The Most Affordable Overwater Bungalows in The Maldives

The Maldives are known to be incredibly luxurious…and expensive. But surprisingly, many come in around the same price as an all-inclusive in the Caribbean. 

I’ve been to the Maldives and to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean recently, and they have similarities, but visiting them both in such close proximity really opened my eyes to how different they are. 

The resorts, landscapes, waters, amenities, accommodations, and service in the Maldives are far superior, and it doesn’t have to be just for the rich. I mean, no, I wouldn't call the Maldives a budget destination by any means, but if you're going to splurge... this is the place to do it.  Caribbean all-inclusives are OK, but I'd return to the Maldives every chance I get.

It’s also important to note that the rates below are for the overwater bungalows, which are typically the most expensive rooms at the resorts, and that you can find beach bungalows for as little as $200/night. 

To figure out the most affordable overwater bungalows in the Maldives, I priced out the same exact week for two people. Here is what I found using random dates for fall 2026: 

October 13 - 20th, 2026 (7 nights) for 2 people. Here are the most affordable overwater bungalows in the Maldives: 

One Week Price for Two in the Most Affordable Overwater Bungalows

1. Radisson Blu - $3,569 (Half Board) 

This is where we stayed on our most recent trip to the Maldives. If you want a private pool with your overwater bungalow, this price cannot be beat. The rooms themselves are also incredibly spacious and bigger than most other overwater bungalows in the Maldives. And even though it’s cheap (by Maldives standards), it is still incredibly luxurious. 

I did weeks of research in the Maldives before booking the Radisson Blu, and I have zero regrets. Better yet, it is in the South Ari Atoll, which is the only atoll where whale sharks can be found year-round! 

It does require a seaplane to access, which adds an additional $1000. 

2. Reethi Resort - $4,177 (Breakfast) 

Located in the Northern Baa Atoll, Reethi Resort is a small island resort in a pristine location. There is excellent snorkeling nearby, including hot spots for manta rays. The nightly rate for an overwater bungalow in October was $596/night, over $500 cheap than the average rate in the Maldives. 

The bungalows here are smaller than those at other resorts, but still incredibly spacious! 

3. Dreamland - $2,928 (Half Board) 

 

Dreamland is located in the same region as Reethi Resort, and is one of the cheapest overwater bunglows your can find in the Maldives. The price for October, which included a half-board rate, was $418/night.

The bungalows are older and a bit more dated compared to the newer resorts, but the island receives rave reviews for its private beach and service! 

4. Furaveri - $3,776 (Breakfast) 

Five-star luxury without an insane price tag. Better yet, they offer a complimentary round-trip seaplane transfer for TWO, which is huge (see below for seaplane information). With the seaplane deal, this might just be the best deal in the Maldives. 

Furaveri Resort is located in the Raa Atoll. I definitely have this resort on my list to visit during our next trip to the Maldives, as the beaches, food, and activities also have rave reviews! 

5. Thulhaagiri Hotels - $4,404 (Half Board) 

Located only 20 minutes from the airport by speedboat, Thulhaagiri Hotel is a small island resort with lots of amenities and affordable overwater bungalows. In total, there are 50 beach rooms and 17 overwater bungalows. The resort is a bit older, but many aspects of the rooms are updated, such as the bathrooms and showers. 

There is only one main restaurant and two bars, which is more limited that many other resorts in the area, but the 

6. Sun Siyam OlhuVeli - $2,460 (Breakfast)

I couldn’t believe the rates for an overwater bungalow at Sun Siyam Resort! Add $80/night to upgrade to half board, which still makes the stay incredibly reasonable for such a luxurious resort. Marketed as a 4-star resort, it’s also located in the South Male atoll, making it reachable by speedboat transfer instead of seaplane. 

Compared to most resorts, the island Sun Siyam is large and offers a wide variety of overwater bungalows, including options with private pools. 

Additional Important Costs for The Maldives: 

1. Half Board vs. Full Board vs. Breakfast 

The primary difference between resorts in the Maldives and the Caribbean is that very few resorts in the Maldives are automatically all-inclusive. A majority of the pricing you see online is breakfast-only.

However, nearly all resorts have the option to upgrade to all-inclusive, and it is more than worth it. Because all resorts are on their own private island, pricing is outrageous for meals & drinks. When we initially booked our trip to the Maldives, I only booked us half board. That was until I found out a burger was $50 and a cocktail was $20. When we got to the resort, we upgraded to all-inclusive for $115/day, and it was MORE than worth it. 

Upgrading to all-inclusive at resorts costs $100-$450/night, depending on the resort. Make sure you keep this in mind when pricing out different overwater bungalows and resorts! 

2. Seaplanes

If you book a resort that requires a seaplane to access…be prepared for an additional cost. The seaplane transfer for resorts is typical $900-$1000 per person. OUCH. Some resorts that require seaplanes offer free returns or 50% off the transfer. It will still be expensive, but less so. I did not do proper research on seaplanes before our first time transferring to a resort, and the cost was my biggest WTF moment. Learn from our mistakes!

Resorts closer to Male can be reached by speedboat transfer, which will be significantly cheaper. 

I was just at an all inclusive in the Caribbean last week and it was $2,450 for six nights and two people at a crowded resort. Trust me when I say Maldives you get more bang for your buck! Less crowded resorts, incredible snorkeling right from shore, better beaches, and better food.