The Maldives ? On A Budget Oxymoron! ?

Maldives, still largely a honeymoon destination or a relaxation holiday for the rich and famous, is slowly changing the discourse. Budget friendly inns and guests houses have opened its doors on some of the inhabited islands, mainly Guraidhoo and Maafushi making the Maldives an affordable vacation for many.

With at least 50 shades of blue, the Maldives certainly looks like heaven on Earth! The Maldives archipelago is made up of 26 Atolls (ring-shaped reefs), which are home to around 1200 individual islands.

We’ve got some great deals making a trip to the Maldives more affordable than you may think, so the turquoise waters and sandy beaches might not be a distant dream!

If you get bored of lounging around the pool and beach (said no one ever!) and want to experience something different, why don’t you head to Male City for some city life.

Most of the Maldivian Islands require you to take an internal flight (expensive and time consuming!) to get to, but we have listed our top hotels that are only a speedboat ride away from Male. And if you stay near the capital then make sure to set aside 1 day to check out the city.

Here’s our budget friendly things to do in Male:

Visit the local market

The local market, also known as the fruitmarket has an array of fresh produce that you can buy and take home to your hotel. Here you can enjoy a fresh coconut while haggling of over fresh fruits & vegetables, aromatic spices, tins of any and everything, fabrics and tourist souvenirs. Maldives are known for the coconuts and their papayas so make sure to sample these when you are there. We loved the local version of bounty Aadu Bondi!

Fresh Seafood at the Fish Market

Maldives Islands are off course surrounded by the Indian Ocean and you would off course expect the locals to eat a lot of fish. The Fish market will surprise with a variety of fish and seafood freshly caught and brought to the market. You will see a lot of locals haggle over the fish prices but tourists are welcome to buy fresh seafood and have it cleaned in front of your eyes. It’s great fun watching the day’s catch being brought in from the adjacent fishing harbour. Look out for some truly vast tuna, octopus and grouper. It does not get fresher than this!

Majeedhee Magu

For some traditional Maldivian clothing you should head to the artery of the Maldivian capital Majedhee Magu. It spans the entire island from east to west and is best known for textile and traditional garments shops. You won’t find any of the international big shops here, but lots of souvenirs, watches, bags, accessories and electronics.

National Museum of the Maldives

For a spot of culture and history the National Museum whose building was gifted to the country by China, showcases Maldivian history. The collection consists of coins and historical artefacts, ranging from royal antiques to stone objects, dating back to the pre-Islamic period and the Buddhist era.

Where to stay:

Stay in any of these Island hotels that are only a boat ride away, so you have the exclusivity of a private island but can easily visit the capital.

 Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Velavaru from 1,263 AED per night (upto 83% off competitor prices!)

Choose between a domestic flight, seaplane flight or a 40-minute speed boat ride from the main airport and you will arrive at this picturesque paradise island resort where you will enjoy perfect white sand, turquoise waters, and the lovely Indian Ocean sea breeze.

 

Hulehule Island Hotel from 1,010 AED per night (upto 31% off competitor prices!)

Located on the same island as the airport, this is the easiest hotel to get to. 5 minutes by the complimentary hotel shuttle bus from the airport and only 10 minutes away by speedboat from Male city again complimentary, so there is no excuse not to go exploring in the city!

Fihalhohi Island Resort from 651 AED per night (upto 22% off competitor prices!)

This paradise Island is 40 comfortable minutes by speedboat from the airport, so makes for a convenient getaway without compromising on the beautiful natural landscape.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives from 599 AED per night (upto 48% off competitor prices!)

Only a 20-minute speedboat ride away from the main airport this adult only hotel offers perfect for barefoot living with the beach at your doorstep, or in an overwater villa with steps down to the shimmering lagoon.

 Paradise Island Resort And Spa from 1,069 AED per night (upto 38% off competitor prices!)

Located in North Male Atoll, this Island is super close to the Airport so perfect for a weekend getaway with only 20-minute speedboat ride away. With an array of restaurants, a spa and water activities there is certainly enough to fill your days.

So whether you enjoy lounging around on the pristine beaches, exploring, snorkeling or diving in the bluest of blue waters don’t forget that with the ENTERTAINER getaways you can avail upto 60% off room night prices. Simply click on the ‘Travel’ tab of your ENTERTAINER app to view our amazing prices! Don’t forget to tag us #entertainergetaways on your mesmerizing Maldives trip!

 

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