The Maldives, a tropical archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean, has long been synonymous with luxury, seclusion and stunning natural beauty.
A chain of some 1,000 coral islands dotted across 26 atolls, the holiday hotspot offers pristine shorelines surrounded by aquarium-like waters. And while there are now some more budget alternatives available across the destination, it remains primarily a place where holidays come with a hefty price tag.
For travellers craving the same island experience with more affordable options or more of the beaten path, there are plenty of Maldives-dupe destinations, offering a similar vibe. Here are a few to consider.
Albanian Riviera
Albania might not be top-of-mind when people think of a beach holiday, but many travellers swear by the charm of the Albanian Riviera, or Bregu in local slang. The coastline spans the north-eastern Ionian Sea and a line of villages in southern Albania, and the area's clear waters, and golden beaches give the Maldives a run for its money, complemented by dramatic hanging cliffs.
Ksamil is a charming village known for its lagoons and miniature islands. It's also near Butrint, an ancient Greek polis and a Unesco World Heritage Site, so travellers can get a dose of history after basking in the sun. Other coastal villages in the region that are worth checking out include Dhermi and Sarande, although these places can get rather busy in high season.
Umluj, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's megaprojects, including its ultra-luxury developments in the Red Sea, have been piquing interest among intrepid holidaymakers thanks to their island vibes and luxury resorts. But long before these projects became popular, the charming city of Umluj had already claimed the title of the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia”.
Located along the Red Sea coast in the northern Tabuk province, Umluj is home to beautiful beaches and thriving coral reefs. Surrounding turquoise waters brim with marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving. The area boasts more than 100 small islands, and some of the most popular ones include Libanah and Umm Sihr. While the destination's tranquillity is thanks in part to its relative secrecy, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area for tourists making the trip.
El Nido, Philippines
Often touted as a budget-friendly alternative to a Maldivian getaway, El Nido on the island of Palawan in the Philippines has limestone cliffs, quartz lagoons and some of Asia's best beaches.
The area teems with flora and fauna, making snorkelling and diving some of the best in the world. Island hopping is a great way to experience Palawan and its islands, with travellers able to visit hidden lagoons, course through underground rivers and lounge on secluded beaches.
Isles of Scilly, UK
Off the southwestern tip of Cornwall in England lies the Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago that's been described by holidaymakers as a mini-Maldives for its clear blue waters, secluded beaches and relatively warm weather. Travellers can take a Skybus from Land's End airport in Cornwall for a 20-minute trip. It takes 30 minutes for those coming from Newquay, while it's an hour of travelling from Exeter.
St Mary's is the largest island in the vicinity, and serves as the entryway to the rest of Isles of Scilly. Hugh Town is the central hub that is home to an array of shops, churches, cafes and restaurants. There are three beaches here, but it is St Martin's where some of the finest beaches in the British Isles can be found. Tresco, the second largest island, is famous for its outcrops and the popular Tresco Abbey Garden, where visitors can see some 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries.
Lakshadweep, India
Earlier this year, a row erupted over two sets of beautiful islands – the first being the Maldives and the second being the tropical archipelago of Lakshadweep. Belonging to India, this archipelago lies about 400km south-west of Kerala and has endless emerald waters. Only a few of the islands are inhabited and visitors need an entry permit from the local government.
Agatti Island serves as the gateway to Lakshadweep, with regular flights from Kochi. Water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing can be found. Surrounding waters are adorned with coral growth, so scuba diving and snorkelling are popular. Other islands here include Bangaram, known for its tranquil sandy beaches, and Minicoy, home to a 50-metre lighthouse built in 1885 by the British.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
If the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf are anything to go by, the UAE's very own Saadiyat Island can definitely compete in this list. Several luxurious beachfront hotels dot the natural length of golden beach including The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort and the all-inclusive Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, catering to all kinds of holidaymakers.
But it's the golden beaches here that are the stars of the show, with bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles often spotted in the pristine waters, which are popular for snorkelling and diiving. It's also the gateway to Nurai Island, a private retreat off the Abu Dhabi coastline that has even more Maldivian vibes to offer, although it is temporarily closed to visitors.
