Paradise on the cheap
I never planned on visiting the Maldives but fate intervened in the form of landing gear trouble on my flight from Colombo to Istanbul and we were forced to make a 24-hour layover in Male. The airline put us up in a basic but nice hotel in Hulhumale and we got to spend an entire day on what is one of the nicest beaches I've ever seen.
Now, Hulhumale Beach is not nearly as idyllic as those on the private island resorts, but you also don't have to pay private island prices to enjoy it. Hulhumale is a residential island, home to mainly Maldives locals and a smattering of basic hotels (no infinity pools here). But the beach is gorgeous: miles of powdery white sand lined with palm trees and lapped by the most beautifully blue waters. You have to remember that it's a public beach in a Muslim country, so bikinis, drinking, and public displays of affection are no-no's (there are plenty of signs around to remind you).
