REAL NUMBERS
All-Inclusive vs. Half-Board
Real numbers, real math. The breakeven formula for every drinking style, with actual upgrade costs from four popular resorts.
Quick Answer
If you drink 4-6 alcoholic drinks per day and order wine with dinner, all-inclusive saves $80-$150 per day. If you drink 1-2 beers and skip lunch, half-board is cheaper. The breakeven is roughly 4 drinks per day at most resorts.
Meal Plan Types Explained
Every resort uses these five tiers. What is included varies by resort, especially for all-inclusive.
| Plan | Includes | You Pay Extra | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed & Breakfast (BB) | Breakfast only | Lunch, dinner, all drinks | Guests who want full control over dining |
| Half Board (HB) | Breakfast + dinner | Lunch, all drinks | Most couples, moderate drinkers |
| Full Board (FB) | Breakfast + lunch + dinner | All drinks | Families, non-drinkers who want set meals |
| All-Inclusive (AI) | All meals + selected drinks | Premium wines, premium spirits (varies by resort) | Moderate to heavy drinkers, worry-free budgeters |
| Premium All-Inclusive | All meals + premium drinks + some excursions | Very little beyond spa and private dining | Heavy drinkers, those who want zero surprises |
The Breakeven Formula
Simple math to decide if all-inclusive is worth it for you.
(daily drinks x avg price) + (lunch cost) = daily drink/food spend
If your daily spend exceeds the AI upgrade cost, all-inclusive wins.
Example: AI Wins
- 2 beers at lunch: $24
- 2 cocktails at sunset: $36
- Wine with dinner: $25
- Lunch at restaurant: $45
- Total: $130/day
- AI upgrade: $120/day. You save $10+/day.
Example: HB Wins
- 1 beer at lunch: $12
- Water and juice: $8
- No lunch (snack at bar): $10
- No wine at dinner: $0
- Total: $30/day
- AI upgrade: $120/day. You waste $90/day.
Which Plan Fits Your Style?
Be honest about your drinking habits. Most people underestimate.
| Drinker Type | Daily Drinks | Est. Spend/Day | Best Plan | AI Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-drinker | Soft drinks, juice, water | $15-$30/day | Half Board | AI wastes $90-$120/day |
| Light drinker | 1-2 beers or a glass of wine | $25-$50/day | Half Board | AI wastes $70-$100/day |
| Moderate drinker | 4-6 drinks + wine with dinner | $80-$150/day | All-Inclusive | AI saves $0-$50/day |
| Heavy drinker | 6+ drinks, cocktails, wine, post-dinner | $150-$250+/day | All-Inclusive | AI saves $50-$150+/day |
Not sure which meal plan to pick?
Tell us how you like to eat and drink on holiday. We will calculate the exact breakeven for your chosen resort and recommend the right plan.
Real Resort Comparisons
Actual upgrade costs and what you get at four popular all-inclusive resorts.
Constance Moofushi
South Ari Atoll
HB/night
$280/night
AI/night
$420/night
Upgrade
$140/night
Worth it at 3+ drinks/day. Snorkeling gear alone saves $15/day.
Lily Beach (Platinum)
South Ari Atoll
HB/night
$350/night
AI/night
$520/night
Upgrade
$170/night
One of the best AI plans in the Maldives. Includes excursion credit. Worth it for most guests.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll
HB/night
$320/night
AI/night
$480/night
Upgrade
$160/night
Good value if you drink wine with dinner and cocktails at sunset. Break even at 4 drinks/day.
Kuramathi
North Ari Atoll
HB/night
$250/night
AI/night
$370/night
Upgrade
$120/night
Low upgrade cost. Even light drinkers break even. The excursion credit tips the balance.
Prices are approximate and vary by season. Always confirm current rates when booking.
Common Meal Plan Mistakes
Assuming AI covers everything
Most AI plans exclude premium wines ($50+ bottles), lobster, and specialty restaurants. Read the fine print. Lily Beach Platinum is an exception: it covers almost everything.
Forgetting the 26% tax
The AI upgrade price is also subject to 16% GST + 10% service charge. A $140/night upgrade is really $176/night. See our tax guide.
Choosing AI for a short stay
On a 3-night trip, the savings rarely justify the cost. Most guests do not drink heavily on day 1 (jet lag) or the last day (packing). AI makes more sense on 5+ night stays.
Not comparing FB vs AI
Full board adds lunch but no drinks. If you do not drink, FB is cheaper than AI by $50-$80/night. Non-drinkers should always compare FB against AI.
Ready to Book the Right Meal Plan?
Prefer to talk to someone directly? Call us at +960 771 9666 or chat on WhatsApp