Good God, I can’t believe how much the Maldives has increased in price. We’ve been a few times over the years, last time being Soneva Fushi. It’s lovely, but wouldn’t pay the prices asked now!
Go to Greek Islands every year (except this year...). October is a bit hit and miss weather wise but for the best trip, if you can sail (?) charter a yacht instead of a hotel. If you can’t sail hire a skipper. Complete freedom from the masses, island hop, drop anchor in empty, unspoiled coves, swim to empty beaches, G+T’s on deck watching the sunsets. You get the picture. Worlds away from crowded hotels and beaches etc.