Though most of the beach is dwindled and much of the property feels worn out, things are looking up for Ellaidhoo Maldives (formerly the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo). Acquired by the Sri Lankan luxury brand, Cinnamon, this 112-room, upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is undergoing renovations to some facilities and may get an overall facelift in 2016. Until then, guests still have plenty of (sometimes well-worn) features to choose from, including a full-service spa, squash and tennis courts, kids' play area, infinity pool, and excursions. The newer Water Villas are the brightest and most appealing rooms, but other categories can be a good value for families, and adventurous snorkelers and divers should jump at the chance to explore underneath the convex-shaped island. The Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a little closer to Male and has better beaches, so it may be worth comparing rates.

Plenty of on-site activities, rich marine life, and above-average food make Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu a solid upper-middle-range value for the Maldives. Most of its 98 rooms are spacious but basic, with no Internet or TV, and the remote island takes 30 minutes to reach by seaplane from Male Airport. The snorkeling is terrific and the property offers a number of fun excursions, but there's no pool. It may also be worth considering Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi (accessible by speedboat) or Kuredu Island Resort (which has more amenities and in-room Wi-Fi).

Built in the 1980s, Rihiveli is a solid choice with all the essentials for a Maldives vacation -- white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, plenty of free water sports, worthwhile excursions, clean rooms, and decent food. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has far better facilities and similar off-peak rates (taking meal plans into account).

One of the older resorts in the Maldives, the upscale (and pricey) Veligandu Island Resort does well to keep itself modern and stylish. Just 15 minutes from Male, this resort has spacious villas with contemporary decor, stuffed minibars, private outdoor decks (some with whirlpools), iPod systems, and big flat-screen TVs; however, some are more dated than others and some have visible wear and tear. You'll also find an airport lounge, tasty main buffet, infinity and kids pools, tons of activities for on land and in the water, popular staff-on-staff soccer games, and a relaxing overwater spa. The on-site clinic, game room, and beach bar are all open all day. guests 

Built in 1998, this resort stands out for its reasonable rates (among the lowest for this caliber in the Maldives), above-average food, and plentiful restaurants and amenities. The rooms are a bit basic (with no minibars and a fee for Wi-Fi), and the additional flight from Male can be inconvenient, but Reethi Beach is an excellent upper-middle-range choice overall. Rooms here are nicer than at the similarly priced Sun Island Resort, but those seeking a good all-inclusive value might consider the pricier and more upscale Kuredu Island Resort.

This luxury boutique resort from Thailand's Banyan Tree is slightly bigger and more expensive than sister property Angsana next door. Each of the 48 spa-like villas offers direct water access from the front (beach privacy varies), and in the rear, the pièce de résistance: a walled-in plunge pool and jetted tub area. Large bathrooms that have indoor and outdoor showers, which helps compensate for the slightly cramped bedrooms dressed in neutral decor. The walkable island has plenty of white sand and free non-motorized water sports; scuba divers have access to a shipwreck nearby. Spa lovers will adore the large Thai treatment rooms and professional staff, all of whom are trained heavily at Banyan Tree Spa Academy. In the evenings, couples -- and yes, a few families -- stroll down the long jetty to spot reef sharks after dining on contemporary cuisine. The resort provides 24-hour boat transfers from the airport, a 25-minute speedboat ride away, as well as free Wi-Fi. 

Built in 2001, Royal Island is a good upper-middle-range value for the Maldives -- but “royal” is a stretch. The rooms are dated, the food is average, and the decor is underwhelming. Also, there are no overwater rooms, and the inconvenient location means reaching the property requires a pricey domestic flight. On the upside, Royal Island has a nice beachfront pool with a swim-up bar, sports courts, a fitness center, 24-hour bar, above-average nightlife, and plenty of water sports. Guests will likely get more bang for their buck (and free in-room Wi-Fi) at Kuredu Island Resort or Kihaad Maldives.

Peace and quiet is the name of the game at this 45-villa resort from Singapore-based Banyan Tree, one of the world's most luxurious hotel brands. It's run by a thoughtful staff sporting colorful uniforms, as well as an omnipresent General Manager. Guests have access to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives' — literally just a few feet of shore — for snorkeling (free!), as well as scuba diving (there's a PADI center on-site). Two categories of stylish, modern thatched-roof villas include one with jetted tubs in huge open-air bathrooms, and one without; all villas have bathrobes, sandals, and thoroughly stocked minibars. Quality food and drink are served at the restaurant, and guests should expect light pressure to book appointments at the excellent Thai-themed spa. To mix it up, a free ferry runs to the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru next door for use of the restaurant, bar, and spa there, as well. 

This 20-room sub-resort shares a private island with Adaaran
Select Meedhupparu, which means guests can take advantage of the larger
property’s plentiful amenities. Prestige Water Villas offers nice perks suchas all-inclusive
food and drinks, butler service, a free massage, private beach dinner, snorkeling
excursion, and introductory dive. The Maldives has more luxurious water
bungalows at better prices -- check out the often cheaper Adaaran Prestige Vadoo or Centara Grand
Island -- but few offer as many freebies.