
A Maldives vacation is an adventure in waiting, but it involves a lot of details that can be overwhelming. You must pick a place, how you will get there, what you will do and where to stay. Hotels, camps, lodges, resorts and even traveling agencies have a lot of terms like Room Only/Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast (B&B), Half Board, and All-Inclusive stay options.
These terms can determine the best accommodation option for a Maldives beach holiday if you are on a tight budget over the best benefits and ensuring a comfortable stay. Having knowledge of these terms and their difference is necessary to enjoying successful Maldives vacations.
Also Read: Maldives best time to Visit: Good time to go and worst time to avoid
What is included in an all-inclusive meal plan in Maldives?
All-inclusive meal packages are popular among party goers since it includes, breakfast, lunch, supper and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. There are also extra services provided by the resorts like floating brunches, complimentary snorkelling lessons, mini bars, and spa certificates. However, there can be negatives like not having drinks available at normal prices or not being offered the beverages of your choice, not getting cursory snacks, and having to pay extra for water sports instruction. The key is to properly understand the inclusions and avoid feeling duped throughout the vacation. Holidays these days revolve around work-life balance and resorts try to deliver a service one expects to receive at these establishments.

What would you get in a full board meal plan in Maldives?
The scent of barbeques and bonfires on the beaches of Maldives during sunset is one thing but imagine getting breakfast, lunch, and dinner served hot and fresh on the island? You do not have to think so hard as it is indeed possible and is widely available as an option across the island and can be availed at a fraction of the price. Plus, non-motorized vessels such as paddle boards and kayaks are provided alongside snorkelling gear. Anyone can enjoy snorkelling without the necessity of being able to swim. Before making a reservation for Maldives, confirm with the chosen resort regarding the availability of these services, as some resorts do. Maldives is where you will find a plethora of options when it comes to meals without burning a hole in your pocket.

What would you get in a Half Board plan in Maldives?
Half board accommodation in Maldives comes with breakfast alongside one in-house meal which is usually taken at night. Drinks and snacks will stir additional charges. A half board plan is ideal for those who do not consume alcohol and prefer to grab lunch outside the hotel or resort. With the half board option, travellers can enjoy excursions during the day before returning to the guesthouse for supper. All Maldivian resorts offer limitless buffet but you can also choose to bite into something a little more filling from the menu. Some hotels give the freedom to swap lunch in lieu of dinner.

What would you get in a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) plan in Maldives?
Bed & Breakfast (B&B) is an out of the ordinary form of accommodation that combines lodging and servings of breakfast, making it a great choice for city breaks and road trips. It comes with a comfortable bed, meals as well as local dining and sightseeing is at the islands.

What would you get in a Room Only/Self-Catering plan in Maldives?
This is a very cost-effective option for travellers pulled in by budget Maldives vacations because the room only hotels do not provide the meals, or cooking facilities. However, the bed and toilets available in these hotels can be very useful for people who indulge in low investments. Room-only accommodations tend to charge low prices because very few facilities are within their reach. With proper planning, a comfortable stay in the Maldives is possible by simply determining the level of cash that is available during the trip.

Self-catering facilities allow for the use of basic appliances like fridges, ovens, and microwaves, and is a very effective method for tourists wanting to cook. Cooks will enjoy this inexpensive travel option as shopping at supermarkets or local markets is convenient and easy. Self-catering is also perfect for travellers who enjoy the comforts of home and want the option to go outside without being confined to the house. Self-catering is an appealing option to those wanting to have the flexibility of home while on the road.

Which one to choose and why?
The best board type for a visit to the Maldives will depend on what you want to experience. There is no officially recommended best option, but it all depends upon your preferences. Look through our holiday offers to find the best mix of hotel and board. There is no doubt that the right package offers the key to an amazing holiday. While couples can select an all-inclusive food plan, families can take a full-board with drinks and snacks. Friends will prefer a plan without boundaries because of the lack of transportation. This decision requires a thorough scrutiny of the plan and details before making an informed choice.




This article is super helpful! It really breaks down the all-inclusive packages in the Maldives in a way that’s easy to understand. Knowing exactly what’s included and how to pick the best package makes planning so much easier. Thanks for the great tips—now I feel ready to book my dream vacation! 🌴✨🏖️