I would heartily recommend the Maldives, been the last two years and would return at the drop of a hat. Prices definitely are on the rise and to get the weeks and island you want in high season you have to book well in advance. Once you’ve picked a few islands you’re interested in try and book directly with them or use one of the standard booking sites. The booking sites don’t always offer all inclusive packages (which are a must IMHO) but you can contact the island to upgrade. Also when working out the full price there are a sh!t load of taxes that get added on, and also the cost of transfers from Male to your island. Speedboat is cheaper but takes longer and isn’t available to further away islands. Sea plane can be $200+ each.

4 days is doable, but a week would be better…stating the obvious I know. After a couple of days you (well we did anyway) get into a nice chilled routine revolving around eating, drinking cocktails, lying about the beach/pool and snorkelling, if I had to leave after day 4 I’d have been gutted.

The FlyDubai flights are cheap but when I looked at the schedules (few months back so may have changed) they would leave you wasting a lot of time at Male airport (which isn’t great) waiting for and after sea plane or speedboat connections.

Check out this website for reviews of lots of the islands, all of which is pretty accurate from my experience and speaking to others - http://www.sevenholidays.com/

neither has been on the holibobs radar but that may change

can you take yer kids to either?

*waits to be shouted down by couples looking for a relaxing break*

Yeah definitely.

Our island was split in two with the South half reserved for adults only.

Worked well and kept everyone happy.

Are there any Maldive islands lively than others?

that budget airline Air Dubai or whatever it is called is now doing flights to Male, brings the cost down dramatically.

Your pics are sharp and the colour & lighting looks natural. I take it you didn't do any post processing ?