20 Best Maldives Resorts Under $500/Night in 2026

Dreaming of the Maldives but worried about the price tag? Think again! While the Maldives is synonymous with luxury, it's entirely possible to experience its pristine beauty, world-class service, and stunning overwater bungalows without breaking the bank. As your expert Maldives travel writer, I'm here to unveil the best mid-range resorts that offer exceptional value and quality, all for under $500 per night in 2026.

Forget the myth that the Maldives is exclusively for the ultra-rich. The sweet spot of $300-$500 per night allows you to enjoy incredible resorts with fantastic amenities, beautiful beaches, and vibrant house reefs. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your options, highlight hidden gems, and ensure your 2026 Maldivian escape is both unforgettable and affordable.

Understanding the Maldives Mid-Range: What to Expect Under $500/Night

When you're looking at resorts under $500 per night, you're entering a fantastic category that balances quality with affordability. Here's what you can generally expect:

• Accommodation: You'll primarily find beautiful beach bungalows, garden villas, or entry-level deluxe rooms. Some resorts might offer basic overwater bungalows within this range, especially during off-peak seasons or with special deals.
• Meal Plans: Most resorts in this category will include Breakfast (B&B) as standard. Many offer Half Board (HB - breakfast & dinner) or Full Board (FB - breakfast, lunch & dinner) as an upgrade, which is often highly recommended to manage costs. True All-Inclusive packages are rarer at this price point but do exist for specific resorts or promotions.
• Transfers: This is crucial. Transfers (seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight + speedboat) are almost always an additional cost and can range from $150-$500+ per person, round trip. Factor this into your total budget.
• Amenities: Expect stunning beaches, at least one main restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa (extra cost), and a dive/water sports center (extra cost). Many will have excellent house reefs for snorkeling.
• Vibe: Resorts in this range cater to a mix of couples, families, and solo travelers. Some are lively, others more tranquil. We'll highlight the specific vibe for each recommendation.

Our Selection Criteria for 2026

To compile this list, we focused on resorts that consistently deliver:

• Exceptional Value: Maximizing what you get for your money.
• Quality Accommodation: Clean, comfortable, and well-maintained rooms.
• Excellent Service: Friendly and attentive staff.
• Stunning Location: Beautiful beaches, clear waters, and often a good house reef.
• Positive Reviews: Consistently high ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google.
• Realistic 2026 Pricing: Resorts that have historically offered rooms in the $300-$500 range.

The Best Maldives Resorts Under $500/Night in 2026

Here are our top picks for an incredible, value-packed Maldives experience in 2026:

1. Reethi Beach Resort

Located in the Baa Atoll, Reethi Beach Resort is a perennial favorite for its excellent value, natural beauty, and fantastic house reef. It offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere perfect for those seeking tranquility and great snorkeling. The resort is known for its commitment to sustainability and charming, rustic-chic bungalows.

• Pros: Exceptional house reef, diverse dining options, relaxed vibe, good value for money, eco-friendly focus.
• Cons: Rooms are comfortable but not ultra-luxurious, seaplane transfer adds to cost.
• Estimated 2026 Price Range: $380 - $480/night (Beach Villa, Bed & Breakfast)
• Key Amenities: 5 restaurants, 5 bars, spa, PADI dive center, water sports, excellent house reef.