Mixed experience in Maldives — beautiful but overhyped

Maldives is undeniably beautiful. Malé old Friday Mosque and the area around Maafushi have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed saagu bondibai and appreciated most perfect turquoise water on earth. That's all real.

But guesthouses on local islands have alcohol restrictions was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.