The Maldives, with its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, due to its high costs, it is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
So, is it worth splurging on a luxurious getaway in the Maldives? This has been a question I’ve pondered for years, especially as I’ve visited nearby Sri Lanka almost every year for the last 6-7 years. After much anticipation, we finally took the plunge and spent a week in the Maldives this past May.
Having just returned from our trip, I believe I have the answer. Read on to discover my thoughts.
A holiday in the Maldives offers a unique experience unlike any other.
First Impressions: Arrival
Your journey to the Maldives will begin with a flight into Malé International Airport, which is an extraordinary experience. As you approach for landing, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the beautiful atolls, which are scattered like jewels in the ocean (the name “Maldives” translates to Chain of Islands). Each island boasts a white sandy beach and a vibrant turquoise lagoon, surrounded by the deep blue Indian Ocean—truly a sight to behold.
Once you land, you will take a speedboat or seaplane to your resort. Very few places in the world offer such a remarkable journey to your hotel, making the Maldives a truly special destination.
Most resorts in the Maldives are situated on their own private islands, which means beach access is exclusive to hotel guests and staff—essentially giving you a private beach experience. A typical Maldivian resort features beach villas near the waterfront, as well as over-water villas perched on stilts above the water. During our stay at Meeru Island Resort, we had the opportunity to experience both types of accommodations.
A beach villa provides you with easy access to the sand and sea. While many other exclusive beach hotels in the region offer similar experiences at lower prices (such as Nilaveli Beach Hotel, Maalu Maalu, and Jungle Beach in Sri Lanka), we found that most aspects—including food, drinks, snorkeling, diving, facilities, and services—were comparable to our experiences at Sri Lankan hotels.
Therefore, if you’re opting for a beach villa, you could find a comparable holiday elsewhere for less money.
However, choosing an over-water villa offers a completely different experience for several reasons:
Instant Access to Water
Over-water villas provide immediate access to the ocean right from your deck. The water is mere steps away.
Unobstructed Views
Your view of the ocean is completely unobstructed. While beach villas also offer sea views, they don’t quite compare to the clarity and beauty from an over-water villa.
Increased Privacy
While both beach and over-water villas offer a sense of seclusion, the over-water villas provide a higher level of privacy since there’s no path for others to walk past your deck.
No Mosquitoes
Beach villas are often surrounded by lush vegetation, which can attract mosquitoes, especially during dusk and the rainy season. In contrast, over-water villas provide protection from these pests, as you are situated over the water.
Your Own Personal Aquarium
This is perhaps the best reason to choose an over-water villa. If you select a villa that’s further out to sea, you’ll experience a greater variety of marine life compared to a beach setting. During our stay, we spotted stingrays, several types of sharks, turtles, and countless other fish—all within a few hours.
At night, the lights underneath the over-water villas illuminate the water below, creating a mesmerizing personal aquarium filled with an abundance of fish.
Before you rush to book your over-water villa, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Access to the beach is not as convenient; if you enjoy building sandcastles, this may not be the best option.
- Over-water villas typically lack trees, meaning less shade. If you’re sensitive to the sun, be cautious about this choice.
- Of course, these villas come at a premium price.
If you’re curious about other destinations offering over-water villas, I did some research! Several South Pacific islands (like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and parts of French Polynesia), Caribbean locations (such as Jamaica and St. Lucia), and various Central American countries (including Mexico and Panama) also feature these luxurious accommodations. However, except for Malaysia and Central America, most are pricier than the Maldives, and their beaches and waters don’t compare in beauty.
So, what are the potential downsides of a Maldivian holiday? (Other than the costs, of course.)
Visitors often come to the Maldives for the enchanting beaches and mesmerizing sea rather than for cultural activities. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring cultural sites and ticking attractions off your list, this might not be the right place for you.
This was the first time I felt disconnected from the local culture and history. Upon arriving at Malé Airport, we were whisked away to our hotel on a secluded island, making it feel as if we could have been anywhere in the world. While excursions to the capital, Malé, and nearby islands are available, we couldn’t participate due to poor weather conditions. The closest experience to true Maldivian culture we had was during a Maldivian night event hosted at our hotel.
Another drawback pointed out by my husband is that the beer selection at our resort was limited, featuring only two generic lagers with no ales or stouts available (not even German or Belgian options). However, the wine selection was considerably better.
So, back to the original question: is it worth it?
I would say yes, but ONLY if you opt for the over-water villa experience. Otherwise, I believe you could find a more fulfilling holiday in other nearby destinations in the South Indian subcontinent. To get the best of both worlds, consider combining a short stay in an over-water villa with a longer visit to a destination like Sri Lanka, South India, or Malaysia. This way, you can blend cultural exploration with a relaxing beach retreat, and reducing your time in the Maldives will help keep costs manageable.
If you’re contemplating a trip to the Maldives, you might also enjoy my other posts: Four Questions to Ask Before You Book and Review of Meeru Island Resort.
Have you been to the Maldives? Was the experience worth the price? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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