Very few destinations are so closely associated with Island paradise. The Maldives would not only fit that description, but be a contender for the global leader. Crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and those iconic overwater bungalows, this is the sort of place that make many beach goers drool. Sadly, for so long, it was simply out of reach for the average Joe (or JoesTrippin as the case may be) as costs of the most basic holidays easily reach well into the thousands of dollars. Luckily, things are changing.
When you think of Maldives, you think of extortionate expense... and for good reason. A quick
look on booking.com will show rooms on the private Resort islands starting at $400-$500/night. If you want a famous overwater villa at a top end place, and that price shoots up to $4,000-$5,000 a night!! Then, there's the fact that the private resorts have no competition for goods and services. Diving, tours and water-sport equipment are all overly expensive. And the nail in the coffin is the transport to get to the islands. Private speedboats, or heaven forbid floatplane flights, easily add $100s if not $1,000s to the holiday. But some of that is changing.
Only a few years ago, the Maldivian government decided to diversify its tourism portfolio. What it
Diving is a highlight of the country, but costs can add up. While there the same fish, same
reefs and same water, Maafushi offers dives for almost half of the resorts. Diving not your thing? There's snorkelling, jet skiing, parasailing, night fishing, dinner cruises and pretty much every other diversion you can think off. All while not "cheap" certainly more affordable. Then there's the added bonus that the residential islands, like Maafushi, are services by dirt cheap public ferries.
Still have the need for some 5* pampering? Many of the resort islands offer access passes to their facilities (for a price). For about $50-$200 you can do a day-trip to any number of resorts including transport, all-you-can-eat buffets, open bars plus beach chairs, hammock and umbrella.
Bottom line...? Maafushi is not the idyllic tropical paradise you see in postcards. Actually, the island itself is rather unattractive. But with decent accommodation options at reachable prices, residential islands like Maafushi are opening up a destination previously impossible for even mid-range travellers. Give-and-take!
When you think of Maldives, you think of extortionate expense... and for good reason. A quick
look on booking.com will show rooms on the private Resort islands starting at $400-$500/night. If you want a famous overwater villa at a top end place, and that price shoots up to $4,000-$5,000 a night!! Then, there's the fact that the private resorts have no competition for goods and services. Diving, tours and water-sport equipment are all overly expensive. And the nail in the coffin is the transport to get to the islands. Private speedboats, or heaven forbid floatplane flights, easily add $100s if not $1,000s to the holiday. But some of that is changing.
Only a few years ago, the Maldivian government decided to diversify its tourism portfolio. What it
did was allow people on the residential islands open guesthouse for tourists. Maafushi was one of the first to embrace the change. At present, there are roughly 30 guesthouses and hotels on Maafushi (building still in full bloom), with pretty much everything under $100/night. OK... Maafushi is certainly not the prettiest of islands, actually i wouldn't even call it pretty. But with a market-ecomony, as opposed to resort monopolies, means using Maafushi as a base to explore afield is a smart option.
Diving is a highlight of the country, but costs can add up. While there the same fish, same
reefs and same water, Maafushi offers dives for almost half of the resorts. Diving not your thing? There's snorkelling, jet skiing, parasailing, night fishing, dinner cruises and pretty much every other diversion you can think off. All while not "cheap" certainly more affordable. Then there's the added bonus that the residential islands, like Maafushi, are services by dirt cheap public ferries.
Still have the need for some 5* pampering? Many of the resort islands offer access passes to their facilities (for a price). For about $50-$200 you can do a day-trip to any number of resorts including transport, all-you-can-eat buffets, open bars plus beach chairs, hammock and umbrella.
Bottom line...? Maafushi is not the idyllic tropical paradise you see in postcards. Actually, the island itself is rather unattractive. But with decent accommodation options at reachable prices, residential islands like Maafushi are opening up a destination previously impossible for even mid-range travellers. Give-and-take!
