What a good time to be asking this question! Here you’ll find a full feature devoted to how to visit the Maldives without staying at an overpriced resort. The simple answer is: stay in Malé. Specifically, at the Surf View Hotel, located right on the beach. Their tariff is astonishingly low (from ?3,000), which will leave plenty left over to spend on exploring dining options and on excursions to other islands and even day spends at resorts on other islands (the hotel has packages for all these too). Check out www.surfviewhotel.com.