Maldives on a Budget: A Dream Getaway Without the Luxury Price Tag

Our magical getaway began the moment we landed in Malé, Maldives. We were greeted at baggage claim by a friendly concierge from Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, who helped us check in for our seaplane transfer. While waiting for the flight, we were escorted to Le Méridien’s private airport lounge, where we were treated to complimentary snacks, water, coffee, and a calm space to relax after the long journey. It was the perfect start to what would become the honeymoon of our dreams.

The seaplane experience & warm welcome

Riding the seaplane felt like an excursion all on its own. The aerial views of the turquoise lagoons and tiny islands were absolutely breathtaking. Upon landing at the resort, we were warmly welcomed and introduced to our personal concierge, who assisted us with dinner reservations, spa bookings, and anything else we needed during our stay. She even gave us a golf cart tour of the island, helping us get oriented right away.

View from the seaplane

Our stay in paradise

We spent four nights in paradise at Le Méridien, and every moment was perfect. Our overwater villa featured a private pool with stunning ocean views, ideal for relaxing with a book or jumping in for a quick dip. We snorkeled right off our villa, lounged at the beach and hotel pools, and enjoyed total serenity without ever leaving the resort.

While the hotel offers a wide range of excursions—deep-sea snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, and more—we chose to spend all our time enjoying the amenities on-site, and we don’t regret it for a second.

World-class amenities & experiences

Le Méridien Maldives truly delivers when it comes to luxury. The resort features a state-of-the-art gym, full-service spa, multiple bars, and diverse restaurants. One of the highlights of our stay was a romantic couples massage, made even more special by the glass floors under the massage tables, which let us watch tropical fish swim beneath us as we relaxed. It was one of the most unique and calming spa experiences we’ve ever had.

We also indulged in a private beach dinner, complete with a bottle of champagne and a made-to-order three-course meal. We ordered from the hotel’s steakhouse, and it was as delicious as it was romantic.

Private beach dinner included with the Honeymoon Package

Dining & sunset cocktails

While every meal at the resort was excellent, one bar quickly became our favorite: La Vie. It’s located by the adults-only pool and faces west, making it the perfect spot to catch the sunset with a handcrafted cocktail in hand. The bartender was incredibly talented, and we loved trying a new drink each night before dinner.

Sunset at La Vie

We dined at every restaurant on the property, but we found ourselves returning to Tabemasu, the resort’s sushi restaurant, not once—but twice. It’s located right over the water with sweeping 360° ocean views. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the setting couldn’t be more romantic. Our favorite nightly ritual became cocktails at La Vie for sunset, followed by sushi at Tabemasu.

Delicious Sushi at Tabemasu

Why Le Méridien Maldives is worth it

So what made this luxury stay budget-friendly compared to other resorts in the Maldives?

1. Seaplane transfers were included in our booking, which is a huge plus—many resorts charge several hundred dollars per person for this.

2. The resort offers flexible meal plans, so you can opt for all-inclusive or pay-as-you-go. This is ideal for light-eaters or those who don’t drink alcohol—unlike many Maldives resorts that require pricey all-inclusive packages.

3. Complimentary snorkeling gear is provided for all guests. We planned to book a snorkeling excursion, but ended up snorkeling right from our villa, where we saw vibrant coral reefs and all kinds of marine life.

Floating in our in-room pool

One of the best ways to make a Maldives honeymoon more budget-friendly is by choosing the right time of year to travel. While June through August is considered the rainy season, it’s also the most affordable time to visit. We went during the first week of August, and while we did experience a few rain showers, it didn’t take away from our trip at all. In fact, I’d absolutely recommend traveling during this time. The Maldives has a tropical climate, so rainstorms are usually short-lived, often rolling in during the afternoon—perfect for squeezing in a workout, a nap, or a relaxing spa treatment.

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, visiting during the rainy season can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars while still delivering the full Maldives experience.

Lastly, as part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, Le Méridien Maldives is well-managed, beautifully maintained, and eligible for points—another win if you’re using or earning rewards.

Final thoughts

Our honeymoon at Le Méridien Maldives was everything we dreamed of—romantic, relaxing, luxurious, and surprisingly affordable. If you’re looking for that classic overwater villa experience without spending a fortune, this resort might just be your perfect match.

Professional photoshoot included with the Honeymoon Package

Booking your seaplane transfer is easy. Once you’ve reserved your stay, the hotel concierge will reach out via email to request your international flight details. They’ll then coordinate your seaplane transfer for you, so there’s no need to book it separately. Be sure to notify the hotel of any flight changes or delays.

The seaplane has a strict weight limit for luggage. If you’re an overpacker like me, don’t stress. You can pay per kilo over the limit if needed. Just keep in mind that your personal item (like a backpack or purse) counts toward your total weight. Also, the seaplane is very loud, so don’t hesitate to ask the onboard concierge for ear plugs.

Once you arrive at the resort, everything is charged directly to your room, making purchases and services hassle-free. USD is widely accepted in the Maldives, and we recommend bringing small bills for tipping bellmen, golf cart drivers, and staff who go above and beyond. Tipping isn’t required but is appreciated. A 10 percent tip at restaurants is customary if you’re especially pleased with the service.

My husband and I booked the resort’s honeymoon package, and it made our stay even more special. The package included:

• One private destination dinner on the beach

• One romantic photoshoot

• One couples massage

• Daily breakfast and dinner

All other food and beverages were charged as ordered. Le Méridien offers a variety of packages, including different all-inclusive options, so you can customize your experience based on your travel style and budget.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Maldives page.