The Maldives are great. Insane, even. But it’s pricey, y’all! And it often feels out of reach. Fortunately, miles and points make it possible to experience this island paradise without draining your savings. Here’s how to fly there (in style), book five-star resorts with points, and make the most of your trip—all without spending a fortune.
Getting to the Maldives on Points
Flights to the Maldives can cost thousands of dollars, but booking with miles can make a massive difference. While there are no direct flights from North America, plenty of one-stop routes make it easy to reach Malé (MLE), the country’s main international airport.
Top options for booking award flights to the Maldives:
Etihad Airways & Emirates: Both UAE-based carriers offer routes from the U.S. to Malé via Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Emirates Skywards miles can secure flights for as little as 35,000 miles + $269 in fees. Or, Etihad flights can be booked with American Airlines miles for just 40,000 miles + $19 in fees.
Qatar Airways: Famous for its Qsuite business class, Qatar Airways connects multiple U.S. cities to Malé via Doha. Award flights start at 40,000 American Airlines or 42,000 Alaska miles.
Virgin Atlantic: Connecting through London, this route offers flights for as little as 133,500 Flying Club miles + $174 in fees, thanks to Virgin’s new dynamic pricing.
Seaplanes and Island Transfers
Landing in Malé is only the beginning, and most resorts require an additional transfer via speedboat or seaplane. While this sounds exciting, be warned: these transfers are not cheap.
For example, the Hyatt Alila Maldives charges $655 per person for a mandatory seaplane transfer. Unlike flights, these transfers typically can’t be booked with points, so be sure to factor this cost into your budget when planning your trip.
Booking Luxury Resorts with Points
The Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the best part? Many are bookable with points (we love to see it!).
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa & Alila Maldives – Both Hyatt properties offer standard rooms for just 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, despite cash rates exceeding $1,000.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – This Hilton property starts at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night and even offers an underwater villa experience.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives – One of Hilton’s top-tier properties, requiring 150,000 points per night. If you have free night certificates, this is an incredible way to maximize them.
Ritz-Carlton Maldives – One of the most expensive Marriott properties, requiring at least 100,000 points per night. Free night certificates can help reduce the cost.
While overwater villas usually require cash upgrades, even the standard beach villas at these resorts offer an unforgettable experience.
The Power of Elite Status
Holding hotel elite status can be a game-changer for a Maldives vacation. For example, World of Hyatt Globalist members at Alila Maldives received:
Free daily breakfast (a $50+ per day value)
Complimentary cocktail hours with drinks and snacks
Room upgrades, including extended stays in overwater villas
Elite status perks can turn an already incredible trip into a truly VIP experience without spending any extra cash.
Is the Maldives Worth the Hype?
With insaaaanely blue waters, luxe resorts, and world-class service, the Maldives lives up to its reputation. While it’s one of the most expensive travel destinations, strategic use of points and miles can make this dream trip a reality.
Whether you’re staying in a beachfront villa on points or splurging on an overwater suite, a Maldives vacation is something you’ll never forget. And with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Ready to start planning? Check out the best travel credit cards to start earning the points you need for a Maldives getaway.
