The Maldives is not only private-island resorts. Local islands near Malé offer guesthouses, beaches and day trips for far less.
Local islands
Maafushi and Thulusdhoo are a short speedboat ride from Malé, with guesthouses, bikini beaches set apart from the village, and snorkelling trips.
When a water villa is worth it
For a honeymoon or a special birthday, one or two nights in a water villa at the end of the trip gives you the view without the whole-trip price.
