Maldives on a budget: local islands vs resort islands
You do not need ₹1 lakh a night. How guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi and Thoddoo compare with resorts.
Since 2009, locals have been allowed to run guesthouses, opening the Maldives to mid-range travellers.
Local islands
Rooms from ₹5,000–8,000, public ferries, excursions to sandbanks and resorts for a day. Alcohol is not served and swimwear is limited to designated bikini beaches.
Resort islands
One island, one resort — total privacy, house reefs and overwater villas, but every meal is at resort prices.
A smart mix
Many couples do three nights on a local island followed by two in a resort.
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