What is the Green Tax in the Maldives?

It's a mandatory government charge paid locally at your resort — $12 per person per night at most resorts with 50 or more rooms, or $6 at smaller guesthouses. It's almost never included in the advertised room rate, so it's worth budgeting for separately.

Are Maldives transfers included in hotel offers?

Not always. Speedboat, seaplane and domestic flight transfers can be included or charged separately depending on the resort and how you book, and the price difference between transfer types can be significant. Always check the final booking details before confirming.

Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?

Often yes, especially on a private island resort where eating elsewhere isn't an option. Check exactly which restaurants, drink brands and activities are included, since premium options are commonly excluded even at all-inclusive resorts.

Do UK citizens need a visa for the Maldives?

No — UK passport holders receive a free tourist visa on arrival, typically valid for 30 days, so no advance application is needed for a standard holiday.

Is the Maldives good for families?

Some resorts are family-friendly with kids' clubs and family villas, while others are adults-only or couples-focused. Check the resort's family policy, room setup and transfer time before booking rather than assuming all Maldives resorts suit children.

Maldives hotel offers and travel guide

Last updated: 2026-06-17

Most Maldives hotels sit on their own private island, which is what creates that calm, cut-off resort feel — but it also means food, transfers, drinks and activities are all tied to that one property, so the hotel you pick matters more here than at almost any other destination.

Why choose the Maldives?

Who the Maldives is best for

Couples and honeymooners
Special occasions and quiet luxury stays
Snorkelling and water-based holidays
Travellers who want to slow down rather than explore

Who may prefer somewhere else

Travellers who want nightlife or city exploring
Travellers who want cheap restaurants outside the hotel
Travellers who dislike being based at a single resort for the whole trip
Travellers wanting a short, flexible city break

What to check before booking a Maldives hotel

Transfer type and cost — speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight transfers vary hugely in price and time, and aren't always included in the headline rate
Green Tax — a mandatory government charge of $12 per person per night at most resorts (50+ rooms), or $6 at smaller guesthouses, paid locally and rarely included in advertised prices
Service charge and GST — expect a 10% service charge and 17% Tourism GST on top of your room, food, drinks and most extras
Board basis and what's actually included — check exactly which restaurants, drinks brands and activities are covered
Entry requirements — UK passport holders get a free tourist visa on arrival, so no advance visa is needed for a standard holiday

Best time to visit the Maldives

The Maldives is usually driest from around December to April. May to October can bring more rain and humidity, but hotel rates may be more competitive. Weather is never guaranteed, so compare season, cancellation terms and room value rather than choosing only the cheapest date.

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DealStays verdict

The Maldives is worth checking if you want a quiet, resort-led holiday and are comfortable committing to one hotel carefully chosen. The headline room rate is only part of the cost — Green Tax, service charge, GST and transfer type can add up to a quarter or more on top, so factor them in before comparing prices across resorts.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Green Tax in the Maldives?: It's a mandatory government charge paid locally at your resort — $12 per person per night at most resorts with 50 or more rooms, or $6 at smaller guesthouses. It's almost never included in the advertised room rate, so it's worth budgeting for separately.
Are Maldives transfers included in hotel offers?: Not always. Speedboat, seaplane and domestic flight transfers can be included or charged separately depending on the resort and how you book, and the price difference between transfer types can be significant. Always check the final booking details before confirming.
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?: Often yes, especially on a private island resort where eating elsewhere isn't an option. Check exactly which restaurants, drink brands and activities are included, since premium options are commonly excluded even at all-inclusive resorts.
Do UK citizens need a visa for the Maldives?: No — UK passport holders receive a free tourist visa on arrival, typically valid for 30 days, so no advance application is needed for a standard holiday.
Is the Maldives good for families?: Some resorts are family-friendly with kids' clubs and family villas, while others are adults-only or couples-focused. Check the resort's family policy, room setup and transfer time before booking rather than assuming all Maldives resorts suit children.