Tips for Booking Resorts in the Maldives: Insights from Welle’s Travel Consultants

Drawing from the on-ground experience of WELLE’s travel consultants in the Maldives. Here are some important tips when booking accommodations.

1. Year of Hotel Opening

If you’ve visited island destinations before, you likely know the importance of proper maintenance. The Maldives is no exception—every resort is surrounded by the sea, and regular renovations are crucial for maintaining quality. Therefore, relying solely on photos from the resort’s opening year isn’t enough. Be sure to check the year of opening, renovation updates, and the latest reviews to ensure you have an accurate idea of the resort’s condition to ensure your villa experience.

2. Hotel Location

If you’re planning to enjoy a picturesque overwater villa with uninterrupted ocean views, the last thing you’d want is a view of neighbouring islands, tourists, or buildings across the way. This makes hotel location an essential factor. While choosing a resort, check the map to see if the selected resort is near another resort or a local islands. Additionally, consider the proximity of overwater villas and the positioning of the resort’s breakwaters. This will help you choose a resort that aligns with your ideal vision of a tranquil getaway.

3. Fees Not Specified in Online Bookings

Taxes and fees in the Maldives differ significantly from most city hotels, so the prices shown on third-party reservation platforms may not match the final amount charged. Based on our team’s review of over 20 hotels on online booking platforms, here are the costs to watch for:

• Roundtrip transportation fees (speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flights)

• 10% government-mandated service charge

• 16% tourism goods and services tax (increasing to 17% on July 1, 2025)

• Green Tax: USD 12 per person per night

• Additional fees for children

• Extra charges for additional adults
  

Often, even on the same booking platform, prices can vary due to differing fee descriptions. This isn’t intentional on the part of hotels or platforms; it’s simply a result of the complex tax structure and seasonal pricing adjustments in the Maldives. Typically, the final charges will align with those listed on the hotel’s official website. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to contact the hotel directly before booking to clarify what the displayed price includes (e.g., transportation, taxes). Or an easier way would be choosing a local travel company who is definitely aware of all charges. This way, you can avoid being charged an extra 30-40% upon arrival, which could negatively impact your trip experience.

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