A paradise of 1,196 islands
The Maldives are what happens when someone scatters 1,196 coral islands like pearls over the Indian Ocean — strung together in 26 natural atolls that stretch 871 kilometers from north to south. Only 187 islands are inhabited, another 160 each host a single resort. The rest? Untouched sand spots surrounded by turquoise water so clear you can see the coral on the seabed from the boat.
The Maldives are the flattest country on earth — the highest natural point is only 2.4 meters above sea level. This fragility makes the archipelago the poster child of climate change but also gives it its unique beauty: endless lagoons in impossible shades of blue, house reefs starting right in front of the water villa, and sunsets where the horizon in all directions consists only of water.
Since the first resort opened on Kurumba in 1972, the Maldives have been synonymous with luxury vacations. Overwater villas with glass floors, private butlers, underwater restaurants — here opulence is taken to the extreme. But since around 2010, a second Maldives world has developed: Guesthouses on local islands, making paradise accessible for a fraction of the price. 60 € instead of 600 € per night — and the ocean is the same.
Resort vs. Local Island — The Crucial Question
| Criterion | Resort Island | Local Island |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Overwater villa, beach villa | Guesthouse, small hotel |
| Price/Night | 300–3,000 € (All-Inclusive often 500+) | 40–120 € |
| Alcohol | Freely available (resort license) | Not available (Islamic law) |
| Bikini | Everywhere on the island | Only at "Bikini Beach" |
| Food | Buffets, fine dining, bars | Local restaurants, guesthouse kitchen |
| Experience | Secluded luxury bubble | Insight into Maldivian culture |
| Snorkeling | House reef right in front of the villa | By boat trip (15–30 €) |
💡 Tipp
The perfect combination: Start with 3–4 nights on a local island (Maafushi or Dhigurah) to experience the culture and snorkel cheaply, then switch to a resort for 2–3 nights for the ultimate luxury. This way, you get both sides of the Maldives.
