Vacation Like the Rich in 7 Places That Feel Like the Maldives
Written by
Andrew Lisa
Edited by
Chris Cluff
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Generations of movie stars, athletes, royals, millionaires and billionaires have flocked to the Maldives for the South Asian island chain’s perfect year-round weather, private islands, luxury resorts, exclusive villas and discreet privacy.
But if you’re not dodging the paparazzi — or if an ultra-luxe A-Lister vacation just isn’t in your budget — you can get much of the Maldives experience elsewhere for less.
GOBankingRates spoke with two travel experts who specialize in South Asia, and they shared their favorite alternative locations where ordinary travelers can live nearly as large for a fraction of the price.
“These destinations have breathtaking landscapes, exceptional facilities and exclusive experiences at costs far less than what it would take to travel to the Maldives,” said Mohd Rizwan, director of Travelosei, which curates custom luxury tours, safaris, adventures and vacations in South Asia. “It is therefore cheaper in terms of accommodations, food and activities, making these places great alternatives for an extravagant yet affordable trip.”
All average vacation cost estimates come from Budget Your Trip and include meals, local transportation, sightseeing and hotels, compared to $4,200 for the Maldives.
Also see luxury vacations that are not worth it for the middle class.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
- Two people for one week average cost: $1,187
Thailand is about 2,000 miles from the Maldives, yet one of the country’s primest spots could trick celebrities into thinking they landed at their favorite haunt — until they get the bill.
“Known as the ‘Maldives of Thailand,’ Koh Lipe is famous for its stunning clear blue seas and white sandy beaches,” Rizwan said. “Nightly rates range from $50 to $300, which is a much cheaper option when compared to Maldives.”
Phuket, Thailand
- Two people for one week average cost: $1,466
Phuket is typically packed with more tourists than Koh Lipe, but tourists flock there for a reason — the picture-perfect white-sand coastline and an exclusive vibe reminiscent of the Maldives.
“The beaches on this island are amazing and its nightlife is vibrant,” Rizwan said. “You can get luxury resorts starting at around $150 per night, with gourmet meals costing between $20 and $70.”
Boracay Island, Philippines
- Two people for one week average cost: $751
Farther east than Thailand, the Philippines are about 3,400 miles away from the Maldives, but the scenery makes you feel like you’re right next door — on one island, in particular.
“The crystal-clear water on Boracay Island is another good choice,” Rizwan said. “Some budget accommodations can be found from $30 per night while luxury resorts can be between $150 and $300 per night.”
Palawan, Philippines
- Two people for one week average cost: N/A
Boracay is an excellent alternative — but in a nation of more than 7,600 islands, it’s hardly the Philippines’ only tropical copycat.
“There are several places where you can experience a Maldives-like vacation at a fraction of the cost,” said Magical Nepal co-founder Pradeep Guragain, a travel expert whose regional insight has been featured in publications like National Geographic. “I once stayed in the Philippines, in Palawan, specifically, for about $100 per night at a beachfront resort. The cost of food and activities was also very affordable, with a meal costing around $5 to $10.”
Gili Islands, Indonesia
- Two people for one week average cost: $492
Lonely Planet calls the Gili Islands a “vision of paradise … floating in a turquoise sea and fringed by white sand and coconut palms.”
Postcards of it and the Maldives are virtually interchangeable.
“Another option is the Gili Islands in Indonesia, where accommodation can be found for as low as $50 per night,” Guragain said. “These destinations offer stunning beaches, clear waters and luxurious yet affordable accommodations, making them great alternatives to the Maldives.”
Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Two people for one week average cost: $710
To the Maldives’ southwest is the stunning eastern coast of Africa, where a clone utopia awaits.
“Zanzibar has unspoiled beaches and a rich cultural heritage that you expect in a tropical paradise,” Rizwan said. “Prices range between $50 and $400 per night, so there are accommodations both for luxury travelers or those who are on a budget.”
Mauritius
- Two people for one week average cost: N/A
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island nation known for lush rainforests, vibrant reefs, biodiversity and beaches, just like the Maldives — only here you get luxury for less.
“Mauritius boasts crystal-clear waters and high-end resorts,” Rizwan said. “It will cost you around $250 to spend the night in a luxury room, whereas eating out at some of the select establishments will set you back roughly between $30 and $80.”
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