Understanding Maldives Meal Plans
When booking Maldives all-inclusive packages from Dubai, you'll encounter several meal plan options. Understanding the differences is crucial for maximizing value and avoiding surprise costs during your holiday.
Meal Plan Breakdown
1. Room Only (RO)
Includes: Accommodation only
Average Extra Cost: AED 400-800 per person per day for meals
Best For: Rarely recommended for Maldives due to isolated locations
2. Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Includes: Daily breakfast
Average Extra Cost: AED 300-600 per person per day for lunch/dinner
Best For: Short 1-2 night stays or near-airport resorts with dining variety
3. Half Board (HB)
Includes: Breakfast + lunch OR dinner daily
Average Extra Cost: AED 150-300 per day for remaining meal + drinks
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers willing to limit dining
4. Full Board (FB)
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, AND dinner daily
Average Extra Cost: AED 80-200 per day for beverages/snacks
Best For: Families with children, cost-conscious couples
5. All-Inclusive (AI)
Includes: All meals + soft drinks + house wines + local spirits + selected activities
Average Extra Cost: AED 0-100 per day for premium experiences
Best For: Most travelers—best value and convenience
6. Premium All-Inclusive (PAI)
Includes: Everything in AI + imported spirits + champagne + premium dining + enhanced minibar
Average Extra Cost: Minimal, mostly premium excursions
Best For: Honeymooners, luxury seekers wanting zero budget stress
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers from Dubai
Example: 4-Night Maldives Package (2 Adults)
| Meal Plan | Package Cost | Extra F&B | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Board | AED 8,000 | AED 2,400 | AED 10,400 |
| Full Board | AED 9,200 | AED 800 | AED 10,000 |
| All-Inclusive ✅ | AED 10,500 | AED 0 | AED 10,500 🏆 |
| Premium AI | AED 12,000 | AED 0 | AED 12,000 |
*Based on mid-range resort. All-inclusive often provides better value than full board when factoring in beverages and activities.
Top All-Inclusive Resorts from Dubai
1. Kandima Maldives - Best Overall Value
AI Includes: All meals at 10 restaurants, unlimited drinks, water sports, kids club, fitness classes
Why It's Worth It: Extensive dining variety, active lifestyle focus, family-friendly
Package Range: AED 9,000-16,000 per couple (4 nights AI)
2. Hard Rock Maldives - Entertainment Luxury
AI Includes: Rock Royalty tier with premium spirits, live music, themed dining, spa credits
Why It's Worth It: Entertainment-focused, couples and adults, vibrant atmosphere
Package Range: AED 11,000-20,000 per couple (4 nights AI)
3. Siyam World - Family All-Inclusive Champion
AI Includes: Waterpark access, kids club, family activities, multiple dining venues
Why It's Worth It: Best for families with children, activity-packed
Package Range: AED 10,000-18,000 per family of 4 (4 nights AI)
When All-Inclusive is NOT Worth It
- 1-2 night stays: Too short to maximize value
- Non-drinkers: Paying for alcohol inclusions you won't use
- Resort hoppers: Planning off-resort excursions daily
- Ultra-luxury resorts: Sometimes à la carte dining is exceptional and worth paying for
Hidden Costs Even with All-Inclusive
Budget extra for:
- Seaplane transfers (AED 600-1,500 per person)
- Scuba diving courses and equipment
- Premium spa treatments beyond complimentary sessions
- Motorized water sports (jet ski, parasailing)
- Special excursions (submarine, island hopping)
- Gratuities (10-15% recommended)
Pro Tips for Maximizing All-Inclusive Value
- Confirm what's included: Ask specifically about drinks, dining venues, and activities
- Compare apples to apples: Half board at luxury resort might equal AI at mid-range
- Read reviews: Food quality and variety matter more than "unlimited"
- Book direct perks: Some resorts offer spa credits or excursion vouchers when booking AI
- Time it right: AI offers best value during 4-7 night stays