Maldives on a budget?

[RecorderOrder]

Is this possible? I have a flight voucher to use so can get us there but hotels for 10 nights are coming up between £10-45k! Is that right? Is it possible to go for less- would love recommendations.

We did RIU Atol this April for 14 nights AI including direct flights with Virgin for £7,800 booked last July. The room opened directly onto the beach

I am sure you can find something cheaper than that. Last time (2023) we paid just under £500/night for B&B basis at Kurumba, it was low season but that was definitely not their cheapest room as we had a jacuzzi and we were 4 people (2 adults and 2 kids). Kurumba is very close to the airport, it's a great resort but not deserted island vibes, we only stayed 4 nights so it was good for us, go further away from Male if you have 10 days. I like the simply Maldives website, you can filter on resorts with house reef/a la carte dining/swimming pool just to guage what you can get on your budget. You don't need to book with them, just good for research. The desktop version is better than the mobile version. Boat transfer to resort likely to be cheaper than plane transfer. Food is expensive as you can't leave the resort, if you like a few drinks all inclusive may be cost effective, we didn't do AI as it was something like an extra £180/adult/day at Kurumba, food was expensive but not that expensive unless you are hitting the cocktails.

Although it can be done I wonder if your better choosing a different destination where you may find accommodation easier to find that's not an ai resort.
I guess it depends what the main appeal is? Desert island feel, snorkelling or scuba or nice hotel?

You don’t need to go to the resort islands, go to the local islands, many have hotels or guest houses and it is significantly cheaper.just google them,

This is true but keep in mind that alcohol is illegal on the local islands if that’s important to you. And bikinis are only legal on special bikini beaches, not the public beaches

Use an agent, we use purely Maldives for accommodation only and they are helpful and well priced.