Hotels
All inclusive Maldives: five island resorts where everything is included
In the Maldives you stay on an island with a single resort, so all inclusive makes more sense than almost anywhere. Here are five resorts, and what to check before you book.
Picolo Editorial
The seaplane lands in the lagoon, and soon after you are barefoot on an island you can walk around in half an hour. There is no town to eat in, only the resort. That is why all inclusive is often the smartest choice in the Maldives.
In short: all inclusive in the Maldives
In the Maldives each resort sits on its own island, so every meal is eaten at the hotel. All inclusive spares you high prices per dish and per drink. The dry season from December to April is high season. Seaplane or speedboat transfers from Malé often cost extra, so check them before you book.
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Our first choice: Sun Siyam Olhuveli in South Malé Atoll, with nine restaurants, a free kids' club and a speedboat from the airport. See rooms at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
To compare with Mexico and the Mediterranean, see the best all inclusive resorts in Europe and further afield.
Why all inclusive pays off in the Maldives
Food and drink in the Maldives are expensive, because almost everything has to be shipped in. A glass of wine or an à la carte dinner often costs far more than at home. All inclusive makes it easier to know what the holiday will cost, especially with children.
By speedboat: a shorter, cheaper transfer
Resorts close to Malé are reached by speedboat, even after dark. That means a shorter travel day and often a lower transfer price than a seaplane.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli: South Malé Atoll
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is about 45 minutes by speedboat from the airport, with nine restaurants, four outdoor pools and a free kids' club. All inclusive is a package you choose when booking. The spa is for adults. It suits families who want a short transfer and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Niva Kuramathi: Rasdhoo Atoll
Kuramathi, now called Niva Kuramathi, is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, with twelve restaurants and two pools. Transfers run by speedboat at set times, and if you land late you may need to stay overnight in Malé. All inclusive can be booked. It suits anyone who wants plenty of choice on one island.
Book your stay: See rooms at Niva Kuramathi
Arrival
The boat and seaplane tie up at the jetty. From here you walk straight onto the island, often barefoot.
By seaplane: further out in the atolls
Resorts further out are reached by seaplane from Malé. The flight over the atolls is an experience in itself, but seaplanes only fly in daylight and usually cost extra.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa: Ari Atoll
Lily Beach is on the island of Huvahendhoo in Ari Atoll, and here all inclusive is standard, not an add-on. The resort has four restaurants and several bars, and every villa has its own hot tub. The spa is for guests over 16. It suits couples and families who want everything included from day one.
Book your stay: See rooms at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Constance Moofushi: Ari Atoll
Constance Moofushi has all inclusive as standard and sits in South Ari Atoll, with water villas and beach villas. The resort is small, with two restaurants, so choice is limited over a long week. It suits couples who want peace, snorkelling and everything included on a small island.
Book your stay: See rooms at Constance Moofushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: Noonu Atoll
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is about 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, and the whole island is ringed by white sand. The resort has ten restaurants and a free kids' club for ages three to twelve. All inclusive is a package you choose, and not every restaurant is included. It suits families who want the Maldives without staying on a couples-only island.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
From the seaplane
From the air the atolls look like rings in the ocean. Sit by a window if you can.
When to go to the Maldives
The dry season from December to April is high season, with the most sun and the calmest seas. From May to November the south-west monsoon brings more wind and showers, but also lower prices. Christmas, New Year and Easter book up early.
How to choose all inclusive in the Maldives
Check the transfer. Seaplanes often cost extra and only fly in daylight. Speedboats are shorter and cheaper.
Read the package. At some resorts all inclusive is standard, at others it is an add-on where some restaurants are excluded.
Beach or water. Water villas cost more. With young children a beach villa is often easier and safer. To stay over the water, see the best overwater bungalows.
Frequently asked questions about all inclusive in the Maldives
Is all inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
For most people, yes. In the Maldives you eat every meal at the resort, and food and drink are expensive because almost everything is shipped in. All inclusive makes it easier to know what the holiday will cost, especially with children.
Which Maldives resorts have all inclusive as standard?
Lily Beach and Constance Moofushi have all inclusive as standard. At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Niva Kuramathi, all inclusive is a package you choose when booking.
Are transfers included in the Maldives?
Usually not. Seaplane or speedboat transfers from Malé airport often come on top of the hotel price. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so if you land late you may need to stay overnight in Malé.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
December to April is the best time, with the dry season and the calmest seas. May to November brings more wind and showers, but lower prices.
Enjoy your holiday
Picolo Editorial