Because most Maldives resorts sit alone on a private island, your meal plan matters more than at a typical beach destination — there’s no town to pop out to for dinner. So when it comes to all-inclusive vs half-board, the right choice can genuinely change your holiday budget.

What each plan includes

  • Bed & Breakfast (BB): Breakfast only. Cheapest headline rate, but lunch and dinner add up.
  • Half-Board (HB): Breakfast and dinner. A popular middle ground.
  • Full-Board (FB): All three meals.
  • All-Inclusive (AI): Meals plus selected drinks, and sometimes snacks, minibar and activities.

When all-inclusive wins

If you like a cocktail by the pool, wine with dinner and the freedom to say “yes” without watching a tab, all-inclusive usually delivers better value and a more relaxed holiday — island drink prices are high, so an AI plan often pays for itself.

When half-board is smarter

If you drink little, want to try the resort’s à-la-carte or speciality restaurants, or plan to be out on excursions, half-board keeps costs down while still covering your two main meals.

The verdict

There’s no universal winner — it depends on your drinking and dining habits. As a rule of thumb: couples who enjoy drinks lean all-inclusive; foodies and light drinkers lean half-board.

We’ll model it for your trip

Tell us how you like to eat and drink and we’ll compare the plans for your chosen resort so you pick the best-value option. Browse resorts or ask us for advice.