Few honeymoon destinations live up to the bucket list hype like the Maldives. Romantic sandy beaches, private island resorts, and luxurious experiences make this island destination a hit among couples. But its secluded nature and a growing number of tourists can make this an expensive honeymoon spot to choose – especially if you don’t plan wisely. Some tips can help you plan an affordable honeymoon in this fascinating country. From booking in advance to incorporating layovers, there are numerous ways to make this beach escape more cost-effective. Here are our tips to plan an affordable Maldives honeymoon.
1. Go All-Inclusive
It’s no surprise that most supplies in Maldivian hotels are imported. While some resorts source fresh fish from their house reefs and cultivate basic produce in greenhouses or vegetable gardens, essentials like branded goods, meat, alcohol, and other staples are transported in by air or sea. This reliance on imports can make bed-and-breakfast stays quite costly at checkout, making all-inclusive resorts a more budget-friendly option in the long run.
Here are some of the best all-inclusive Maldives resorts for an affordable Maldives honeymoon:
- Villa Park, Maldives (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Pullman Maldives (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Grand Park Kodhipparu (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Centara Ras Fushi (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Conrad Rangali Island (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Reethi Faru Resort (Check ratings & reviews here)
- Meeru Maldives Resort Island (Check ratings & reviews here)
2. Choose Layovers in the Middle East or India
Most travelers to the Maldives opt for direct flights to Malé, allowing the limited number of airlines operating long-haul routes to set steep prices—finding a round-trip ticket from North America for under $1,500 is rare. To save on airfare, consider flying via major transit hubs like those in the Middle East. Airlines such as Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer connections through Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. Additionally, an increasing number of Indian carriers, including Vistara and IndiGo, operate flights between Malé and cities like Mumbai and Delhi, making India another potential layover option.
3. Skip the Seaplane
Seaplane journeys have become synonymous with the Maldivian vacation, with hundreds of pictures capturing the bird’s-eye-views of the pristine water from the top. But it’s expensive and most of the time not included in your package. One round trip can cost approximately $1300. On the other hand, speed boats are cheaper by at least 4 times. The price will depend on how far away your island is from the international airport in Male. Luxury boat transfers—often aboard yacht-style vessels featuring comfortable seating areas and fridges stocked with chilled beverages—are typically included in the overall cost.
If your resort isn’t reachable by speedboat, check if there’s a domestic airport nearby. With 13 domestic airports across the Maldives, even the most secluded resorts are usually accessible via a combination of scheduled flights (which are significantly more affordable than seaplane transfers) and short, complimentary speedboat rides.
4. Consider Going in the Low Season
The best time to visit the Maldives is usually from November to April, but these are also the busiest and the most expensive travel months to the island. The prices spiral out of control for the best rooms, best resorts, and the best flights to the country. Plan the honeymoon in the low season instead, which runs from late October to late April. In these months, you will have hotels slashing their prices to almost half. Besides, you will also enjoy other perks like free transfers, surprise upgrades, and interesting add-ons for an amazing trip.
This season is also ideal for both surfing and spa experiences, offering the chance to witness an even greater variety of marine life. Massive whale sharks and enormous manta rays, comparable in size to mini-buses, gather in the Baa Atoll by the hundreds between July and October. FYI: The northern region experiences less rainfall than other parts of the country.
5. Look For Brand New Hotels
Want to experience a luxury hotel at an affordable price? Go for a new property instead. More than 7 luxury chains have announced their openings in 2025, and many more are coming in the years ahead. Many of these resorts offer impressive opening deals to their visitors, especially if you’re a honeymooner! Their rates might sometimes come at a restricted number of facilities, like only 3 functional restaurants instead of 4 or a limited number of spa treatments just yet. They would also be quieter and might go out of their way to please you for a nice review. Be on the lookout for them, though. They won’t be advertising these deals, so just search for new property openings and contact them for deals. A good travel agent can also help you with this.
6. Don’t Book Last Minute
Hotel occupancy rates are steadily increasing in the Maldives, and tourist occupancy stands at 59.1%, which is higher than most countries. This means that bagging any last-minute deals is out of question, and the prices will only increase as your vacation date nears. Instead, try to book your vacation a few months in advance. If you’re doing honeymoon planning alongside the wedding planning, it’s best to slice out dedicated time for the former to ensure you get the best deals and can book a vacation within your budget!
7. Book Activities in Advance
The right activities on your honeymoon can help build cherishable memories, deepen your bond, and be the perfect refresher after your wedding. Plus, most resorts in the Maldives are on a private island, not leaving much to do except signing up for activities. Booking your desired experiences in advance can ensure you don’t pay hiked-up prices later when they have already majorly filled up. Whether you’re eager to chase dolphins on a sunset cruise or go scuba diving to come face-to-face with some exotic sea life, or indulge in a private sandbank dinner, it’s worth bagging them all as soon as you’re done with hotel and flight bookings to bag an affordable Maldives vacation.
How Much Does A Honeymoon in Maldives Cost?
An affordable honeymoon in Maldives can still cost you anywhere between $4000 to $5000 per week. Flights and hotels take up a chunk of this budget. But if you have miles and points at your disposal, then this can reduce the price considerably. When you’re zeroing in on your budget, it’s best to factor in the hidden costs, too, like taxes and transfers. Maldives plans to increase the already high GST to 17% in 2025 and double the green tax for visitors. Just see if your package is tax-included to avoid any surprises later.