The Maldives is one of the world’s top luxury travel destinations. Known for its opulent overwater bungalows, pristine beaches, and endless infinity pools secluded in far-flung private islands, the Maldives seems impossible to do on a budget. And while “budget” is fairly relative, there are a number of luxury resorts in the Maldives for less than $500, and even $300 per night (we’re talking overwater pool villas here). A few of these options are even all-inclusive. So while there may be no truly cheap resorts in the Maldives, here are your 15 best options for affordable resorts in the Maldives.
My personal favorites are Velassaru Maldives for its convenient location and great value and Sheraton Maldives for its five-star service.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST CHEAP RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problem! Here are the three cheapest resorts in the Maldives with 5-stars.
15 Best Cheap Resorts in the Maldives
I’ve listed the 15 best affordable resorts in the Maldives below, including a table with all the resorts and prices. In the section after, you’ll find a detailed review of each resort. Any of the following could vie for the title of the best cheap resort in the Maldives, and hopefully, you’ll find the perfect one for your upcoming getaway. And if you’re traveling as a pair, try my Best Resorts in the Maldives for Couples guide.
Here is the comparison table of the 15 cheapest resorts in the Maldives that are 4 or 5-star rated. These prices are per night for the lowest room rate and may vary. Most of these prices include at least breakfast, and some include dinner or are all-inclusive. Generally, you should assume the transfers from Male aren’t included and plan accordingly. If you’re interested in options with glass floors, try my Best Maldives Water Villas with a glass floor guide. And If you’re interested in the Best Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives, read my guide for a kick!
| ACCOMMODATION | Price |
| Meeru Island Resort & Spa | $420 |
| Paradise Island Resort | $300 |
| Sun Siyam Olhuveli | $350 |
| Velassaru Maldives | $250 |
| Vilamendhoo Island | $270 |
| Cinnamon Dhonveli | $260 |
| Sun Island Resort & Spa | $210 |
| Sun Siyam Vilu Reef | $280 |
| Kureda Resort & Spa | $240 |
| Bandos Maldives | $210 |
| Sheraton Maldives | $280 |
| Reethi Beach Resort | $170 |
| Gangehi Island Resort | $200 |
| Kurumba Maldives | $211 |
| Kuramathi Maldives | $320 |
Best Cheap Resorts in The Maldives
Few places in the world conjure the same feelings as the Maldives. This tropical island destination has more overwater bungalows, brilliant white shoreline, and stunning ocean sunsets than anywhere else in the world. With its secluded location in the Indian Ocean, it’s the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway.
But can you travel to the Maldives on a budget? That depends on how you define your budget, and what iconic amenities you’re willing to forgo. Undeniably there are a number of locally-owned guesthouses and resorts for the budget-minded traveler. For the purposes of this list, however, I’ll be covering only 4 and 5-star properties with the usual trappings of a Maldives getaway. Think overwater villas, private pools, and exceptional service. In short, the cheapest resorts in the Maldives that’ll still take your breath away.
In the following section, I’ll outline the 15 best cheap resorts in the Maldives. Hopefully, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your next beach holiday.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Meeru Island Resort & Spa is a scenic 55-minute speedboat journey from Male. This is a classic island resort with rustic charm. Incidentally, it’s both the third oldest and third largest resort in the Maldives. Despite its size and age, it also has 9,000 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor! Rooms range from garden-view to overwater villas with a private jacuzzi. The lagoon is as pretty as many of the pricer resorts, with brilliant white sand and turquoise water.
For amenities, there are 2 beachside freshwater pools, a children’s playground, a business center, 6 restaurants, and 6 bars on the property. Private sunset dinner cruises and beach picnics can also be arranged, giving guests plenty of dining options during their stay. For all these reasons, Meeru Island Resort is one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Paradise Island Resort & Spa
Paradise Island Resort is aptly named. Located only a 20-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, guests can enjoy a quick transfer to paradise. Once at the resort, guests can choose from villas and bungalows with plunge pools. There are a fitness center and tennis courts to enjoy, as well as snorkeling and diving.
As for dining, guests will find 5 restaurants catering to various dietary and religious needs, 2 bars, and a coffee shop, 2 of which are 24-hour. Above all, Paradise Island Resort & Spa offers no-frills luxury and is one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives rated 5-stars.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Paradise Island Resort
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a beautiful escape in the South Male Atoll a simple 45-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport. Once at the resort, guests can choose from beach villas with private pools or overwater bungalows with private jacuzzis, and enjoy the many island facilities on offer. For example, a full-service spa, 2 infinity pools, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a PADI-certified dive school.
Guests can dine and drink at 1 of 4 restaurants and 3 bars on the property. And of course, there’s always the crystal clear waters and gorgeous white sand to enjoy. It’s not the cheapest resort in the Maldives, but it is one of the best value options.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru Maldives is another top-rated affordable resort in the Maldives. It’s a quick 25-minute speedboat transfer from Male and offers breathtaking rooms and amenities. Accommodations include beachfront and overwater villas with expansive ocean views and L’Occitane products.
At the resort, guests have access to an overwater pavilion offering spa treatments, a full fitness center, and a tennis court, as well as an infinity pool. Watersports and activities are arrangeable, as is private dining. Otherwise, guests can find international cuisine at the resort’s 5 restaurants and 2 beach bars. Given its 5-star rating, Velassaru sets the bar for cheap resorts in the Maldives and is one of the best luxury escapes that won’t (completely) break the bank.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Velassaru Maldives
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a diver’s paradise located in the South Ari Atoll. It’s the first of the best affordable resorts in the Maldives list to be so far from the international airport, and the 55-minute seaplane transfer can take a big chunk out of your travel budget. But for many, the seaplane ride is an amazing experience and one that drops you off at one of the best dive locations in the Maldives.
Vilamendhoo is privy to a year-round aggregation of whale sharks and is home to a watersports center and marine biology center. On land, guests can choose to stay in a variety of rooms, including jacuzzi beach villas and classic overwater villas. Amenities include a swimming pool, spa, tennis court, and several dining options. All things considered, If you have any interest in the ocean, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is the best cheap Maldives resort for you.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Vilamendhoo Island
Cinnamon Dhonveli
Cinnamon Dhonveli is the Cinnamon group’s affordable offering in the Maldives. Being that it’s located in the North Male Atoll, it’s reachable via a short 20-minute speedboat. Its first noticeable feature is the long winding jetty with beautiful overwater suites. In general, rooms feature high-thatched roofs and bright decor, and the overwater villas sit over perfectly blue water.
Guests can choose from a number of highly regarded treatments at Chavana Spa, or keep active in the fitness center or on a dive. 3 restaurants and 2 oceanfront bars offer a variety of food and beverage options, and excellent service wraps up the full package nicely. Given these points, Cinnamon Dhonveli is one of the cheapest Maldives resorts offering this level of service and simple luxury.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cinnamon Dhonveli
Sun Island Resort & Spa
Sun Island Resort is a luxurious top-rated property at an affordable price. There’s only one hotel on the list at a lower rate, making it one of the cheapest resorts in the Maldives rated 5-stars. It’s reachable via a 20-minute seaplane transfer from Male, followed by a 10-minute speedboat to the resort.
Once there, guests can choose from a number of beach villas with private pools or jacuzzis. There are a few overwater options, but some prefer the beach villas at this resort. For entertainment, guests have access to a swimming pool, fitness center, scuba diving, and a children’s playground.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sun Island Resort
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is one of the best affordable resorts in the Maldives, set in the Dhaalu Atoll and a 35-minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport. Guests can choose from “simple” beach bungalows to private pool villas on the water. In addition, the resort is home to one of the best in-house reefs in the Maldives, with other great dive locations easily accessible.
The dive center is a great way for guests to explore the underwater world of the Maldives, and the Sun Spa is a wonderful way to relax afterward. Volleyball, tennis, a fitness center, and a pool are also available, as are several bars and restaurants. Simply put, few cheap Maldives resorts can offer what Vilu Reef can.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Kuredu Resort & Spa
Kuredu Resort & Spa is a sprawling island getaway in the Lhaviyani Atoll. It’s reachable via a 35-minute seaplane from Male. At this point, it’s one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. With 300 rooms, Kureda can offer something for every budget and taste.
The all-inclusive option is popular here, for travelers who don’t want any surprises at checkout. Packages often include non-motorized water sports as well as snorkeling, windsurfing, and golfing. For those who want to pre-plan their spending, it’s one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kuredu Resort & Spa
Bandos Maldives
Bandos Maldives is as close as you can get to Male International Airport without being in a luxury lounge. For travelers not looking to fork out a few nights’ accommodations on seaplane transfers, it’s a convenient pick. Despite its location near the airport, guests will find plenty of privacy at Bandos.
The rooms here are bright and airy with high thatched roofs and plenty of beach access. Facilities include a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, babysitting services, and a pool with a swim-up bar. The resort also has a number of international restaurants, and guests rate the nightly entertainment as being more lively than on other islands. Thus it’s an excellent choice for cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Bandos Maldives
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives is another luxury resort in the Maldives at a great price and convenient location. Reachable via a complimentary 15-minute speedboat transfer from Male, guests will find themselves in a completely different world. There are jetties full of overwater villas and private pools, beachfront cottages, and deluxe guest rooms to fit every budget.
Specifically, for those seeking a relaxing holiday, the Sheraton delivers. In addition to three outdoor pools, there’s the award-winning Shine Spa. Furthermore, guests can book activities including snorkeling safaris, sandbank picnics, dolphin cruises, and parasailing. For these and many other reasons, the Sheraton is one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sheraton Maldives
Reethi Beach Resort
Reethi Beach Resort is an eco-friendly resort in the Baa Atoll. Guests arriving at Reethi do so via a 35-minute seaplane journey followed by a 15-minute Maldivian Dhoni ride. By all means, it may be the best way to arrive at an island paradise. Once at the resort, guests will find a variety of room types both on the water and off.
Facilities include a sports complex, spa & wellness center, and water activities including windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving. There are a collection of bars and restaurants offering something for every taste. Additionally, guests recommend the all-inclusive package at Reethi. In any event, it’s one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Reethi Beach Resort
Gangehi Island Resort & Spa
Gangehi Island Resort & Spa is a far-flung escape in the North Ari Atoll. It’s reachable via a 25-minute seaplane transfer from Male, but only a 15-minute boat ride to one of the best dive spots in the Maldives. Room types include several overwater options, which really is the best way to enjoy this pristine lagoon.
Guests can both relax with Ayurvedic treatments at the spa, or grab a good book to read at the library. Conversely, there’s a diving center, beach volleyball court, and marine biologist on call to help guests engage with their ocean surroundings. Coupled with international dining options and a panoramic beach bar, few would think twice to name Gangehi one of the best cheap resorts in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Gangehi Island Resort & Spa
Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives is another dreamy 5-star destination impossibly close to Male. Guests can arrive at Kurumba within 10 minutes of departing the airport. Once here, you’ll find beautifully appointed rooms amongst lush green palms. There aren’t any overwater villas on the island, but the beach residences with private pools will do for most.
A Spa offers Dhivehi Beys treatments, as well as more traditional options. Guests can also relax at one of the 2 outdoor pools or the Fez lounge. Activities include island-hopping, 3 tennis courts, a fitness center, and custimizable excursions. As for foodies, there are 8 restaurants to choose from. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for best cheap resort in the Maldives.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kurumba Maldives
Kuramathi Maldives
Kuramathi Maldives is set in the Rasdhoo Atoll, a 20-minute seaplane transfer from Male. Once at this idyllic isle, guests can unwind in their overwater pool villa or beach bungalow. A spa and three outdoor pools further complement the stress-free traveler.
For the more active, there is a water sports and diving center on the property. Families also have access to a kids club, and 12 restaurants. With so many options to choose from, guests need not worry about tiring of the cuisine. In any event, you’ll find all you need to enjoy this affordable stretch of paradise.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kuramathi Maldives
Altogether, those are the cheapest Maldives resorts with a 4 or 5-star rating. Albeit, cheap is a very relative word. Given that, hopefully, you’ve found your dream luxury stay in this beautiful archipelago. Feel free to send some postcards!