An In-Depth Guide to Seeing the Maldives on a Budget in 2025

"On a private island 150 kilometers south of the capital, Malé, I stayed at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa and found it to be a lower-priced resort option ($356 USD/night) with the expected overwater bungalows, restaurant, bar, spa, and tours; meals and drinks were included. The staff were super friendly, made great drinks, and there was always food around — buffet-style unless you paid extra for special options (I paid for the romantic crab restaurant and a lunchtime cooking class). I relaxed, read, snorkeled daily, went dolphin-watching (so many dolphins!), and took nearby-island tours; the limited internet and resort bubble made it an ideal detox, though after four days I was ready to see the local islands." - Matthew Kepnes