!

Booking.com

I’m often asked which I prefer among resort, hotel, or guesthouse. Keep in mind that my opinion is entirely personal. Personally, the days at the resort were unforgettable: perfect beaches, well-organized excursions, excellent food, and many activities that never left me bored. Although I’ve always loved “local” travel, this time I clearly preferred the resort. To see videos of the accommodations, check out my Instagram reel on @angelaisai HERE. All that remains is to wish you a wonderful trip! 🙂