Where to stay in the Maldives is a question that is not easy to answer. The Maldives consists of a chain of about 200 inhabited islands. There are even more small coral islands and sandbanks. So how do choose where to spend the perfect vacation? The main religion is Islam, which is mandated by law on the local islands. Alcohol is not allowed, men and women are expected to wear modest clothing, covering their knees and shoulders. Some guesthouses offer access to a bikini beach, where foreign visitors can wear swimwear in public, but not all local islands have this option. 

On the other hand, resorts on private islands managed to work their way around. Guests are allowed to drink alcohol and walk around in a bikini, except while in a restaurant or in a bar.

For us, there is no vacation without beers in the evening, and the local island, no matter how beautiful it is, was not our cup of tea. Also please note, that the infrastructure of the local island is not as good, and a resort would be a better option for people with mobility issues. But for divers who are not addicted to beer and can survive without a mojito, a local island is a good budget option. 

Where to stay on the private island? We opted for a Sun Island Resort & Spa. I wrote more about the hotel in a separate post.