A popular YouTube format is the “7 Levels of…” feature. Often, it is used for segmenting entertainment – ie. Rappers, Singers, TV Shows, Film Twists. But another common subject is luxury items – Watches, Wine, Megayachts, Hi-Fi Systems, Whiskey. I’ve often written about the gradient of differences between Maldives resorts to try to help make sense of the cacophony of reviews and ratings, so I thought that I would put out my own version of “7 Levels”:
- Guest House – The ultimate entry level is the “Guest House”. These were introduced in 2008 to provide low-cost options for budget travellers and to extend the benefits of tourism business to local islands (as opposed to the dedicated resort islands). In addition to providing a very wallet-friendly alternative, they immerse guests into the authentic daily life of the local islanders. However, these properties and their locations do come with a number of constraints imposed by the Islamic culture such as no alcohol, no pork, and no bikinis (except sometimes in special segregated areas). Furthermore, the guest houses themselves are typically quite simple affairs not much more than a basic B&B with few amenities (and sometime lacking in features such as air conditioning)
- Price Range: $30-90/n
- Equivalent: Bed & Breakfast, hostels, motel
- Examples. West Sands, Royal Villa Royal Villa Fulidhoo
- Local Island Hotel – In addition to guest houses, some of the larger local, inhabited islands have small hotels built on them. These properties are more expansive and expensive than the guest houses. They are offer more facilities and typically a higher standard of décor and amenities. Most with have reception services, dining, even a pool.
- Price Range: $100-$300/n
- Equivalent: budget motorway motel
- Examples – Hotel Jen, AIG Grand, White Shell Beach Inn, Arena Beach Hotel
- Budget 3 star – The Maldives started as simple, un-airconditioned villas catering to the diving community and you can still find a few very simple properties that still provide relatively basic accommodation, service, and food. You will have air conditioning, and the same dappled blue ocean and enchanting sunsets to gaze upon, but pretty basic services and often tired, dated décor.
- Price Range: $100-$300/n
- Equivalent: Butlins, holiday par
- Examples – Eriyadu, Embudu, Bandos.
- Value 4 star – When we first started visiting the Maldives in the 90s, this segment was the most popular. It has more than the basics. Nothing truly luxurious, but well appointed.
- Price Range: $300-800/n
- Equivalent: Holiday Inn, budget chain hote
- Examples. Gangehi, Reethi Faru, Kandooma
- Luxury 5 star –The luxury 5-star is the current hot segment dominating the new entrants. The vast majority of Maldives guests are affluent travellers who expect a high standard of aesthetics, cuisine, service and amenities that these properties deliver.
- Price Range: $800-2000/n
- Equivalent: Marriott, W hotel
- Examples. Emerald, Siyam World, Amilla Fushi
- Super Lux – This is the “Wow” category. Table stakes here are elegant design, gourmet food, and typically some “wow” offering like an underwater restaurant, observatory, marine center, or observation tower.
- Price Range: $2000-4000/n
- Equivalent: Leading Hotels of the World collectio
- Examples. Soneva Fushi, Velaa, Milaadhoo, Cheval Blanc.
- Private Island – The ultimate in Maldives island luxury is your own private island. In the past, billionaires have occasionally bought out an entire resort property, but it is difficult to do because guests may have already booked some of the rooms well in advance. Also, a small island can be 50 rooms (or 100 guests typically) and that’s a LOT of friends to invite on holiday.
- Price Range: $50k/nt
- Equivalent: Branson’s Necker Island
- Examples – Soneva Secret, Four Seasons Voavah, Waldorf Ithaafushi.