10 of the best affordable hotels in the Maldives

1 Velassaru Maldives

Best Experience for:  Couples, Dining, activities, wellness

Owned and run by leading local hotel group Universal Resorts, Velassaru is in South Male Atoll within a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport. The 5 star resort offers luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views. A wide variety of international specialities are offered at Velassaru’ five restaurants, including fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options. In addition to excellent beaches guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments in overwater pavilions, or hop on a Male city tour. Other resort facilities include a water sports and dive center, fitness centre, tennis court and infinity pool with the view of the beach and the ocean. READ FULL REVIEW

2 Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Best Experience for:  Couples, Families, All Inclusive, swimming pool, activities, kitesurfing

Spanning across three paradise islands and, is just 45 minutes by speedboat, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers accommodations ranging from Maldivian-inspired suites to sleek contemporary villas. Designed to cater to your every whim, the all-inclusive resort has three pools to choose from, including an adults-only infinity pool that never fails to impress, and the lagoon that may entice you into adventure. With various activities, beautiful beaches, and above-average food, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a good value for money for the Maldives. 164 rooms range from a basic beach villa to high quality Water Villas, and an adjoining rooms for families. READ FULL REVIEW

3 Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Best Experience for: Couples, Families, Groups, Activities, Shopping, Dining, Entertainment

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is a part of Emboodhoo Lagoon, the country's first integrated resort destination – which means you can walk to nearby entertainment, 12 restaurants in and around the resort and shopping at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, where leisure and entertainment activities are endless..

The iconic brand of Hard Rock offers an all-access pass to diving opportunities, a soothing Body Rock spa and a stretch of soft beach. Vivid colours help the exotic surrounds flow inside modern interiors (complete with the ever-present memorabilia). Some rooms can be found inside bright white cubes on the beach while other villas jut out over the sea and offer direct access to the lagoon. Whether you are a romantic couple, a solo traveller, a family or traveling in a group Hard Rock Hotel Maldives satisfies all tastes and preferences. READ FULL REVIEW

4 LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

Best Experience for:  Couples, Families, Value, Diving, Dining, Whale Shark Watching, weddings, All Inclusive

If you’ve fantasized about living a–lavish–Robinson Crusoe life on a faraway tropical island, you’re in the right place. Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane transfer away from Malé Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives. Here, you will ride your bicycle along the jetty, swim alongside whale sharks, hang out in your bungalow on stilts, dine at any of the eight restaurants, dance the night away, partake in marine conservation. The luxe resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa. Whatever it is you love, you’ll find it here at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas. READ FULL REVIEW

5 Furaveri Maldives

Best Experience:   All Inclusive, Couples, Families, Value, House Reef Snorkeling, Beaches

With an excellent value-for-money and ideal for both couples and families alike, Furaveri Island Resort & Spa is a new luxury resort located in Raa atoll, one of the most developing and most remote atolls in the Maldives. The private Furaveri island is an independent brand that is run by the local business and conceptually linked to a long-standing desire to offer guests a culturally authentic, luxurious island experience in an environment that remains true to the natural beauty and spirit of the Maldives. The resort is accessible by a 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The 107 private villas have been specifically designed to meet guests’ individual preferences and are set amongst lush vegetation, in the first row on a sandy white beach or settled above a sparkling turquoise lagoon.The island also offers a great selection of F&B outlets combined with leisure activities. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless. Furaveri is blessed with an incredible house reef with turtles, sharks, rays, barracuda, napoleons, tuna and trevally as well as colourful corals. The resort’s PADI five-star certified dive centre offers a full range of PADI programmes, from Discover Suba Diving to PADI Divemaster along with daily dives and guided snorkelling trips. READ FULL REVIEW

6 Kuramathi Maldives

Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Beach, Diving, House Reef Snorkeling

Strips of pristine beaches, world-class diving, fine dining and knockout spa, Kuramathi Maldives is rated one of the best hotels in the Maldives and with good reason. Kuramathi is one of the Maldives' most popular resorts and it's perfect if you're looking for variety alongside relaxation. Here, pathways weave through lush foliage, leading to the excellent facilities that are dotted around this large island. There are two oceanfront infinity pools plus a lagoon-style pool shaded by palm trees, and snorkelling on the stunning house reef is possible straight from the beach READ FULL REVIEW

7 Komandoo Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience: for Honeymoon, Beach, Value, Diving, House Reef Snorkelling

Alluring Indian Ocean blues, snorkelling with sea turtles and reef sharks, pampering spa treatments and fine dining: not a bad resume for Komandoo Maldives Resort. Add to that the island’s adults-only concept, guaranteeing pure tranquility, and it becomes clear why Komandoo regularly finds itself on the very top of most romantic resorts lists.

Combining a Maldivian charm with all the comforts and indulgences you would expect from a private island resort, Komandoo is undoubtedly the place to spend your romantic holiday. Suitable for honeymoons, anniversary celebrations or quality down time with your darling or family, this small island is bound to receive a special mention in your dairy.

Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, Komandoo offers 65 villas in three categories; 14 Beach Villas along the western beach of the island, 36 Jacuzzi Beach Villas on the eastern beach and a part on the western beach, 15 Jacuzzi Water Villas arching around the southern end of the island. Each of them is independent well-appointed villas spaced adequately to provide privacy. Since first opening in 1998, the resort has provided its guests with a unique take on the Maldivian dream holiday with its quiet, adult-only vibe, understated luxury and excellent service.  READ FULL REVIEW

8 Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

Best Experience for:  Adults only, Spa, Beaches, activities, all inclusive, value, weddings

Less than 20 minutes away from Velana International Airport by speedboat, set on a pristine island blessed with tropical beauty in North Malé Atoll, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is an adults-only retreat that is ideal for couples and honeymooners. Light and airy villas with wooden flooring and natural fabrics provide sensational views of the Indian Ocean and offer the choice of beachside or overwater accommodation. Pure white sand and a sparkling blue lagoon make this a perfect playground for beach games, snorkelling and water sports, while the magical underwater world of some of the top dive sites in the Maldives are reached within less than half an hour by Dhoni. Exciting dining with a choice of dining programmes, along with a sublime spa, make this intimately scaled resort a haven for those seeking a tropical honeymoon. The Gold All-Inclusive plan represents pure island indulgence featuring unlimited culinary delights, daily spa credits for treatments, a complimentary house reef snorkelling excursion by boat, and four pieces of complimentary laundry per room per day. READ FULL REVIEW

9 Avani+ Fares Maldives

Set to opening 1st April 2023 Avani’s new debut is bringing relaxed contemporary charm to one of the world’s dreamiest island destinations. Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Avani’s first property in the Maldives, is set to open in a natural playground of soft white sandy beach and every colour of blue imaginable. Located on Fares Island in the Baa Atoll, the 5* star resort will be comprised of 176 guest rooms, including standard accommodation and a selection of villas with pools. Every attention will be given to wellbeing, with décor blending genuine pleasures and modernity. Nearby dive site Ahivahfushi Beyru is an Eden for snorkellers and scuba enthusiasts thanks to a plethora of sea life from Hawksbill turtles to reef sharks and manta rays. Special DISCOVERY rates from $340! READ FULL REVIEW

• 176 studios, beach villas and over water villas
• Wining, dining and partying on the beach
• House reef just steps from the beach
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve snorkelling and diving
• 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé

10 Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience:   for Couples, Family holiday, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Value, All Inclusive

With one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the great strengths of Vilamendhoo have always been snorkeling and diving, and affordable accommodation. After a major renovation it was re-opened as a luxury resort than ever. And it says a lot. With 184 rooms, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on a private island with a magnificent green and cozy landscape. The rooms are spacious and beautiful with furnishings from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that grow from the pier at the western end. The resort boasts several swimming pools, restaurants, as well as sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout the island which is divided into the family and "adults only" areas. With a magnificent house reef and All Inclusive offering - it's a romantic, quiet choice for families and couples alike. READ FULL REVIEW

11 Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience:   Family, All Inclusive, Activities, for Couples, Value

Every year, Meeru Island Resort is possible satisfies more people than any other hotel. With 286 rooms and suites, including 106 water villas, the Meeru Island Resort is one of the Maldives' largest 4-star All inclusive resorts, and it has more overwater rooms than any other resort in the Maldives. The island is always full and after people have visited here, very often they come back again and again. The island is attractive for all ages: families have their own corner of the island, and couples have their own, hence there are two separate swimming pools, two buffet restaurants, and 2 spas. As a top rated Maldives' family resort, Meeru not only offers a family plan for an affordable holiday, but also fun facilities for children and teens. Families with children are offered to settle around the authentic center, where they will have The Komas Kid's Club, Dhoni bar and a swimming pool (with children's pool and daily water polo), Kakuni bar, café and the main Farivalhu buffet restaurant capable of satisfying the tastes and appetites of many families.  READ FULL REVIEW

12 Ayada Maldives

Best Experience: Couples, Family holiday, Over-Water Villas, gourmet food, Spa, All Inclusive

Ayada Maldives is a luxury resort located amid a pristine reef within the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in southern Maldives. Remotely located 30 km from the equator, Ayada is the first Turkish themed resort in the Maldives that offers 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and thoughtful five-star detailing. Food lovers can explore the eight restaurants, while those seeking complete relaxation will find their haven in the large spa which boasts a Turkish Hammam and eight private treatment villas. The main goal of the company is high-quality vacation, beautiful nature, amazing design and exceptional service, and we are absolutely sure that Ayada is on the right way. READ FULL REVIEW

Related Stories

• 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Maldives
• Cheap Holidays in The Maldives
• 10 Best Hotels in Maldives for Under $300 per Night
• 10 Best Cheap Water Villa Resorts in Maldives
• The Best Time to visit Maldives A Month-by-Month Breakdown