I don't know whats the best but I'll tell you how I did it. I raided each signup bonus I could, UR, TYP, MR points. I think about 450,000 mixed. I did first class the way there on SQ to Singapore from SFO. I booked a year in advance and aimed for the dry season for the Maldives which is FEB/MAR. I did a 2 night layover in Singapore and it was amazing. My favorite Asian country so far. Its clean, easy to get around and they speak english. I stayed at the Marina Bay Sands. For the hotel in the Maldives I chose to pay cash at an all inclusive resort. Saved about $1000 because of my Citi prestige card. Back then, Citi would also cover taxes for hotel stays, thats like $150-300 per night right there. On the way home, I couldn't find availability back to SFO so I took to LAX in business.