The beautiful Asian country that’s ‘just like the Maldives’ - but way cheaper

The Maldives has long been the image of paradise - a collection of pristine islands in the Indian Ocean, the place where celebrities honeymoon, influencers pose by infinity pools, and travellers spend a small fortune. With its villas, white sand beaches, and sparkling blue ocean, going to the Maldives is not a cheap ordeal. Unless you’re booking last-minute deals or catching a flash sale, a typical trip there - especially during peak season from November to February - is going to cost a pretty penny.

But what if there was somewhere just as beautiful, just as tropical, and packed with luxury hotels - all for a fraction of the price? Sri Lanka may not come up as quickly as the Maldives when you think “beach paradise,” but it absolutely should. This small teardrop-shaped island off the southeast coast of India is a stunning blend of coastal beauty, rich heritage, jungle-filled hills, wildlife reserves, and ancient cities. While the Maldives is designed around relaxation and luxury, Sri Lanka is a tad more focused on how you can explore it - beyond the beach days. And, for many travellers, that adventurous touch is often what makes all the difference.

In the Maldives, a water villa can easily cost you £500 to £2,000 per night, depending on the resort and season. You’ll pay a premium for everything: seaplane transfers, drinks, dining, and even excursions like snorkelling.

In Sri Lanka, however, you can stay in boutique beachfront resorts for less than £100 per night, often with breakfast included, and in some areas, even high-end luxury hotels rarely exceed £250. And that’s not a budget experience – we’re talking private pools, spa treatments, fine dining and sea views.

Even activities in Sri Lanka are affordable. From temple visits and wildlife safaris to traditional cooking classes and train journeys through tea country, the variety of experiences is rich – and reasonably priced.

While the Maldives involves flying into Malé, followed by a transfer via domestic flight, seaplane or speedboat to reach your island, Sri Lanka’s setup is far more traveller-friendly.

You’ll fly into Colombo, then you can travel easily around the country by car, train or domestic flight. Sri Lanka’s transport network is extensive, scenic and surprisingly comfortable - meaning you can see more for less time and money – and the journey itself often becomes part of the experience.

Sri Lanka also offers a feast for the senses. From ancient Buddhist temples and colonial fort towns to vibrant markets, street food scenes, and local festivals, the island is deeply in touch with its culture and encourages tourists to engage with it too.

You can explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, climb the dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, or catch a traditional kandyan dance performance.

As for wildlife, as the Maldives focuses on marine life, Sri Lanka ups the ante with safaris and rainforest treks. There, you can spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species in national parks like Yala, Udawalawe, and Wilpattu.

Finally, Sri Lanka’s southern and eastern coasts are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, with soft golden sands, swaying palm trees, and a laid-back, tropical vibe. Resorts in Tangalle, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, and Pasikudah offer everything from surf hostels to five-star luxury - including villas with private pools and beach access.

Additionally, thanks to its two monsoon seasons affecting different sides of the island at different times, you can usually find good weather somewhere on the island year-round. That means you can often score great deals during what would otherwise be peak travel months elsewhere.