I'd go to Male, hands down. Its a long way, but worth it. Depending on how much time you have, you may want to consider a round-the-world ticket from ANA/Star Alliance. You can do a Star Alliance award for incredible value with miles (transferred MR points) through ANA. If you do go to Male, I would recommend a day or 2 at a destination before going to the Maldives to recover from jet lag so you aren't spending the high dollar prices of Maldives resorts just getting acclimated. Obviously with the round the world trip you can stop tons of other places to your liking as well.