Planning your dream trip to the Maldives? One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What’s the difference between Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive?”
If you’re new to resort holidays, especially in the Maldives, all these terms might seem confusing — but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple once you know the basics. Let’s break it down!

Meal Plan Types – What Do They Include?
These are the most common meal plans you’ll find in Maldives resorts (and many others around the world):
- Breakfast Only (B&B)
Includes: Room + Breakfast
Ideal for guests who prefer to dine freely or plan lots of excursions. - Half Board (HB)
Includes: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
Drinks not usually included. - Half Board Plus (HB+)
Same as Half Board, but includes selected drinks during dinner (e.g. house wine, beer, soft drinks). - Full Board (FB)
Includes: Room + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Drinks not usually included. - Full Board Plus (FB+)
Same as Full Board, with selected drinks included during meals. Some resorts may also include coffee/tea or basic cocktails. - All-Inclusive (AI)
Includes: Full Board + drinks served throughout the day, sometimes with extra perks such as minibar, excursions, spa treatments, laundry, and more.
✅ Tips Before You Book
- Always request a detailed breakdown of what’s included in your meal plan.
- Keep an eye out for promotional upgrades — some resorts offer free upgrades from HB to HB+, or from FB to AI.
- If you enjoy alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, or want a more worry-free experience, HB+ / FB+ / AI can offer better value.
- Meal plans are not one-size-fits-all — it depends on your travel style and preferences.
Still Confused?
Don’t worry! It’s normal to have questions, especially when every resort is a little different.
Let us help you compare and choose the right meal plan for your Maldives trip.
Shukuriyyaa (thank you in Dhivehi) for reading!
