Most people picture the Maldives as those dreamy villas standing over turquoise lagoons. And yes, they’re real. But here’s the truth: not every stay here has to be about five-star splurges. You’ve actually got options—guesthouses, family resorts, even liveaboard boats. The question is, which one matches your trip?


Before finalizing your plans, explore Maldives Travel Guide 2025 for everything you need to know before booking.


 

Overwater Villas – The Classic Fantasy

This is the Maldives shot you’ve seen a hundred times—your own villa above the ocean, coffee on the deck while baby reef sharks cruise by, sunsets with no one blocking your view.

Overwater villas are the most iconic style of Maldives hotels, but they’re not cheap. Expect USD 600 and up, sometimes way more. But for honeymoons or milestone trips, the privacy and setting are worth it.

One small catch: these villas are often a walk from the main island, so meals and activities mean a bit of back-and-forth. And if you’re the type who loves sand between your toes, a beach villa might actually feel better.

 

Guesthouses on Local Islands – Affordable & Real

If you don’t want to splurge, guesthouses on local islands are where budget-friendly Maldives hotels shine. Prices usually sit between USD 50–150 a night.

These stays are family-run, often right by the beach, and give you a taste of Maldivian life—local food, quiet cafés, maybe even a futsal match with the locals.

Just know: alcohol isn’t served on local islands, and modest clothing is expected outside the tourist beaches. If that’s not a dealbreaker, guesthouses can give you a surprisingly rich experience for a fraction of the cost.

 

Liveaboards – For the Ocean People

If you want the sea to be your backyard, a liveaboard is hard to beat. These are basically floating hotels that sail across atolls, stopping at reefs, sandbanks, and remote islands.

They start around USD 120 per night per person and scale up to luxury yachts. Divers love them because they get access to reefs that are impossible to reach otherwise. But even if you’re not diving, waking up to a new horizon every morning is something special.

 

Family Resorts – Not Just for Honeymoons

The Maldives isn’t only about couples. Resorts have caught on that families want in too. Kids’ clubs, babysitters, safe lagoons—it’s all there.

If you’ve got little ones, beach villas usually make more sense than overwater ones. They’re safer, give kids space to run, and make life easier for parents. All-inclusive packages are also worth considering—you won’t have to think about every snack and activity cost once you’re on the island.

 

The Bottom Line

So, where should you stay in the Maldives?

  • Overwater villas if you want the dream escape.

  • Guesthouses if you’re chasing authenticity (and savings).

  • Liveaboards if the ocean is where you belong.

  • Family resorts if you’re bringing the kids along.

Your stay shapes the trip. Pick what matches your style and budget, and the Maldives will feel exactly the way you hoped it would.