Budget Tourism has been non-existent in the Maldives until five years ago as guesthouses emerging local islands. The Maldives has been only known for it’s expensive beaches and refined high quality resorts. But we are now unlocking the destination for budget travelers who need more bang for their buck. Guesthouses changed the budget market of Maldives to expand access to this tropical paradise. You can now stay at a guesthouse with pristine beaches, palm trees, endless blue waters and the ever glowing sun. This is exactly what independent as well as family budget travelers were looking for. More and more guesthouses are popping up in local islands while Maafushi is the most well known throughout the country.

Advantages of staying in a Budget Guesthouse

Budget – First and foremost is the most obvious of all – cost to benefit ratio. You can tighten the purse strings a little on your quest to conquer the world. You get to experience one of the clearest waters in the world, laying on a beach with sun-kissed skin. Kayak your way through the turquoise oceans right here in Maldives. Grab a mask from the guesthouse recreation and head off to see the marine elements hanging out.  Arena Beach at Maafushi even gives you the choice of retreating to a nearby safari for a graceful and tranquil fall back from excitement. All these elements have never been in the reach of anyone short of a luxury traveler until five years ago. Changing the scenery for a smaller budget.

Meet the Locals – Where better to connect with Maldives locals than at a local guesthouse, right? The way of the island life. We read your mind or you read ours, because it has never been more accessible than it is now. We get how travel is all about connection. With the environment, the people, the food etc. You get to experience the days of a Maldivian and see the frames through our lenses for a change. There is no better way to learn the people of a country than being immersed in the populace.

Local Traditions –Rather than sitting on a beach of the resort island with other fellow wanderers you can synchronize with the Maldivian locals at Arena Beach. See how we live, eat and spend our days in the sun.  Being in the trance of the Maldivian drums where your feet touches the sand hopping along to the rhythmic tones. Dining on the cuisine that is infused into the bloodline of every Maldivian. Listening to the local band as they play you into a paradise state of mind. Now add that with the vibrations of a small budget and it becomes quite perfect, doesn’t it?

Cheaper Excursions & Activities – Guesthouses usually organize budget excursions to nearby islands (island hopping) where you get a truly local tourism experience. For the thrill seekers there are all kinds of adventurous watersports to choose from. The jet ski, parasailing and for even the slightest chance you didn’t get that adrenaline rush you were hoping for – THE FLYBOARD. Local guesthouses often arrange private retreats to sandbanks nearby where you can have a perfectly quite dinner. Or you can always cruise through the calm sea to catch that beautiful glimmer of the evening sun.

Why We Recommend Arena Beach Maldives with All our Heart?

Note: Check out our exclusive pricing on the property for insider deals here.

Simply put, it’s the best there is right now. Let me walk you through it. Arena Beach Maldives has been around for quite some time now and have never been out of sync with the full guest experience. The staff at Arena Beach picks you up at the airport to begin your journey. Guides you through to Maafushi with pleasant conversations and a friendly smile. You will be received at the island with a refreshing drink and led to your hotel room with ease. It’s time for you to freshen up and go exploring on the hotel bicycle.

Means of Getting There: Even though transport is one of the hardest factors to tackle in Maldives, Maafushi is an exception. There are 4 scheduled transfers every weekday. (Two in the morning and two in the evening). The charges are $20 per pax and kids below 2 years will be offered on FOC. After all this is budget tourism, right? Check out the complete ferry schedule below. If the timings are inconvenient for you, you may request a private speedboat and the guesthouse will send you one.

Excursions: This is the main factor that changes the game. If you have been looking for a relaxing time mixed with adventure and to bring home a vivid memory set of a place so magical, you have hit the jackpot. Adventure activities like diving, snorkeling and night fishing would get you pumped up good. The guesthouse manages everything at ease and all you have to do is show up.

Weddings and Ceremonies – At Arena Beach Maldives they believe how important and significant weddings can be. To have a beach wedding in the Maldives is a silent dream almost everyone has without a chance of realizing it until now. The staff helps you set up your ideal outdoor wedding customized to fit all your needs. Professional photographers to capture and freeze magical moments.

Dining on the Beach – This is a very hard element to express in mere words. Getting soaked in the sun, dining on the white beach with your feet wet from running around the coastline is an almost unbeatable experience.

Maldives is now finally open for travelers who want to travel in their gap year or families who just want to blow off some steam from the hectic year.

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