raine, i went to adaaran club rannalhi at south atoll from male city. the resort is 45mins speedboat ride away from male international airport. the speedboat costs $146USD per pax for a return trip from male to the island and island to male. i booked at hotels.com and found this as the cheapest resorts ard. of course, there are cheap one, to stay in the city like those tall building, i dun want those so chose this one. as for visiting in 2nd quarter, u need to check the weather, cos the resort manager told us certain months got monsoon rain and will have heavy rain so most outdoor activities will get cancelled.
berries, maldives go F&E is good enuff le. cos the resorts will organise those city tour for u all to join but of course need to see whether ir schedule can fit in or not. for us, we din managed to join any cos the timing is not suitable for us. we just arrived at male airport and found the resort's conceige counter and boarded the speedboat from outside the airport. then they will send us to the resort. then at the resort, they will arrange some activities and u can join if u like the activities (morning fishing, sunset fishing, diving, snorkelling, turtle excursions, manta ray excursion, etc), otherwise to to enjoy the scenary and breeze at the comfort of ur room.
travel agencies i tink is more expensive. cos i got ask before, per pax is abt $2,500 for flight & 6d4n stay n staying in std rooms like those downtown east chalet rooms. mine is ard the same price but stay 7d6n at water bungalows which i tink is more worth it. somemore tour agencies is not flying off everyday, they need to combine and fly when they have enuff pax, so not flexible. just my tots though.....