The St. Regis Maldives is one of the most reviewed hotels in the world. I have nothing to add to the perfect hotel. Instead, I am going to discuss how to make the Maldives doable, less expensive (still very expensive) and approachable for those who have it on their bucket list.

For the purposes of this post, the Maldives can be replaced with other similar obscure bucket list destinations such as the Seychelles, Bora Bora etc. I am also assuming most of my readers like to travel but also have realistic budgets. This is for you, but let me remind you, the Maldives are not cheap. However, there are things you can do to make it more doable.

Use Points/Miles for the Hotel

I have got to tell you; the St. Regis Maldives was perfect and a once in a lifetime kind of experience. However, due to the location and logistics, this is not the kind of place you can stay for one night. Unfortunately, the St. Regis and the equivalent properties in the Maldives start at about $1400s a night at low season. That does not include the mandatory seaplane transfers (800 per person), meals, drinks and activities.

However, Marriott point redemptions are pretty good. Usually, rooms at the St. Regis and Ritz go for about 100,000 points a night. When redeeming Marrott points you also get the 5^th night free so for 400,000 points you can get 5 nights in an overwater bungalow. Just to give you an idea, 5 nights in a mediocre hotel in Manhattan can be that high so this is a good redemption opportunity. There are ways to earn Marriott points quicky.

Stuff Your face at Breakfast

While rates do not come with breakfast, those with Marriott Platinum status or higher get it complimentary as a perk for two people. Everyone can get Platinum status (and a huge welcome bonus of points) by signing up for the Bonvoy Amex card.

Breakfast at the St. Regis is massive with three rooms of buffet and a menu to order egg dishes. You can order as much as you like, coffee drinks, juice, water and breakfast cocktails are all included. This is not the time to have a small yogurt and call it a day. This is a large amount of free food. Stuff your face. Matt and I purposely went to breakfast later in the morning so it would hold us over until dinner.

Take Snacks

Matt and I shopped in Bangkok prior to our arrival. We brought protein bars and other snacks for the afternoon before dinner. Lunch was very pricey at the St. Regis and not necessary after eating such a large breakfast.

Lay off the Booze

The Maldives is not the place to go for a spring break experience. While Matt and I are enjoying our sober life, it was quite notable we saw very few people drinking (outside the free drinks at breakfast). Technically alcohol is illegal in the Maldives, but hotels on the private islands are allowed to sell it, and are taxed high accordingly. Alcohol is a fortune in the Maldives, and I do not suggest flying around the world to experience paradise hammered/hung over. This is more of a wellness destination.

5 nights are Enough

Matt and I stayed for 5 nights (5^th night free) and that was enough. There isn’t much to do at the hotel and 5 nights of that was perfect. The Maldives are far from the United States, but close to the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Package your Maldives trip with something else. I would finish in the Maldives like we did to relax after schlepping.

Stay at a Luxury Property

There aren’t many Super 8s in the Maldives but there are a few options that are more economical. However, it is not worth traveling to the other side of the world to a location where there is nothing to do besides sitting in your hotel to be situated in an ugly room with no view. There are properties near Male for example that are quite a bit cheaper, but they are also loud with little privacy as the airport and city are nearby. If the luxury properties aren’t in your wheelhouse, I would recommend using the price of airfare you would not need and find a domestic beach vacation instead.

Don’t Do Excursions

My friend Eugene would be so miserable, but don’t do activities in the Maldives. It is not worth the several hundreds of dollars to rent a kayak.  Remember the Maldives started off as a destination for celebrities to hide in privacy. There is very little to see or do besides the view. That should be your mantra too. Activities are a fortune and not necessary.

Use Free Amenities  

The hotel did have a few free activities we took advantage of. Every guest receives a bike which we used multiple times a day. It was beautiful riding around to see the island.

The hotel also included snorkeling equipment, and we took advantage of diving off from our bungalow.

We also worked out at the gym each afternoon.

Eat in the Hotel Airport Lounge

All the luxury hotels in the Maldives are on private islands which means you must take a seaplane to the resort. All the uber luxury hotels have private lounges in the Male airport to enjoy before your seaplane transfer is ready. They all offer complimentary food and drinks. Take advantage!

Live in the Moment

There is no question the logistics of getting to the Maldives and the cost of staying there are tough. This is not the place to be on your phone the entire time. You come here to unplug. This was quite challenging for us as Joe Biden announced he was not running for re-election the morning we arrived. Yet we did a good job (mostly) disconnecting. We read, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. We discussed life goals and received a wonderful video of an impressive student from France seeking a placement in the United States…best decision ever!

Overall

Vacations in the Maldives are not meant to be accessible. It requires a lot of planning and money. However, it is worth it and there are ways to make it doable for most people with the right plan and strategies in place. As a travel advisor, I can help with all this 😊

Bon Voyage,

Andrew

Shoot me an email or DM me on Instagram! Happy to chat and nerd out with you.

Email: andrew.reiser@fora.travel

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Website: Andrew Reiser Fora

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